20 km Ride: Your Guide to Easy Local Cycling

Looking for a ride that fits into a lunch break but still feels like a solid workout? A 20 km loop is the sweet spot for most riders – long enough to boost fitness, short enough to finish without exhausting yourself.

Why choose 20 km? It hits the right balance between cardio gain and time commitment. Most people can tackle it in 45‑60 minutes, depending on hills and traffic. That means you can squeeze a ride into a busy day or use it as a regular weekend habit.

Pick a 20 km Route Near Skipton

Skipton sits on the River Aire, giving you plenty of flat, scenic paths. The River Aire Loop starts at the town centre, follows the riverbank to Embsay, and returns via the old railway trail – roughly 19 km, easy on the legs and great for spotting wildlife.

If you crave a few climbs, try the Skipton‑Gargrave circuit. Head north on the B6265, climb the gentle hill out of town, ride out to Gargrave, then follow the A65 back. You’ll be right around 20 km and get a taste of the Yorkshire Dales without a massive elevation gain.

Another low‑traffic option is the Craven Forest Park loop. Start at the car park, follow the gravel track around the lake, and cut back on the quiet country lanes. It’s a smooth surface route that stays under 20 km and is perfect for beginner road bikes.

Gear & Safety Checklist

Before you head out, give your bike a quick once‑over. Check tyre pressure – 95‑110 psi for road tyres, a bit lower if you’re on mixed surfaces. Make sure the brakes feel solid and the chain is lubed.

Pack a small kit: a spare tube, mini‑pump, multitool, and a patch kit. Even on a short ride, a puncture can ruin the fun, and it’s easier to fix on the spot than call a tow.

Wear a helmet that fits snugly, and consider light‑weight gloves for better grip. If you’re riding at dusk, clip on a front white light and a rear red reflector – it’s the law and makes you visible to motorists.

Dress for the weather but avoid bulky layers that restrict movement. A breathable jersey, light jacket, and a pair of cycling shorts keep you comfortable and reduce chafing.

Plan your route on a phone app or a printed map. Knowing where the turn‑offs are prevents last‑minute guesses and helps you stay on track for the 20 km target.

Start each ride with a five‑minute warm‑up – spin easy in low gear to get the blood flowing. After the warm‑up, settle into a comfortable cadence (90‑100 rpm) and focus on steady effort instead of sprinting.If you want to build endurance, try the 20‑km ride twice a week and add a short interval set once a month – 30 seconds hard, 90 seconds easy, repeat five times.

Finish with a cool‑down: coast for a few minutes, then stretch the quads, hamstrings, and lower back. You’ll feel less soreness and be ready for the next ride.

Give a 20 km ride a go this weekend. It’s short enough to fit into a busy schedule, scenic enough to keep you motivated, and challenging enough to improve your fitness. Grab your bike, pick a route, and roll out – the road is waiting.