A new season of winter bike rides in and around Leicester warms up this weekend.

The free guided rides, organised by Leicester City Council and British Cycling, give people the chance to cycle a choice of routes aimed at different levels of fitness and ability, under the watchful eye of qualified British Cycling ride leaders.

There are four routes, ranging from the introductory to the fast and challenging, on offer this Sunday (Oct 21).

For riders looking for a short and easy route, the 'Two Parks Delight' ride sets off from Braunstone Leisure Centre at 2pm. The 4.5 mile route takes in Braunstone Park and Western Park, with a stop-off at the Eco House, and will take around 90 minutes.

A more challenging 'West End Tour' ride will also take place from 2pm. Starting at the Town Hall Bike Park, this nine-mile ride will take in both the Forest Way and Great Central Way, as well as a stop at the Eco House in Western Park. The ride should last just over two hours.

For riders looking for something a bit different, the 'Green Bicycle Murder' ride will retrace the route of this infamous and unsolved murder of 1919. The ride sets off at 1pm from Evington Park, and will follow an eight-mile route, ideal for those looking to ride at a leisurely pace.

Also on offer is the challenging 'Foxton Wave Rider', which is aimed at experienced road cyclists used to riding at a speedy pace. This 35-mile ride sets off for the Town Hall Bike park at 9am, travelling south from the city to Foxton Locks taking in Saddington and Gumley and returning via Bruntingthorpe, Countesthorpe and Blaby. The ride is expected to last around three hours.

The new season of rides continues on Wednesday, October 24, with the four mile 'Ghost Ride'. Taking in Leicester's Old Town, the easy-going ride starts at 2.30pm from the Town Hall Bike Park and ride leaders will help bring alive local ghost stories.

Janet Hudson, British Cycling recreation manager for the East Midlands, said: "The guided rides offered in Leicester have proved really popular and we will continue to offer them right through winter. We are really excited about the new longer and more challenging rides for experienced cyclists and the range of off-road rides that we'll also be offering this year. But there will still be something for everyone, regardless of ability.

"Guided rides a really great way of getting into cycling, and pushing yourself to the next level with the support and advice of experienced ride leaders and like-minded cyclists."

Cllr Rory Palmer, Deputy City Mayor, said: "The appetite for cycling in the city has never been greater. The Olympic summer has inspired thousands of people to get active and cycle more and that was clear in the record 16,000 people that turned out to join this year's Sky Ride Leicester.

"We are committed to continuing our work with British Cycling and these guided rides are an excellent way of encouraging even more people to explore Leicester by bike."

Places on all of the above rides are limited. To make a reservation, and to find out more, visit www.goskyride.com/leicester