On yer bike for London Freewheel

Whether you've got a rusty pile of a bike in the shed and haven't ridden for years, or you're a diligent commuter on two well-polished wheels, this Sunday's cycling extravaganza in London will be equally enjoyable.

For beginners, the Hovis London Freewheel ride, set up by the Greater London Authority, promises the luxury of a traffic-free inner city London. With not even a whiff of an exhaust, the 14km (8.7miles) route past landmarks such as Westminster, stretching up to London Bridge, is to attract 30,000 cyclists.

Getting to and from the event has also been made easy. Six different hubs' across London [see box] with additional entertainment will have London Cycling Campaign (LCC) stands where nervous riders can gather to be led the few miles by experienced cyclists into the main vehicle-free route.

More than just a ride

Tom Bognawitz, spokesman for LCC, says: 'This Sunday's unique. It's like the first London marathon or first Glastonbury.

There'll be 30,000 people on bikes pedalling in Central London. Not only is there someone to lead you in, but you can also ride around in a comfortable atmosphere.

If you're a fair-weather cyclist or someone who would like to cycle but is fearful, this is the one day you can ask loads of questions. It's not a race track, it's not competitive and there are loads of people to share their expertise.

But it's not just the leisurely ride that's attractive. St James's Park is hosting a festival. Along with a special picnic area where Hovis is offering free sandwiches and a competition to win £1,000 worth of bike vouchers, there will be stalls galore selling clothes, cycle gear and sumptuous food – there is even a sports massage zone.

For the downright funky, there's also a BMX ramp and a team of international stunt bike riders will be honing their death-defying skills on an obstacle course of concrete slabs, railway sleepers and giant tyres, courtesy of trial bike company Onza. Mat Hoffman eat your heart out.

Get back in the saddle

And for those who want to have a go themselves, there is a track alongside the Mall by Buckingham Palace where you can experiment with everything from penny-farthings to a pedal sofa. Organised by the Company of Cyclists (www.company ofcyclists.com), a group that encourages pedallers to get back on their bikes, they will also bring along commuter bikes for punters to play with – so you can decide on your dream bike for your next investment.

Additionally, if you need your two-wheeler fixed up, there are free bike doctors at hand.

Roving entertainment

And if that's not enough, the Natural Theatre Company (www.natural theatre.co.uk) is attending the event with its circus of street performers, mime-artists and circus people, who will try their hands at some cycle acrobatics. Roving entertainers will ride the St James's circuit. Who needs Glasters and its high ticket prices and mud when you've got a slick urban bike festival closer to home, which is absolutely gratis?

■ Although the ride is now full, Freewheel's
festival at St James's Park is open to all.
Freewheel is supported by Metro.