They are often stowed away in dark garage corners, shoved behind tired sheds or left locked up outside. But neglected bikes in Attleborough have been dragged out, dusted off and spruced up as the town creates a vibrant bike trail to promote the return of the Tour of Britain to the area.
Now, almost 100 bikes, complete with blooming flower baskets, have been painstakingly painted and decorated by community groups, businesses and individuals and dotted around the town.
The project, organised by the Attleborough Retail Forum and boosted by a £500 grant from Breckland Council, will see maps printed so visitors can complete the trail.
Tony Perkins, local butcher and member of the forum, said: 'The flowering bike trail is already really brightening up the town in a unique way and we hope people will come along to try to see them all.
'We'll also have lots of activities at the events – some for those feeling particularly energetic and some at a more serene pace – so there is going to be something for everyone.'
Highlights include Attleborough Fire Station's red bike, made with firefighting equipment, and another by the Attleborough-based Nurture by Nature Forest School, made out of twigs and leaves.
Two family fun days will also form part of the celebrations, with one, organised by the retail forum, from 10am to 5pm on Monday, August 31 and another, organised by Attleborough Town Council, to take part on the day of the tour on Saturday, September 12 from 9.30am to 6pm. Both will be held in Queen's Square and will include fun fair rides, wattbike racing, face painting and live music.
Sandra Dewsbury, administration assistant at the town council, said: 'The events are going to be great for the town and we're really looking forward to the whole community getting together.
'The wattbikes are good fun for those wanting to test their might on the pedals, while we'll also have a craft market, horticultural stalls and fun fair stands for those wanting to try something a bit different.'
Each bike has been numbered and given a secret name. Those who use the map and accompanying form to make a note of at least 60 of the bike names can enter a competition to win a £100 voucher for Cranks Bicycles, on Exchange Street.
Trevor Carter, Breckland Council's executive member for place, described the tour as 'one of the country's most exciting sporting spectacles'.
The Attleborough trail began yesterday and runs until September 13. Maps are available from the town hall, Tony Perkins butchers, on Church Street, and AW Myhill, on Exchange Street, among others.
For more information contact the town council on 01953 456194.
Do you have a Summer of Cycling story for the EDP? Email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk
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