A celebration is taking place in Radstock to mark the 1,000th bike ride by members of the Somer Valley Wheels project, funded by Bath & North East Somerset Council in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Primary Care Trust (PCT) and the Brighter Futures Group.

Since the Somer Valley Wheels community cycle scheme was launched just over one year ago, 120 cyclists have become members. Between them, they have clocked up over 40,000 miles and enjoyed getting active on their bikes.

On Tuesday, 21 October, at 12.30pm, the 1,000th individual bike ride by a member of the group will be celebrated with a cake cutting at the Tea and Trade Tearooms in Radstock. All members of the group have been invited to the event.

In keeping with the original aims, most of the 120 "wheelers" are either new to cycling or had not cycled since childhood. Bikes with easy to use gears are available to hire through the scheme which offers four regular rides every week- through the summer and winter.

Councillor David Hawkins (Conservative, Lansdown Bath) said: "I am delighted that people have enjoyed re-discovering the fun of cycling through this scheme. The Radstock and Midsomer Norton areas offer beautiful countryside and lots of interesting bike rides. This scheme gives people the chance to get out and about, enjoy the fresh air, make new friends, as well as boosting their fitness. Congratulations to all of the riders who have clocked up the miles, and I hope that many more people will enjoy getting involved in the future."

Councillor David Bellotti, Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: "With over 100 cyclists aged from 15 to 72 recruited within one year the Somer Valley Wheels have reached a significant milestone. Their contribution to the health and well being of our community is outstanding. By offering different levels of rides from easy to challenging it means every one can take part and for those who haven’t ridden a bike for a few years now is a good time to start again."

The scheme offers three levels of rides to choose from: Slow and easy, for those who have not cycled for a long time and would prefer to cycle on traffic-free paths; Intermediate, for those that are used to cycling on paths and quiet road and; Intermediate and Explorer Rides which are organised by arrangement, and sometimes with other groups or clubs including the Somer Valley Cycle Club. Rides take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from the Tea and Trade Tearooms in Radstock.

One of the local residents to have benefited from the scheme is Cherie Challenger of Westfield, Midsomer Norton, who has been a member of the group since it was first launched.

Mrs Challenger said: "It really has transformed my life, we look forward every week and it doesn't feel the same if we can't make it".

Her husband Ken who has had a triple heart bypass really likes the social aspect, meeting new people and having a chat.

The Somer Valley Wheels Project has also organised a public event to encourage more people, of all cycling abilities, to enjoy getting on their bikes. It will take place on Saturday, 1 November, at the Wellow Trekking Centre in Little Horse Croft Farm, Wellow, BA2 8QF. Three bike rides will be offered, with distances varying from five to 15 miles.

These are:

• A guided ride- for families and people of all ages and abilities. This ride is the easiest of the three and will visit the proposed start of the 2 Tunnels route. This starts at 10am.
• An introduction to off road riding session will guide riders and demonstrate some essential skills for using the nearby bridleways. This starts at 1.30pm.
• The Wellow Wayfarer Mountain Bike Trek. This is for beginners to experienced riders and riders can choose between a short and a long route, they will be able to collect a route card and follow a marked route using byways, bridleways and quiet lanes. This starts at 1.30pm, last route card issued at 3pm.

The events are free, and a limited number of mountain bikes will be available for hire on the day.

Information sessions about cycle maintenance, route planning and practical cycle training have been organised by the group for Year 10 students at Writhlington School, and to a project in Frome for young people who are isolated or at risk of offending.

Members of the Somer Valley Wheels group are aged from 15 to 72, and anyone is welcome to join. The costs are insert details here. £1 using own cycle and £2 to use a loan- bike.