Say ‘Bradford’ and we’ll admit our first thoughts are of the city –  the National Media Museum, and the fact it’s the reining Curry Capital of Britain. We don’t immediately imagine endless moorlands and trails.

However, it would seem Bradford has a lot more to offer cyclists than curry (though we are partial to a bit of that too).

Not only that, but scoot to the bottom of this page, and we’ve got a chance for you and a friend to experience it all for free.

We know the road riding is good..

Yorkshire’s excellent hosting of the Grand Depart really put the area on the map for road riders. Thanks to the resulting Tour de Yourshire, many of us now know first hand that Bradford is surrounded by excellent road cycling territory.

Nearby towns Ilkley, Addingham, Keighley and Haworth all had the pro race pass through, and the route is still signposted, so anyone can have a go at following the tyre marks of the 2014 display.

But what about the natural trails?

What surprised us was the natural trails that the area around Bradford has to offer. Once you get out of the centre, there’s a lot more than curry and museums.

The Pennine Bridleway is made up of old packhouse routes and some newer bridleways – it runs a full 205 miles from Middleton to Kirkby Stephen. Bradford is just to the East. Of course, we’re not suggesting you ride the entire route – but you can join it from the trails near Bradford.

You can follow the Calder Aire Link route from St Ives, near Bingley – and this will get you onto the Pennine Bridleway’s Mary Towneley Loop in Calderdale. This is a 47 mile loop which takes you up some pretty steep climbs, but promises to offer some great views of two stunning reservoirs and a satisfying finish near Widdop.

The Mary Towneley Loop is tough going – but there are plenty of family friendly options, too. The Airedale Greenway covers eight miles and connects the towns along the Leeds Liverpool Canal, starting at Shipley, just North of Bradford.

There’s also the Great Northern Railway Trail, which covers 5 miles of disused railway track.

Cyclists are catered for across the Bradford District. MTB Cycle Yorkshire lead guided rides and also offers bespoke training courses.

The sessions cover Core Skills, right up to advanced Rocks, Jumps and Drops and there are also trailside maintenance courses – all of which are available in a women’s only class.

WIN A TRIP

All of this is excellent news, because we’ve got the chance for one lucky reader to win a two night trip, riding these fantastic trails, and staying in a luxury log cabin.

The winner and a friend will be whisked off by Visit Bradford, to explore the mountain biking available with a qualified instructor from MTB Cycle Yorkshire.

You’ll be able to hone your skills on a course designed to help you get the most from your riding. Not only that, but you’ll be staying in a beautiful log cabin at the luxurious Faweather Grange, where you can enjoy the views from your very own outdoor jacuzzi, and get your legs ready for the next day…

Fancy your chances at nabbing this awesome prize? Enter here.