Date set for Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride 2010

Sunday 20 June has been announced as this year’s date for Bristol’s annual Biggest Bike Ride, one of Britain’s largest mass participation cycling events, now in its 17th year, which last year attracted 7,000 participants.

Aimed at families, five routes are offered of between nine and 38 miles in length, allowing cyclists of all ages and abilities to participate, including the opportunity to ride along a traffic-free Portway, while longer routes also incorporate some of the countryside outside the city.

All five rides begin at Millenium Square, and the names give a clue as to what each involves – the Family Fiesta (nine miles), Avon Gorge Loop (14 miles), Failand Heights (18 miles), Sustrans’ Ride to Portishead (24 miles) and the Clevedon Challenge (38 miles).

Children under 14 years of age should be accompanied on all rides, say the organisers, and funds raised will benefit the Lord Mayor’s Appeal for Children, which helps disadvantaged children in the city at Christmas.

Anyone wishing to take part can register for the ride, which coincides with the start of National Bike Week, by visiting the Bristol City Council website or by telephoning 0117 903 6701.