We are delighted to announce the 2016 Northern Ireland Festival of Cycling from 3 - 19 June. This two week bike-fest packs in events and festivities, fun activity workshops that will keep the kids entertained for hours alongside routes that will take you through some of Northern Ireland's most stunning scenery. Who could forget the Giro d'Italia when Northern Ireland went pink and we turned out in our thousands? Our Festival of Cycling will recapture that spirit of fun and remind us that 'on your bike' can be good for you too.
Starting off in Titanic Belfast with the Gran Fondo weekend on 4 - 5 June, the festival reaches out to counties Antrim, Armagh, Down and to Derry-Londonderry. Whether you're a mountain bike enthusiast seeking thrills, a dedicated cyclist pitching yourself a new challenge, looking for an enjoyable day out, or an evening with friends that promises something a little bit different, here's a taster of what not to miss. See below for details of regional activity during the Festival:
BELFAST & TITANIC QUARTER
Night Ride and BBQ - Calling all night owls! Evening Leisure Cycle followed by BBQ in The Courtyard, Belfast. 15 June 09:30 - 22:30. Starts at the The Big Fish travelling around Belfast city centre.
The Slow Bike Race - Travel at your own pace in The Slow Bike Race at the grounds of City Hall. 9 June 18:00.
Crit in the Park - Lap Ormeau Park for a bicycle race set in the heart of a city park. 17 June 17:00 - 21:00
Ride on Belfast - Get your day off to a great start with an early morning Commute Ride through Belfast City centre which takes in the new Bike superhighway. 17 June 08:00 - 10:00.
Full programme of Events in the area http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events/Event-66483.aspx
ARDS & NORTH DOWN
Cinecycle - Cycle from the Big Fish along the Comber Greenaway to the Tudor Cinema, Comber, Then enjoy Jacques Tati's 1949 slapstick cycling classic jour de Féte and an ice-cream. 11 June from 14:00.
Ards Town Centre Race 15 June
Open Road Cycle - Come along and ride on the closed streets of Ards Town Centre before the main races begin. 18:40 - 19:00.
Town Centre Races - Open Racing for U16 & U14, for entry contact www.entrycentral.com. Begins at 19:00.
Family Fun Activities - See Trial Star Bikes perform stunts and tricks and see what else you can do on a bike. Conway Square 19:00 - 21:00
Beach Bikes and BBQ - Ride from Belfast to Holywood and enjoy live music and entertainment for the family (Bring your own food). 18 June, departs from the Big Fish at 14:00.
Bangor Coastal Challenge - 100k cycle ride for charity. 19 June 10:00 start at Bangor Sportsplex to Portaferry and back! Limited to 1000 participants with pre-entry and sign on available on the day.
Kids Pedal to Pickie - 100k not for you? Families of those riders participating in the Bangor Coastal Challenge can show their support with a mini cycle on 19 June starting at 09:30 from Bangor Sportsplex to Pickie Fun Park.
Novice Rides - Improve your cycling ability on the road. 11, 18, 25 June at Park Drive (Ward Park) Bangor at 08:45 or 14, 21, 28 June at Ballyholme car park at 19:00.
Full programme of Events in the area www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/events/ni-festival-of-cycling-2016
NEWRY, MOURNE & DOWN
In the Red MTB Sportive - A mountain bike fest! Ride the red loop en masse, kids trail session and workshops. 12 June 09:30 - 17:00. Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails, Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor.
Psycle - Mountain Bike Competition (8 hour endurance) plus fun activities to give everyone an enjoyable day out. 18 June 08:00 - 16:00. Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails and Castlewellan Forest Park.
Full programme of Events in the area http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/attachment.aspx?attachmentID=2152
ARMAGH, BANBRIDGE & CRAIGAVON
Street Velodrome - Join in the family fun with lots of activities for everyone. 10 June 09:00 - 18:00 (Registration only) and 11 June 10:00 - 17:00.
Piccolo Fondo - Join in on this children's/family ride around Craigavon lakes. Saturday 18 June 13:00 - 18:00.
Sportif - A mass cycling event, of 60k and 100k routes including the graduation of Sofa to Saddle participants. Over 16's only. 19 June 13:00 - 18:00.
Full programme of Events in the area www.craigavonactivity.org/abc-community-health-initiative/cycling
ANTRIM & NEWTOWNABBEY
Street Velodrome and other cycling activites - Come along and watch Urban Sports Demonstrations, take part in Cycling Training, Bling Your Bike and try and conquer the obstacle course. Lots of things for the little ones to enjoy including face painting, balloon modelling, bouncy castles and entertainment from the Big Kahuna. 18 & 19 June 10:00 - 18:00.
Full programme of Events in the area www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/nicyclefest
DERRY-LONDONDERRY & STRABANE
Get Cycling - An array of exciting bike activities for all to try. This 2 day event has bike tracks, bike simulators and a pedal powered Scalextric. Guildhall Square 11 & 12 June 12:00 - 17:00 both days.
Street Velodrome - Get down to the Guildhall Square on 12 June and experience the action packed excitement of the Velodrome. Guildhall Square 12 June 14:00 - 18:00.
Family Zone - Come and enjoy a variety of arts and craft activities, including how to make a bicycle Sun Catcher, bike paint spinner and not forgetting the bike smoothie. Guildhall Square 11 & 12 June 12:00 - 18:00.
Bike Clinic - Get your bike checked over by the experts. Guildhall Square 11 & 12 June 12:00 - 18:00 each day.
Market Stalls - A variety of local vendors will be available throughout the weekend from 12:00 - 18:00 each day, free of charge and open to the public.
3Sixty Bicycle Displays - The 3Sixty stunt team will deliver a day of interactive stunt displays with BMX freestyle, BMX trials and jump box exhibitions. Castle Street, Strabane 18 June 12:00 - 18:00
Full programme of Events in the area www.derrystrabane.com/bigbikefest