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Celebrity gardener, Charlie Dimmock, gets on her bike for the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival

Charlie Dimmock is to attend the official opening of the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival which takes place later this month.

The event, one of Britain's largest and best loved cycling festivals, runs between 15 and September 23 and offers a huge range of opportunities to enjoy the county's spectacular scenery from the saddle. There are more than 20 cycle routes including picnic rides, family routes, off road trails, children's activity rides and even a 'singles' cycle ride! Those at the peak of physical fitness may prefer something a little more challenging such as the 65-mile road race around the Island's coastline, or the 'Hills Killer', an orienteering ride set against the clock.

Charlie, who is on the Island to film a second series of 'River Walks' for Meridian and Anglian TV*, will be able to watch the madcap antics of the teams of bike riders who will take to the water with aquabikes in an attempt to cross the Island's main waterway - the River Medina - without going under. 'Sink or Swim' promises to be an hilarious launch event for participants and spectators alike.

During the filming of the first series of 'River Walks' in June 2006, Charlie took time out of her busy schedule to attend another popular Island event - the Yarmouth Old Gaffers festival. On that occasion, she had this to say about the Island: "With its green, lush countryside, rolling hills and spectacular coastal scenery, the Isle of Wight is an ideal break away from the strains of a hectic lifestyle. There's so much to see and do there....and a fantastic network of cycleways and footpaths means it's easy for visitors to discover the 'real' Island."

On this occasion, Charlie's 'River Walk' along the Medina will also encompass the Classic Boat Museum (www.classicboatmuseum.org), the Medina Valley Centre (www.medinavalleycentre.org) and Osborne House (www.english-heritage.org.uk).

Of course, you can ride independently on the Island's quiet countryside roads, following 200 miles of cycle routes and 30 miles of Heritage Coastline. Bikes can be hired from a number of different outlets throughout the Island and there are companies that are able to offer a delivery service, guided on - or off road guided rides.

World cycling champion, Tony Doyle MBE, will officially open the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival at 12 midday on Saturday 15 September, with 'Sink or Swim' taking place at 2pm. For more information, visit www.sunseaandcycling.com

*'River Walks' will be screened in the New Year.

The Isle of Wight Cycling Festival is organised by the Isle of Wight Council and is sponsored by ferry companies Wightlink and Red Funnel amongst others.