One of Yorkshire’s first women-only mass bicycle rides will be held in Otley this spring.

The organisers of Otley Sportive, the annual big social cycle for riders of all abilities, has announced that the Otley Sportiva will take place on Saturday, May 17.

The Sportiva will offer participants the choice of two routes – a medium, 40 kilometre ride from Pool to Harrogate then Wetherby, and back, and a longer, 100 kilometre ride that will take in Pateley Bridge, Knaresborough and Wetherby.

Otley Sportive organiser Luke Minshall said: “We are proud to announce a women-only Sportive for May 17.

“This is one of the first events of its kind across Yorkshire and with the Tour de France announcing a women’s race on the final stage in Paris this year the profile of women’s cycling has never been higher.

“This event is part of the work developing from the partnership between Otley Sportive Cycling Organisation and PH MAS Cycling Team to promote women’s cycling and ensure the continued development of riders in a safe, friendly environment.

“It is about having fun and being social and non-egotistical, so that everyone can take part and enjoy themselves, regardless of age – as long as they are competent to cycle on the roads.”

Entry to the Sportiva will cost £18 per person, which includes full mechanical support from Chevin Cycles, refreshment stops, and tea, coffee and cake after finishing at the ride’s ‘HQ’ – the Old Otliensians Rugby Club, off Pool Road.

For more details on registering, visit otleysportiva.co.uk or otleysportive.co.uk.

Last September’s Otley Sportive got more than 650 people tackling a variety of local cycle routes.