Press Release: Pedal power takes over Montréal this Summer

Take 100,000 volunteers, over 30,000 cyclists and up to 150 kilometres of terrain and you have the blueprint for The Montréal Bike Fest.

Between 30^th May and 7^th June, The Montréal Bike Fest is set to get the city’s summer festival season underway. For eight days, the cycling festival will bring a breath of fresh air and fun to the metropolis, offering participants a unique experience in exploring their surroundings.

Celebrating it 25^th anniversary, the legendary Tour de I’Île de Montréal[i], together with the Metropolitan Challenge[ii], Operation Bike-to-work[iii] and Un Tour La Nuit[iv] will form The Montréal Bike Fest, where the bicycle will be celebrated in this eco friendly Canadian city.

If the Bike Fest is not your cup of tea, Montréal has something for everyone.  If visitors are keen to keep fit, whilst saving the environment and a few pennies on transport, they can take advantage of Montréal’s urban innovation, the BIXI.

Combining bike and taxi, the custom-built BIXI is a first of its kind in North America. At a recession busting £2.78[v] for a 24-hour hire pass, users can chose from 2,400 BIXI’s available within the city. Offering distinctive, durably designed bicycles for hire, the BIXI enables visitors and habitants to discover the city in the easiest possible way.

As if this wasn’t enough, cycling enthusiasts that visit Montréal between 30^th May and 4^th June, can also get the chance to see the Women’s World Cup Cycling Event set to take place on magnificent Mount Royal in Montréal.

For further information on The Bike Festival, BIXI and the Women’s World Cup Cycling Event, visit the Tourisme Montréal website

 www.tourisme-montréal.org.   

Also for sweet deals to Montréal check out www.montrealsweetdeals.com.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Brando:

Maleena Pone         maleena@brando-world.com                  020 7419 7320

Ivana Zecevic          Ivana@brando-world.com                      020 7419 7313

[i] Tour de I’Île de Montréal (Sunday 7^th June 2009)

The Tour de I’Île de Montréal is a family friendly event and accessible to all. Everyone can ride at their own pace, making the experience just what they want it to be! This year the Tour de I’Île de Montréal is celebrating its 25^th anniversary and is certain to be the most high-profile cycling event in Quebec with many surprises in store.

 [ii] Metropolitan Challenge (Sunday 31^st May 2009)

The Montréal Bike Fest is set to get under way with the Metropolitan Challenge. This year’s event will take place in Chateauguay, in the Montérégie region, with over 3,500 diehard cyclists taking part. Participants will pedal distances ranging from 75 to 150 kilometres tackling challenges along the way.

 [iii] Operation Bike-to-work (Monday 1^st June – Friday 5^th June 2009)

The operation Bike-to-work extends throughout the year, but reaches its peak during the Montréal Bike Fest. Organisers encourage the general public to learn more about active transportation and promote environmental friendliness, physical fitness, as well as having fun before work!

 [iv] Un Tour La Nuit (Friday 5^th June 2009)

During Un Tour La Nuit, cyclists get to see the city in a different light and at its most dazzling. 12,000 cyclists take part in this 22 kilometre outing, which is becoming increasingly popular, offering a ride like no other.

 [v] Figure based on exchange rate of 1GBP =1.8CAD on the 31^st March