Hello!

Whether you're just starting out as a bicycle-commuter or you're a dyed-in-the-wool bike aficionado there's bound to be something for you at this September's Bristol Cycle Festival.

Read on to find out about some of the great community-led activities taking place between Saturday 17th and Sunday 25th September.

Carnivelo takes over city centre streets

Carnivelo is a family-friendly bike carnival set to roll through Bristol's closed city centre streets on Saturday 17 September. Almost a thousand people took part last year and this year's event is set to be even bigger.

Bling your bike, don a fancy dress costume or just come as you are to join in the fun. Meet at 11.30am in Queen Square for a 12pm start. The free after-party starts in Queen Square at 1pm with pedal-powered music, live acts, markets, cakes and treats and entertainment.

Two-wheeled cycle-in cinema

The team behind this unique viewing experience are promising "a weekend of outdoor, cycle-in cinema excitement in the most atmospheric motion picture house you've ever been to!"

Catch The Lost Boys and The Sing-a-long Wicker Man at a secret location somewhere in Bristol on September 24th and 25th. Sign up through the Blogspot page to get your entry ticket.

Get your game on for Bristol Bike Olympics

Head on down to Ashton Court Estate for "a totally silly celebration of random competitiveness." Perhaps you can give the quickest backie, pull the longest wheelie or win the egg-and-spoon bike race?

Dig out your best PE kit on Sunday 25 September if you want to take part. Use the Facebook page to find out more.

Saddle up for a leisure ride

Group rides are a big feature of the Festival programme and Sunday 18 September sees three different types of rides taking place - the Dundry Drubber hill climbing ride, Sustrans family treasure hunt, and Cake Make and Meander.

Lots more rides will be taking place throughout the week including electric bike try-outs, the Banksy ride, Discover Bristol rides, a bat safari, tandem rides and the Five Arches Connect2 ride with special guest Michael Eavis!

Let's not forget...

Exciting new events are being added to the Festival line-up all the time - Cycle Speed Dating, Bike Polo, Bike Photoshoots, BMX racing, Cargo Bike promotions, Yoga for Cyclists, Bristol's Biggest Bike Quiz, Mr Berridge Cycle Challenge, Alleycat Racing, Bike 'Trains', Toddlebike and the Welovebikes disco are just some of the latest events being discussed.

Keep an eye on the Cycle Festival Event Diary and our Facebook and Twitter accounts over the next few weeks for more exciting annoucements.

Don't forget, Bristol Cycle Festival is run entirely by volunteers. Make sure you say a big thanks to the organisers if you take part in any events. 

Happy cycling!

Can't see the images? Visit www.betterbybike.info/bristol-cycle-festival-2011-update