June 16 to 24 is Bike Week, the UK’s annual celebration of two-wheels. Dozens of family-friendly events are being held around the country, many of them include training in cycling skills and “Dr Bike” free safety checks. So saddle up and take the whole family for a spin.

DERBYSHIRE

Airport bike 4 fun day

A fun-packed family event will feature two charity bike rides as well as a bouncy castle, face-painting, fire-engine display and Lancaster bomber flyover. Rides start and finish at the Aeropark. All proceeds to the County Air Ambulance.

Location Donington Aeropark, near East Midlands airport

When June 16

Suitable for All

Length 6 miles and 16 miles

Entry fee Free

Contact 01332-852945

SOMERSET

Mini bikeathon at Yeovil country park

For toddlers and younger children, this short safe bike ride is a perfect introduction to cycling. Setting off from Goldenstones, the route is less than a mile long.

Location Ilchester Road, Yeovil

When June 23

Suitable for young children accompanied by an adult

Length 0.6 miles (1km)

Entry fee Free

Contact www.southsomerset.gov.uk/countryside

HAMPSHIRE

Treasure hunt

Search for the clues around Whitchurch and the surrounding countryside. The ride takes place over a leisurely route suitable for the whole family. After your exercise top up your energy levels at the barbecue on Millennium Meadow.

Location Whitchurch Millennium Meadow, Whitchurch, Hampshire

When June 24

Suitable for All

Length 5 to 10 miles

Entry fee Free

Contact enquiries@hampshirecycletraining.org.uk ; 01256-892650

SOUTH WALES

Pontcanna Fields and Bute Park

A sponsored ride geared to children and the elderly. Starting at 2.30pm, it will go around Pontcanna Fields and Bute Park and take no more than an hour. There will be a second ride at 3.30pm. After the ride is a barbecue, and a skills training session is at 4.30pm. Medals will be presented at 6pm.

Location A4119, Cardiff

When June 16

Suitable for All

Length 5 miles

Entry fee Free

Contact 07775 616411

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Cycle camping made easy

A two-day cycle ride with camping at Barrow on Soar near Quorn. The heritage railway at Quorn is holding a 1940s themed weekend with Second World War memorabilia and market stalls. You will need to bring equipment to camp for the night.

Location Wilford Toll Bridge, Wilford

When June 16 to 17

Suitable for Older children and adults

Length 20 miles

Entry fee Free

Contact 0115-9772 166

SCOTLAND

Etape Caledonia

An 83-mile course begins in the Perthshire Highlands. The course travels west along Loch Rannoch before reaching Schiehallion mountain, for a big climb into the Breadalbane district. You’ll return to Pitlochry along the north banks of the River Tay. The Etape Caledonia is the UK’s first closed-road cycle event is open to the public. It aims to raise more than £1 million for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres and Action Medical Research.

Location

Baptist Church, Atholl Rd, Pitlochry,

When June 24

Suitable for Over18s

Length 28 or 83 miles

Entry fee £25 or £49; registration recommended

Contact uketapeseries.co.uk; 0871-3849920

HERTFORDSHIRE

North London Hospice bike ride This sponsored route, which begins at the medieval town of St Alban’s, to uses roads and cycle paths to take to rider to Hampstead Garden Suburb. In aid of the North London Hospice.

Location St Albans market place

When June 24

Suitable for All ages

Length 20 miles

Entry fee Adults £15

Contact 020-8446 2288; northlondonhospice.org

LUTON

Big pedal push sponsored bike ride

This annual cycling day, with seven or 14-mile options, is ideal for every level of rider and great for younger children who may not be confident in large groups of cyclists. The route follows an off-road cycle path between Luton and Dunstable, via Houghton Regis, beginning at Luton’s Wardown Park. Funds for Keech Cottage children’s hospice.

Location Wardown Park When July 8

Suitable for All ages

Length 7 or 14 miles

Entry fee Free

Contact 01582-492339; pasque.org

LONDON

London Bikeathon

Whether you’re after a scenic ride through Richmond Park or a dash through the city’s top tourist destinations, the 2007 Bikeathon promises fun for all cyclists. Under12s have their own special course in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Proceeds to the British Heart Foundation.

Location Royal Hospital Chelsea, Ham Common or Thames Barrier Park

When July 15

Length Children’s 500m, scenic route 13 miles, city route 26 miles, challenge route 52 miles

Entry fee £5-£10. Entry closes July 10

Contact 020-7269 9097; londonbikeathon.co.uk

SURREY

London to Windsor sponsored ride

Circus entertainment, food stalls, a beer tent, music and sports massage await you at the finish line. Event for Bowel Cancer UK.

Location Richmond Green, off Kew Road

When September 2

Suitable for All ages

Length 29 or 37 miles

Entry fee Children £7.50, adults £15, team £14. Entry on the day; discount for prebookings

Contact bike-events.com; 0870 7558519

NORTH WALES

Ruthin event

This weekend-long event features rides for cyclists of all levels. Camping included in fee.

Location Ruthin Rugby Club, Cae Ddol, Ruthin

When September 15-16

Suitable for 12-plus

Length Children’s route 25km (15½ miles), adults 50km, 75km and 100km

Entry fee £20-£30; entryon the day

Contact mtb-marathon.co.uk

For additional Bike Week events visit bikeweek.org.uk. For more outdoor activities for all the family visit Active Kids

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