Families will want to pump up the bike tires and get ready for some cycling fun when the popular “Tour de L’ile” bike festival returns from May 29 to June 5, 2011.

Now in its 27th year, the festival includes a 52-kilometre ride around the island on June 5, beginning at 9:15 a.m. This year, riders will cycle from the Plateau, through downtown Montreal, around Lachine and then back via Cote des Neiges and Park Extension. There is also the Metropolitan Challenge on May 29, which allows cyclists to choose among three different routes, from 76 to 150 kilometres that take them through towns north of Montreal such as St. Eustache and Mirabel.

For more information, including prices and registration, visit www.veloquebec.info.