The wheels got moving at the weekend as the Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival took to the hills again.
The Highland Perthshire Enduro opened the festival ahead of the separately run Etape Caledonia, which takes place next Sunday.
The festival now forms one of the most important periods of the annual cycling calendar in the area and organisers say it provides a huge boost to the local economy.
More than 140 mountain bike riders signed up to take part in Enduro on Saturday, with Dunkeld the starting point for the competitive cycling.
Paul Bush, chief operating officer for EventScotland, said the festival has created a programme for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
“The festival continues to grow and there are a number of exciting new elements for 2013, which will attract visitors to the event,” he said.
“This year is the year of natural Scotland and the stunning setting of the festival certainly adds to its appeal.”
Katriona Brown from Highland Perthshire Cycling added: ‘It wasn’t enough to bring mountain bike Enduro to Highland Perthshire.
“We wanted to add to the region’s route network by creating a new trail.
“With the support of some local mountain bike enthusiasts, over the last few weeks we have created a natural, sweeping, fun downhill trail through a newly de-forested landscape and slate quarry that may well present a challenge for those without a downhill head.”
A new Girls on Tour event took place on Sunday, with another new addition to this year’s programme being the Film Night at the new Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy, which will take place on Friday.
This will include a selection of amateur and professional cycling films. And on the same day, Pitlochry High School will stage its own mini Etape road cycling event for the fifth year running.
Up to 40 secondary pupils will ride one of four individual sections of the full Etape Caledonia route to raise money for their after-school outdoor activity programme.
Two other separate cycling events taking place will be the Eliminator on July 27-28 in Newburgh and Fair City Enduro on October 26-27.