Throughout the summer the Pendle Bike Fest will showcase a range of events, including the Freedom Rides, Colne Grand Prix, Pendle Pedal, Pendle Cycle Show and the Tour of Pendle.

Freedom Rides from May to October 2008. These free, easy-paced rides are open to the public to turn up and ride through the local countryside led by experienced guides. They are open to all ages and fitness levels.

Colne Grand Prix on 16 July 2008. The country’s top riders race on a closed-road 800m circuit making for a fast, exciting spectacle. It starts at 7pm. The event is part of British Cycling’s National Elite Series. Previous winners and participants have included World and Olympic Champions such as Bradley Wiggins, Chris Newton and Paul Manning.

Pendle Pedal on 3 August 2008. Keen cyclists from across the country will descend on Pennine Lancashire for one of the country’s toughest sportives – choosing either a 60-mile or 100-mile ride through the beautiful and hilly Pendle, Ribble Valley, Lune Valley and Forest of Bowland countryside. Featuring some of the quietest roads in the country through stunning countryside and over climbs steeped in cycling folklore such as the Trough of Bowland and Nick O’Pendle. Participants can now enter Pendle Pedal on-line at www.pennineevents.co.uk. This event is sponsored by Eric Wright Construction.

Pendle Cycle Show on 3 August 2008. Pendle Cycle Show is about all things cycling: displays, events, opportunities to ride different and unusual bikes, and be entertained by a range of cycling-based activities including stunt displays along with live music.

Tour of Pendle on 10 August 2008. Part of British Cycling’s Premier Calendar, more than 100 of the best cyclists in the country race on a 95-mile course around Pendle and surrounding areas. Viewed as one of the best road races in the country with an extensive police support operation. Won last year by Gordon MacAuley from the Plowman Craven Team whilst Chris Newton clinched the Premier Calendar title with his top 6 place.

Cottages 4 U are supporting the events. Mike Dean, Marketing Manager from Cottages 4 You says: “We’re delighted to sponsor Pendle Bike Fest 2008. The event has grown into something that people in this part of the country can be really proud of. We hope that once again people from far and wide will come and either watch some of the best riders in the country compete on challenging races across the beautiful country of Pennine Lancashire or take part in the Pendle Pedal or the Freedom Rides or simply be entertained at the Pendle Cycle Show.”

Details about the Pendle Bike Fest 2008 including locations and dates are available at www.pendlebikefest.com or telephone 01695 682020.