ON YOUR BIKE! That was the message to York residents today as the city's annual cycling rally got under way.

The York Cycle Show, now in its 61st year, was expected to attract 15,000 visitors to Knavesmire for a weekend of pedal-powered fun - come rain or shine.

As well as the usual selection of races, rides and presentations, this year's event also includes several special attractions.

The rally was hosting a conference of pedal-powered emergency services, and tomorrow's itinerary includes a presentation by cycling police officers, paramedics and coastguards.

The Rickshaw Freedom Riders are also visiting the rally as part of their trip from Southampton to Edinburgh, ahead of next month's G8 summit in Gleneagles.

Tomorrow, there will be a cyclists' service at Central Methodist Church, in St Saviourgate, followed by a parade back through the city to Knavesmire.

Over the weekend there will also be races, a paddle-bag sale of cycling merchandise, a display of historic bikes, and skills workshops.

Despite the threat of more bad weather to follow last weekend's floods, visitors to the event said nothing would stop them enjoying themselves. John Garner cycled to York from Dumfries and Galloway on Thursday, a ride of some 14 hours, said he was not worried about the weather.

He said: "It does not affect people at all - certainly not the old ones. As long as they sell beer in York we will be alright."

Mr Garner, who has been coming to York for 24 years, added: "It's always nice to meet your old pals - people come from all over the country and this is a good meeting place."

Thomas Shepherd, who came from Stockton-on-Tees with his two sons, was also undeterred by the risk of rain. "The weather doesn't bother me," he said. "There are plenty tents to get underneath."

Event organiser, Paul Hepworth, said the event was an important date in the cycling calendar, and he hoped York residents would join in the fun. "Hopefully we can draw along some people from York, or who have come to York for the weekend, and didn't know this was on."

Updated: 10:43 Saturday, June 25, 2005