JE James’s cycle festival returns to the Peak District

JE James cycles Chesterfield. Red Specialised bike that is being raffled for the Derbyshire Times Flag Challenge for Ashgate Hospice. Michael Burr asst manager.

Cyclists preparing for this summer’s Flagg Cycle Challenge for Ashgate Hospicecare have a chance to get in shape by joining sponsors JE James’s CycleFest event this spring.

The stores, which have a branch on Brimington Road North in Chesterfield, are holding a 30mile Friendly and an 80 mile Challenger in the Peak District.

Riders will also be able to pick up some tips as part of the festival on April 25 and 26 with demo rides, roller racing, film screenings and mountain bike orienteering. Dean Poole, of Chesterfield’s JE James, said: “The Challenger takes in Peak District climbs of Winnat’s Pass, Monsal Head and Curbar Gap with over 7,000ft of climbing. The Friendly takes in roads on the Challenger and was a very popular event last year.”

Those interested in the sportives on April 26 can get details and enter via www.jejamescycles.co.uk for £20 for the Challenger and £15 for the Friendly. The CycleFest is being held from the Norfolk Arms pub, Ringinglow, Sheffield, on the border with the Peak District. JE James are sponsoring the Flagg Challenge which takes place on July 26.