THE wheels are in motion to ensure keen cyclists in Bury enjoy the rides of their lives next week.

The borough is again gearing itself up to join National Bike Week celebrations with a host of rides and competitions. The week is this year sponsored by Halfords and runs from June 6 to 14.

Local cycling events begin on Saturday, June 6, with a Hill Climb Competition organised by Bury Clarion Cycling Club. Starting from the bottom of Lumb Carr Road at Holcombe Brook, the event is for the fitter rider and registration is from 9.30am.

On Tuesday, June 9, a ladies' led easy-paced evening ride, arranged by Bury Cyclists Touring Club, sets out from Bury Castle Leisure Centre at 7pm.

On Wednesday, it will be National Bike-to-Work Day with everyone being encouraged to take to two wheels to make their way to work. During the evening there will be an easy-paced ride setting off at 7pm from outside Heaton Park Metrolink Station and taking in the Outwood Trail and the new Prestwich Forest Park.

Also planned, this time at 6.30pm, is a family-oriented mountain bike ride departing from Pilkingtons Cycles on The Rock, Bury. w On Thursday a Freewheeling Competition takes place at 7pm on the Woodhill Cycle Route. Those interested should meet at the river bridge just off Woodhill Road.

Moving to next weekend, the popular "Tour de Bury" will be held on Sunday, June 14, with entry forms available from bike shops in the borough. The event covers some 25 miles taking in the six towns that make up the metropolitan area.

Also on the same day, beginning at 1pm, an easy-paced ride sets out from the rear of the Oddfellows Hall in Manchester Old Road, Bury.

Councillor Alan Matthews, chairman of the Bury Cycling Forum which is supporting the National Bike Week in the borough, said: "The week aims to give people the chance to rediscover the bike, raise awareness of the benefits of cycling and promote its use as transport but, perhaps more importantly, to let people have fun.

"This year a wide and varied programme has been put together which caters not only for all ages but all levels of fitness - or lack of it! Quite simply, we want to see as many people as possible coming along to join in."

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