Organizer Pete Mustill admits after last year’s torrential rainstorm he vowed never to do it again. However Alison Parry, organizer of the town’s Eco Weekend, and Dave Tomlinson, from Bishops Castle’s Green Wheels, stepped in and agreed to help him run the 2008 event.

It was an offer he couldn’t refuse consequently Tour de Presteigne is back and looker in better shape than ever. There is a tremendous selection of bikes for everyone have a go on, including Gazelle, Urban Mover, Wisper, Kalkhoff, Powabyke, Ezee, Heinzmann, Izip, Sun Runner the Brompton Nano, plus electric scooters, motorcycles, cars and vans.

Around town are a selection of events and talks for visitors to take part in and music from Your Dad and Blake’s 3 on Saturday evening. This year’s Rally is aimed not just at amateur electric bike enthusiasts and those wishing to purchase an electric bike but at everyone looking for transport alternatives.

There is a particularly interesting line up of panel members for Question Time in the Assembly Rooms on Saturday afternoon, featuring George Marshall the author of Carbon Detox, the co-founder of ‘Plane Stupid’ local hero Joss Garman and Brigit Strawbridge, from the TV program ‘It’s Not Easy Being Green’.

The festival site will make use of a large geodesic dome to provide covered space for the exhibitors and is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac on which the public can try out bikes.

The Ramblers Walk, the Hill Climb and the Country Ramble all set off from the festival site while the final 1 hour rally on the Sunday will return to the very popular route it used in 2006, around the centre of town. Anyone who needs more information or who wants to enter the rally can look at the event’s website www.tourdepresteigne.co.uk  .