It’s definitely not a race, but you could say it’s a marathon – a cycle  tour taking in no less  than 11 of our Green Homes Sheffield hosts! On Sunday 4th October we invite you to join us, and our friends from CycleSheffield and Sheffield Friday Night Ride, for a grand tour, paced to include everyone, and definitely not including Jenkin Road…

You can book for this ride here and find out all about the homes that we will visit here. Wherever you join us, please be prompt, so we can keep up with our busy schedule. To whet your appetite, here are some of the attractions:

First stop after leaving Barkers Pool will be Burngreave, where two contrasting homes are on view. Fireside Housing Co-op consists of 4 terraced houses which have had a low-impact extension built to replace their old offshot kitchens. At Barnsley Road you’ll see examples of different kinds of insulation, solar panels and efficient glazing.

In Meersbrook there are two alternative options to look at – either a brilliant example of internal wall insulation, or some amazing new triple-glazed windows – you choose!

Then we are off again, to visit a ‘typical semi’ but with a world of difference in its energy use. This is a ‘Superhome’ where radical changes have been made to ensure low energy usage.

Deeper into Nether Edge we have another choice – this time between a home with internal insulation installed by the owner, or a chance to see the ‘before and after’ of how sliding sash windows can be renovated to make them energy efficient and cosy.

The next stop is lunch at Strip the Willow cafe, but also a chance to see the recycled Innotherm insulation they have installed.

Then we cycle to Ecclesall Road and visit two large Victorian terraced homes, each with many energy-saving features, including external and internal wall insulation, renovated windows, and solar PV panels.

Next we take a steady route to Crookes, where we will see a small terraced house in one of the most exposed sites in Sheffield, which has had insulation and draught-proofing brought up to a high standard, and where the owner can explain up-to-date facts on getting PV panels.

Finally, our road goes to Stannington and beyond, to Green Directions, where we can see the renewable energy generation that powers their well-insulated barn conversion now used as a venue for weddings and events.  (This last longer section of the ride is optional – indeed you are welcome to join just one part of the tour rather than the whole day – options are available on the booking site.)

We hope you can join us for an interesting day out, and please remember that many of these homes are also open at other times on the weekends of 3-4th and 10-11th October, with all means of transport welcome!