Meet Routes: Building a New Cycling Community in the Lake District
At its heart, Routes is about bringing people together through a shared love of riding bikes.
Watch Esme introduce Routes CC.
Founded by local cyclist Esme Kilshaw after moving back to the Lake District from London, Routes was created with a simple goal: build the kind of cycling community she wanted to be part of. Inspired by the energy, diversity and social atmosphere of urban cycling culture, Routes set out to offer something a little different from the traditional cycling club model.
Routes CC was founded by local cyclist Esme Kilshaw after moving back to the Lake District from London.
In a relatively short period of time Routes has grown into a welcoming and inclusive community where riders of all backgrounds and abilities can find their place. The focus is firmly on making cycling accessible, removing barriers to participation and creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable turning up and getting involved.
Routes has grown quickly since being founded in May this year.
The community was built around a simple Thursday evening ride from Natland Green, just outside Kendal. That weekly ride is the backbone of Routes CC, with different pace groups ensuring nobody gets left behind. From that initial weekly ride, the calendar has expanded to include faster-paced ‘Rocket Rides’, classic rides, social pizza rides and a variety of other events designed to bring people together both on and off the bike.
The group at Natland Green every Thursday.
Routes riders get organised into their appropriate pace groups. No one is left behind.
While riding is at the core of everything Routes does, the community extends far beyond the miles covered. Coffee stops, conversations, friendships and shared experiences are just as important as the cycling itself. Routes have also made a conscious effort to support local businesses, regularly incorporating cafés, pubs and independent venues into its rides and events.
Routes CC have made a conscious effort to support local businesses with coffee stops, pizza rides and more.
The Routes community extends far beyond the miles covered, with plenty of time off the bike for good food and conversation.
As Routes continues to grow, so too does its impact within the local cycling scene. That’s why we’re excited to be partnering with the group through a series of collaborative projects, rides, events and workshops in the months ahead. Together, we’ll be creating opportunities for cyclists to learn new skills, meet like-minded riders and enjoy more great experiences on two wheels.
Wheelbase are excited to be partnering with Routes CC on a number of collaborative projects in the coming months.
For Routes, cycling isn’t just about the ride. It’s about community, connection and creating memorable experiences. Having already brought together a fantastic network of riders across the region, the future looks incredibly bright and we’re excited to be part of the journey. Over the coming months we’ll be working closely with Routes to support group rides, social events, basic bike maintenance workshops, and community stories from across the Lake District and beyond. Be sure to follow both Wheelbase and Routes CC to keep up with everything that’s planned.
Having already brought together a fantastic network of riders across the region, the future looks incredibly bright for Routes CC.
Follow Routes CC to keep up to date with group rides and other social activities.
Photo Credits: Ben Huggett / Megs
Video Credits: ohheckmedia.co.uk / OH HECK MEDIA