Attention all fair-weather cyclists; do not attempt to put away that cycle! The temperature may be cooling but the cycle season is hotting up.

Stage One of the Tour of Britain began in Rochdale on Saturday and culminates at a fast pace in the capital this coming Saturday.

The centrepiece of the British cycling calendar has more Brits riding this year than previously seen in the modern version of the race. But it has been a long 20 years since we have claimed victory.

Our tour is not seen as extravagant or precious as any in the Grand Tour, largely because of the amateur competitors of the old days. But with Team Sky debuting with some pretty good riders, the Brits look set to take the yellow jersey.

Closer to home, and especially for anyone who didn’t get enough cycle action from the tour coverage, Oxford is set to launch its very own Bicycle Festival.

A series of circular routes have been mapped, all starting from Broad Street on Sunday morning.

It’s free and specially designed to get you out into the fresh air on many of the city’s quiet cycle routes, which is why it is being held in conjunction with Sustrans who are celebrating 15 years of the national cycle network.

Organisers of the festival suggest you pack a picnic, pump up your tyres and head on down to the city centre to learn more about the routes you can take.

The action starts at 10.30am and goes on all day.

But the action doesn’t stop in September. October is set to be a cycle-fantastic month as well.

Although it’s not free like the other events, the cycle show at Earls Court is being held from October 8-10, and it’s going to be cycle heaven with leading bike and accessory brands all under one roof.

This is probably the highlight of everyone’s calendar; after all, we all love a bargain at a trade show, right?

I mean, are you fed up with your local bike shop not letting you get a decent test ride? Well this show will have test tracks where you can try hundreds of new bikes. The place is enormous and the trick in not getting lost is to remember the arena is the shape of a Stealth bomber (yeah, really, have a look at it).

Finally, if I haven’t filled your diaries enough already, if you have a Brompton you may already be booked to compete in the Brompton World Championships on Sunday, October 3, at Blenheim Palace.

The rules of this race comprise of ignoring the Lycra and insisting on jackets, shirt and tie!

There are even prizes for the best dressed competitor, which I don’t think they will be introducing on the Tour de France in a hurry.

So there you have it, I hope I have persuaded all you fair weather cyclists to keep the old bike out of the shed for a couple months more this year.

And if I haven’t, do remember to oil her chain and be kind to her before she goes into hibernation.

She will love you for it next year.