The Otley cycling community will join together to launch a series of social rides.

In a partnership between Otley Sportive organisers and the Otley Cycle Club, a number of rides are planned to help encourage individuals who want to come out on their bike in a supportive and positive environment. The rides will happen every other Sunday starting on the November 25 from the Butter Cross in Otley Town Centre.

The events came about in a bid to change the perspective of club cycling and encourage a very social, positive and safe environment for individuals to push their selves with others. The rides range in length from ten to 30 miles. The Otley Sportive is supporting the community rides to encourage individuals to take part in its medium ride on September 14, 2013, but also to promote how inclusive cycling is. The Otley Sportive organ- iser Luke Minshall said: “The Otley Sportive is all about encouraging and developing individuals in cycling.

“Our Sportive ethos meeting the Otley Cycle Clubs ability to organise regular rides really is encouraging for cycling in the Otley community. “The Sportive was set up to fund and support such initiatives.”

Laura Hirst took part in the Otley Sportive short ride in September and says she will be riding in the social series.

“The social series means I’ll be able to get out on my bike in the winter but also meet new ‘like-minded’ people, have fun and go further than I usually would on my own, and if it’s anything like the Sportive, I know I'll have a great time, and the people will be the friendliest you could ever meet!”

The Otley Sportive will be taking place on the September 14, next year. The details can be found at the websitewww.otleysportive.co.uk for further details.