THE TOUR de France has finished, unfortunately with no British rider on the podium this year.

However the British and in particular Yorkshire has made a big impact on the international cycling scene with the size of the crowds out in support.

This has also seen an incredible increase in the numbers of people getting their bikes out and giving it a go.

Just down the street where I live I have seen at least two of my neighbours dusting off 1980s or 1990s vintage bikes and setting off for a ride.

While I have been out on my weekend rides the numbers of riders I have seen has increased.

Bronte Wheelers have seen an increase in membership, and the evening time trials have seen unprecedented numbers with oversubscription on some evenings and fields of over 30 riders common.

To put it into perspective: five years ago the average number of riders at the evening events was 16 riders.

The age groups are interesting; cycling, even competitive cycling, is suitable at all ages as it is low impact.

There is also an increase in the numbers of women taking up the sport and we are regularly getting a third of the field, whereas it used to be one or two.

In the build-up to the tour Bronte Wheelers had events at Glusburn Institute with bike maintenance and fitness tests.

What is apparent from seeing people just getting into the sport is the difficulty they can have getting the position on the bike correct to make their riding easier and avoid injuries.

There are some basic rule of thumb checks that will give a basic position. Saddle height should be set so there is a slight bend in the knee when the pedal is at the bottom of the stroke.

This can be set by sitting on the bike and putting your heels on the pedals and pedalling backwards – your heel should stay in contact with the pedal all the way round and you should feel a pull at the back of your knee.

When you pedal with the ball of your foot you should not be fully extending your leg and sliding over the saddle.

Reach can be set by sitting on the saddle and placing your elbow on the nose of the saddle. Your fingers should then be between halfway down the handlebar stem to just touching the handlebar.

The Go Ride Kids Club at Marley is also going well with the kids learning the skills and generally enjoying themselves. There are quite a few looking forward to the winter cyclo-cross season which is looking like having quite a few riders in Bronte colours.

The next sessions at Marley will be on August 18 and September 8 and 22, so there is still time for kids to get involved if they are feeling inspired by the Tour. Sessions start at 6.30pm and all they need is a bike, helmet and £1.