Scenic tours to get people to saddle up for cycling festival

PEOPLE are being encouraged to saddle up for new two-wheel cycle tours which have been added to the Cork Cycling Festival which opens this weekend.

The bike tours, which take place every day next week, will include scenic trips around Cork harbour, visits to historic castles, rides through forests and a visit to a waterfall.

The tours avoid busy traffic routes and steep hills but some cycling experience and moderate fitness is required.

Festival organisers will steward the tours to make sure cyclists are safe.

The festival kicks off on Saturday with a bike maintenance and decorating workshop at Princes Street Church from 12 noon to 4pm.

That evening, dozens of brave cyclists are set to bare all for the Naked Bike Ride through the city’s streets.

Organisers are liaising closely with gardaí but details of the route won’t be unveiled to participants until moments before the off.

Festival chairwoman Nicki ffrench Davis said there are dozens of events, taking place throughout the week.

The festival will include:

* A family cycle to the Glen Park this Sunday followed by a picnic and treasure hunt.

* A hi-vis safety workshop next Thursday from 2pm to 4pm on the Grand Parade boardwalk.

* The Cork Cycle Chic Fashion Show, to “prove you can be sexy on a bike”, and a screening by the pedal-powered cinema, also on the Grand Parade boardwalk at 10pm on Saturday July 2.

Meanwhile, a special €12 bike rental price is available from the Bike Shed on Barrack Street on presentation of a festival programme.

* For more details visit corkcyclingfestival.com.