Can't see the images? Visit www.betterbybike.info/may-2011-newsletter

Hello!

With all these recent bank holidays and warm weekends we've been discovering plenty of new places to ride: Tyntesfield Estate, Whitchurch Way, Dyrham Park and the Strawberry Line were all ticked off our cycling spotter's journal in April.

There's little better than discovering somewhere new on your doorstep. Write in and tell us if you've discovered a new place to cycle. If you need some inspiration, check out our local cycle maps, leisure rides page or join one of the weekly rides organised by our local cycling clubs.

Here's a summary of the latest cycling news in and around Bristol.

Over 1500 registered so far for Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride

Join the biggest celebration of cycling in the city by signing up for one of four superb leisure rides, guaranteed to make you a) fitter, b) healthier, c) energised, d) deserving lots of cake and cold drinks...

Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride takes place on Sunday, 12th June. Don't miss out, book your place today!

Vintage Velo brings a touch of class to cycling in Bristol

The city's first Vintage Velo bike ride helped bring an air of dignity to cycling. We have an event review, plenty of pictures and a video now online.

Cycling Cultures start research project in Bristol

University of East London lecturers Rachel Aldred and Kat Jungnickel seek answers to questions such as 'why are cycle rates in Bristol double the national average when there are more hills than you can shake a bicycle pump at?' Find out more and drop Rachel and Kat a line if you can help with their research.

Weekly mountain biking sessions for teenagers

Sole Cycling, a club run by teenagers for teenagers, launches a series of weekly mountain bike rides at Ashton Court.

Fancy yourself as an explorer? Discover 10 new leisure rides in South Gloucestershire

This area has a long history of exploration so why not follow in the time-honoured Bristol tradition by discovering the 10 cycle routes mapped out in South Gloucestershire Council's new leisure rides booklet.

Volunteer mechanic needed for local cycle charity

Due to the overwhelming demand for recycled bikes in Bristol, Life Cycle UK is looking for a volunteer bike mechanic to work on BikeBack, one of the city's biggest bike recycling projects.

Think you have what it takes? If so, find out more and apply today.

Latest news on Bristol's revamped mountain bike trails

Contractors are now on-site at the top of Ashton Court. Meanwhile, planning permission has been granted for a pump track at Cumberland Basin, just down the hill between Hotwells and Bedminster. Read more about both of these projects on our blog.

Best of the rest...

Here's a few other snippets of information that you might have missed:

• Planning application submitted for a pump track at Eastville Park. Have your say via Bristol City Council's planning portal.
• We ask your opinions: New Cycling City paths - which ones have made the biggest difference? 
• Local bikers tackle the hills of Devon and Cornwall in aid of Life Cycle's Two's Company project.
• Video footage of the new cycling route through Whitehall
• Bristol Cycling Campaign and Cycle Bristol CTC's Big Spring Ride takes place on Sun, May 8th
• Between May 14th-15th you can test ride an electric bike for free, courtesy of Atmosphere Electric Bikes
• Bike recycling session at the Trinity Centre's free Garden Party on Sun, 15th May
• Black Rat Cycle Challenge and Bristol Bikeathon both take place on Sun, May 22nd

Thanks for reading. Until next month...

Happy cycling!

Can't see the images? Visit www.betterbybike.info/may-2011-newsletter