Cycling success inspires company launch

A NEW sporting events company has launched in Leeds following the hugely successful Heart of Yorkshire Sportive, which attracted 500 amateur and professional cyclists.

Yorkshire businessmen, Paul Smith and Geoff Shepherd were inspired to create a company Everyone Everywhere Events after seeing the success of their first 100km cycle ride event.

With emphasis on the concept of a bike ‘ride’ rather than a race, entrants took part in the event riding at their own pace and mingling with a range of like-minded people.

Geoff said: “The Heart of Yorkshire Sportive was a huge success, we really couldn’t have planned the weather and the turnout was simply fantastic. It’s now up to us to make it bigger and better and we intend to encourage up to 1,000 entrants next year.

“The one thing we did notice is that less women than men were registering. When we asked why the overwhelming response was fear of judgement.”

As well as creating and organising a series of sporting events throughout the year – including next year’s Heart of Yorkshire sportive – the company will offer a selection of female-only events under the brand name, ‘Everywoman Rides’.

“In the same way that park runs and charity events have broken down barriers, we are hoping this will do the same. The basic principle is simple; we want people to feel comfortable and to have fun while they take part in sporting activities,” Geoff added.

Everyone Everywhere Events will share the details of its events on a dedicated website and will also have an open source platform offering sports groups and individuals the chance to promote their own events to interested parties.

Co-founder of the company, Paul Smith said: “We’re looking forward to getting more people out, about and active. What better way to spend some spare time than by meeting new people, having a laugh and keeping yourself fit and healthy in the process, without fear of judgement.”