More rides, more people, more joy
From peaceful trails and family loops to gravel climbs and historic tours, the 2025 Chesterfield Cycle Festival brought together close to 200 riders across ten days of cycling, storytelling, and community.
Organised by Cycle Chesterfield, the festival featured a packed programme of social rides, bike-themed events, and one very memorable book signing. The last day of the festival gave way to the Ben Vernon Charity Ride, over £1,600 was raised for Cancer Research UK in memory of local cyclist
Ben Vernon.
This year’s festival offered something for everyone:
- Gentle social rides with coffee stops and canal views
- Explorations of local nature reserves and greenways
- Challenging road rides through the Peaks
- An accessible cycling day with adapted bikes
- And a historical ride uncovering the stories of Chesterfield’s past
A huge thank you to the clubs and organisations who supported the festival:
Bolsover & District Cycling Club, Chesterfield Spire Cycling Club, Dronfield Clarion, and Inclusive Pedals all led rides and brought energy, experience, and good humour.
One special highlight was an evening with author Hetty Kingston, who spoke about her exploits gravel-riding with children in Switzerland, and the joy she finds on trails closer to home. Her talk drew a great crowd and left many inspired to plan their own two-wheeled adventures.
📸 You can see photos and videos from the festival on our Facebook page. Whether you joined us for one ride or several — or just cheered us on — thank you for being part of it.
If you enjoyed the festival and want to help us promote cycling in Chesterfield, please consider becoming a member.
It costs just £5 a year, and the more members we have, the stronger our voice becomes when we speak up for better cycling infrastructure, access, and events.