With those warm summer days almost here, now is the time to jump on your bike and enjoy the freedom that only a ride can bring!

Don't forget to forward this e-mail on to friends, family or colleagues that you think might want to make the pledge to cycle more and get one other person to do the same.

Dust off the saddle, embrace the sunshine and from all of us here at Cycle Exeter, enjoy your summer ride!

Highlights:

Saddle up for summer

Been a while since you got on a bike? Bit of a cycling novice? Well, with summer on the way there's no better time to brush up on your cycling skills and get in the saddle. Cycle Exeter is hoping to inspire more women to get on their bikes this summer - want to get involved? Here's how:

• If you run or work for a female-friendly business, like a hairdresser or a clothing boutique, you might like to give away our new, stylish 'Freedom' magazine, full of tips on getting started and looking good on a bike. Contactcycleexeter@devon.gov.uk
• Put Saturday 26 June in your diary! We will be in the Princesshay shopping centre (near Topshop and New Look) all day with experts giving advice on hair and makeup for cycling, different types of bikes and accessories to try out, and if you come on your bike a photographer will be on hand to get a photo of Exeter's funky female cyclists!
• Book a free personal cycle confidence session designed for women, delivered by a women, to help you feel safe in the saddle.Book it online.

And if you've already caught the cycling bug please tell us your story by emailing us atcycleexeter@forster.co.uk.

But if you haven't done so yet, visitwww.devon.gov.uk/cycleexeter and pledge to saddle up for summer, and freewheel your way to a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Halfords Tour Series - how YOU can take part!

On Thursday 3 June, the Halfords Tour Series professional cycle race will be taking place in Exeter city centre at 7pm. Before the main race, there will be opportunities for keen cyclists of all ages to to race on the circuit during the afternoon.

Last year more than the 12,000 people turned out for the must-see event and this time around there is even more entertainment and more opportunity for people to try the circuit for themselves. Young people can take part in school races which will be held from 2:30pm - 3:30pm. Pupils who have parental consent can register on the day with British Cycling.

The Ashford's Community Team Races will then take place between 3:30pm and 5:30pm. Anyone can enter a team (for example cycling clubs, workplaces, or university students) for their chance to race around the circuit. Teams of three riders MUST register in advance -apply online now!

Fun, free activities for all ages will run throughout the day from 10:30am in Princesshay, Bedford Square and Queen Street, until the start of the race at 7pm. Free park and ride services will be provided into Exeter from park and ride sites at Sowton, Matford and Honiton Road, from midday and extended to run until 10.30pm.

For more information visit:www.tourseries.co.uk

Business is Better by Bike - winners announced!

You might remember we launched a competition in March to find Exeter's most cycle-friendly employer? Wellthe Met Office has just been awarded the title! It achieved the highest score and has gained a Gold Award for its facilities, incentives, promotion and events for staff who cycle. The Met Office will receive four VIP passes to the Halfords Tour Series cycle race in Exeter on Thursday 3 June and a 'Cycling celebration day' at their workplace. As part of its prize, the Met Office will also be presented with a winner's trophy on the podium at the Tour Series.

Other top scoring organisations were theEnvironment Agency, in the Silver Award category, and joint highest scorers in the Bronze Award category wereAtkins andNHS Devon. 31 Exeter-based companies in total are to receive Business is Better by Bike Awards from the Cycle Exeter team. All of the award winners will receive Gold, Silver and Bronze award logos which they can display on their website and on company materials.

Although the competition is now closed, applications are open all year round for companies to be designated as Gold, Silver or Bronze for their cycling efforts.Apply online.

We'll send you an e-newsletter every other month to tell you what Cycle Exeter is doing - whether we're launching new cycle paths or inspiring you with real life stories of people who love cycling. We're here to help you enjoy the freedom of your city.