Graeme Obree to speak at inaugural Bike Bath Festival

It probably hasn't escaped your attention that we're big fans of Graeme Obree over here at road.cc. So we're pleased as punch to announce that the former hour record holder and all-round inspiration will be speaking at our hometown hoe-down, the Bike Bath Festival running from 22-24 June. The Flying Scotsman will be joined by Rob Penn author of It's all about the bike, and Ben Rockett current holder of the record for riding from Land End to John O'Groats and back again.

Messrs Obree, Penn and Rockett will be taking to the stage on Friday night for an evening hosted by local bike shop John's bikes and your favourite road cycling website (that's us). It's free for all riders and for an extra fiver you can enjoy a slap-up pasta supper prepared by Bath’s own Michelin starred chef, Rob Clayton; you need to pre-book for that though. If you're not riding but would still like to hear the speakers then you can attend the evening for a £5 donation. Graeme will be sharing aspects of his story, and his struggles, and also looking forward to his forthcoming land speed record attempt which we've covered on road.cc. Ben completed Lands End to John O’Groats and then back to Lands End in just over 5 days, so he'll have plenty to share; he's also riding in the Bike Bath event over the weekend. Rob is well known for his book It's all about the Bike: the pursuit of happiness on two wheels and is chock full of interesting stories from a life spent on two wheels, as we found out on the howies overnighter not so long ago.

Bike Bath is a weekend-long celebration of cycling including two sportives and a host of supporting events. On the Saturday riders will head out towards the Mendips on 30-, 60- and 100-mile routes, and on the Sunday there's rides of the same distance heading North towards the Costwolds. If you do both 100-milers you qualify for a special award, the Charles Stanley Bath Gladiator, and there's a Bike Bath Legionnaire award too, awarded to companies or groups that bring the most riders to the event. The 30 mile Cyclescheme Commuter Challenge is an ideal distance for those who cycle to work and would like to take up leisure cycling. All riders will receive a goody bag that includes a limited edition Bike Bath print from award winning local illustrator, Simon Spilsbury.

As if two sportives and a top night of cycling tales wasn't enough, there's also criterium racing in Victoria Park on Saturday evening and Roller Racing later on at Avon Valley Cyclery. All in all it should be a fantastic weekend of cycling-related jollity. And it never rains in Bath, either. To sign up, head on over to www.bikebath.co.uk - the rides cost from £20 for the 30-mile routes to £35 for the 100-mile routes, and there's a £5 discount if you enter both days. See you there!