NO fewer than 15 rides have been lined up as part of the popular annual cycling festival in Pendle.

And the centrepiece of the pedalling fiesta, as previously announced, will be the opening of the Steven Burke Cycle Hub at Nelson’s Swinden playing fields on June 28.

The hub, named in honour of the Olympic gold medallist, will host open days for adults, youngsters and adapted bike riders, over the following week, rounded off by an inter-schools race.

Meanwhile a host of outings, for cyclists of all abilities, have been arranged by Burnley and Pendle Cycle Touring Club, Pendle Leisure Trust’s healthy lifestyles team and Pendle Forest Cycle Club.

Experienced riders are invited to the first, a 45-mile ride from Laneshaw Bridge to Washburn Valley, on Sunday, June 29.

And the last will be an improvers’ ride at Seedhill athletics track in Nelson on Wednesday, July 16.

Council leader Coun Joe Cooney said: “The guided rides are a fantastic way to get fit, enjoy fresh air and see some of Pendle’s fantastic scenery.

“Whether you’re a seasoned professional or completely new to cycling, why not give it a try?”