On Sunday 8 May 2016, over 300 pedal cyclists from across Yorkshire and Teesside will flock to St Michael, Coxwold, for the 90th annual ‘Coxwold Sunday’, a service of thanksgiving, remembrance and celebration for the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC).

The first Coxwold Sunday took place in 1927, when the service remembered those that fell in the service of their country and gave thanks for the safe return of others. Since then, the service has drawn large groups of cyclists every year who, by virtue of their common love of cycling, have shared in thanking God for the pleasures of cycling and for the glorious countryside which their cycles have enabled them to enjoy.

St Michael is filled every year with a sea of cycling attires, from multi-coloured jerseys to period cycling wear (to go with Penny Farthing cycles). Cyclists act as bell-ringers, sidesmen, offertory collectors, lesson readers, choristers and musicians (including an organist).

The 45 minute service will begin at 1.30pm and will be led by the Rector, the Revd. Liz Hassall. To mark the 90th Coxwold Sunday, the Bishop of Selby, the Rt. Revd. Dr. John Thomson, will be preaching. Local residents, visitors and non-CTC cycling clubs are warmly invited to share in the celebration.

The Rt. Revd. Dr. John Thomson, said, “I hope that many people will get on their bikes and come to join in the 90th Anniversary Celebrations of the Cycling Service. I’m a keen cyclist and will be wearing a purple tabard that says ‘Biking Bishop of Selby’. It’s a great opportunity for all ages to come out on Sunday afternoon. And if you don’t have a bike, borrow one, or come on foot – all are welcome!”

Organised rides to the service will be arranged by local CTC members, from Hull, York, Leeds, Malton and Teesside. If you’d like more information about joining an organised ride, please contact Judy (information below), but do feel free to make your own journey to Coxwold. Refreshments will be on sale in Coxwold village hall from 11am onwards, and will be available after the service.

For more information, please contact Judy Webb on 01904 761112, or visit www.cyclinguk.org/event/coxwold-cyclists-service.