TweedLove - a new bike festival for the Tweed Valley

TweedLove is a new cycling-based festival for the Tweed Valley, to be held for the first time this summer. With a programme of events both on and off the bike, TweedLove will underline the Tweed Valley's identity as the best cycling destination in the UK. TweedLove will showcase the valley's unbeatable choice of bike routes – both on and off-road, and offer a taste of local hospitality and entertainment. The Tweed Valley boasts hundreds of miles of the country's best trails, tracks and roads, from the world-famous facilities at Glentress and Innerleithen to endless miles of natural cross country riding and some of the UK's most scenic, quiet country roads. A week of activity, both on and off the bike, making an extended summer trip to the Tweed Valley a very attractive proposition for all kinds of bike riders. The week kicks off on Saturday 24 July with the Kona Mash-Up at Glentress, and finishes on Sunday 1 August with the well-established Chain Reaction Mountain Bike Marathon at Selkirk. Sandwiched between these two major mountain bike events is a whole new programme of events. Initial announcement includes some epic new free guided bike rides, a Hawaiian-themed dual slalom and barbecue night, a mountain bike movie night, film and photography competitions, live music and loads more. Separate guided rides will cater for both road and mountain bike riders, and will take in some epic natural trails and roads in the area. Expect some awesome local trails and some of the country’s most beautiful riding. More announced in coming weeks. TweedLove is being put together by local bike fans, with the Glentress-based Hub in the Forest working with design and marketing business Hillside Agency to put the project together. "Most mountain bikers in this country will have heard of Glentress and Innerleithen, says Emma Guy, an ex-pro downhiller and co-founder of The Hub at Glentress. “But the area has absolutely masses of other quality riding too. People who come and explore the area will be astounded by just how much quality riding there is to do here, and it's all easy to access. There's nowhere that compares in the UK." "This is the first year of TweedLove, and we think it can grow into something fairly major," says Neil Dalgleish of Hillside Agency, who are also responsible for the Fort William World Cup graphics among their other business. "There's so much scope to really put this area on the map as the UK's number one biking destination. People come and have the best time here as the riding is just so good – and it's great for the local community and businesses." More events and full programme details to be announced in coming weeks. For more info and details on how to enter any of the events or join guided rides go to the TweedLove website. www.tweedlove.com