NATIONAL Bike Week launches this weekend, and with it comes an annual opportunity to promote cycling and show how cycling can easily be part of everyday life.

Demonstrating the social, health and environmental benefits of cycling, Bike Week aims to get people to give cycling a go, whether this is for fun, as a means of getting to work, school or the shops, or just to visit friends.

Bike Week events are held all over the country. The Cycling UK Alton group (formerly CTC) is organising four rides during the week and invites anyone who enjoys cycling for leisure to join them.

The first takes place tomorrow (Saturday) when the group will meet at 1.30pm at Medstead village green for a 35-mile ride to Twyford.

Alternatively, cyclists can meet at 1.30pm at Alton Community Centre for a 20-mile leisurely-paced ride to the Departure Lounge on the A339 at Beech. This shorter ride is suitable for those new to cycling, returners, families, and anyone concerned about keeping up with others.

Next Thursday, June 16, the group will tackle a 25-mile ride to the Bakehouse at Old Basing, having assembled at 9.30am at Alton Community Centre for the off.

And next Saturday, June 18, it will be a 1.30pm start from Alton Community Centre for a 30-mile ride to Petersfield.

For more details on any of these rides, call Janice on 01420 80783 or visit nhampshirectc.org.uk.