If you fancy getting out and about and seeing some of the world, Bike Week begins next Saturday, 10 June and runs until 18 June. It aims to demonstrate the social, health and environmental benefits of cycling by encouraging more people to get on their bikes to travel to work or school, to see friends or just for fun.

Challenge specialist, Discover Adventure , is celebrating Bike Week by offering several two-wheeled adventures, where participants can take on each adventure either as a purely personal challenge or as an opportunity to raise money for a charity of their choice. The trips are graded from 1 to 5 in difficulty level, with 5 being the most extreme.

2017 cycle challenges include:

London to Amsterdam Cycle

A classic European experience, cycling from London to the bike capital of the world, Amsterdam , is a challenge achievable in just a few days. Passing through Suffolk’s picturesque countryside before crossing the Channel, the trip then continues through the flat landscape of Dutch Zeeland before arriving in Amsterdam. Characterised by its network of canals and stand-out architecture, the inspiring city is the ideal finishing location. Departing 22 September, further information on this three-day cycle can be found here.

Cycle the Coast to Rio

Synonymous with glittering carnivals and eye-popping vistas, Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro sets the scene for a spectacular finish to this epic cycle challenge. Setting off from the coastal resort of Guarujá on Santo Amaro island in São Paulo , the undulating roads of the route encompass hidden bays and fishing villages, beautiful sandy beaches, endless blue sea and lush rainforest-covered slopes. With this being one of the most scenic cycling routes in the world, discover the beautiful small town of Paraty at the end of the historic Gold Trail before celebrating a memorable finish in Rio. Departing 15 September, further information on this 10-day cycle can be found here .

Yosemite to San Francisco Cycle

The spectacular Yosemite National Park is the starting point for this epic cycle challenge. A monumentally beautiful area of huge granite peaks and towering cliffs, roaring waterfalls and sparkling lakes, the initial stages of the ride include the park’s main landmarks of Yosemite Falls and El Capitan. From here, climb the foothills of the Sierra Nevada through landscapes of pine forests, tranquil lakes and vineyards and on to the rolling plains of the west. The unforgettable finish is on the Pacific coast, at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco . Departing 30 September, information on this diverse nine-day cycle is available here.

Epic Bike Rides of the World

Check out Lonely Planet's book Epic Bike Rides of the World to discover 200 of the best places to ride a bicycle around the world. From easy-going, family-friendly rides and urban sightseeing routes to epic adventures off the beaten track,  it includes 50 first-hand cycling stories and details of how to do the ride.  This fabulous book includes full-page photography, illustrations and maps.