Toronto Bike Month 2012 is upon us, so if you haven't already dusted off your helmet and climbed back in the saddle, now is definitely the the time to do it. The festivities kick off Monday with a group commute from Yonge and Bloor to downtown, and the City of Toronto and Cycle Toronto have organized numerous other events for the next few weeks to celebrate being two-wheeled and engine-free.

Not sure how to maximize your Bike Month experience? Here's the skinny on the best or most interesting sounding events planned for early summer. The full calendar is available here.

Group Commute - Monday May 28, 7-10:00am
Cyclists from across the city will form into groups and meet at Yonge and Bloor with the help of police escorts for a ride to City Hall. Make sure to partake in the free pancake breakfast and pick up a complimentary t-shirt at the end. Lie to your boss (if you have to) and enjoy the company of other commuters as long as possible. Meet at: Bloor and High Park, Yonge and Lawrence or Danforth and Woodbine.

Bells on Bloor/Yonge/Danforth - Saturday June 2, 1:00pm
Push for better cycling infrastructure across the city with a mass ride along one of several underserved major streets to Queen's Park and the Cycle and Sole rally. Riders from each Bells event will converge and there will be free light tune ups from Cycle Solutions. Bring a bell or a free waving hand to make noise or show your support on the way. Meet at: East Lynn Park, Duplex Parkette or High Park.

Scarborough Southwest Bike Rodeo - Saturday June 2, 10:00am - 2:00pm
If the Bells events aren't your thing, head to Scarborough for a chance to navigate an obstacle course and take part in a game of "crazy crossroads". It might sound like a normal morning in the bike lane, but this should be a good mix of worthwhile safety information and good, clean fun. Councillor Michelle Berardinetti will be attending. Meet at: Warden Hilltop Community Centre

Becel Heart & Stroke Ride for Heart - Sunday June 3, 6:00am
Registration might be closed, but why not turn out to cheer on the thousands of bikers who will be riding the Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway to raise money for heart and stroke research. Even better, sponsor a rider or make a general donation if you don't feel like waking up early. Meet at: Any overpass.

Tour de Forts - Saturday June 9, 1-2:30pm
Take a free guided bicycle tour led by David Juliusson, Program Officer at Fort York, of Teiagon, the site of a 17th century Seneca village, Fort Rouille and Fort York. Entrance to the national historic site is free at the end of the tour - if you haven't visited before, now's your chance. Meet at: The multi-use trail under the Old Mill subway station.

Crothers Woods Trail Maintenance Days - Saturday June 9 (& October 13), 10:00am - 4:00pm
Learn how to build a mountain bike trail with the pros in a 52-hectare mature maple-beech-oak woodland in the Don valley. Crews from International Mountain Bike Association Canada will be on hand to provide advice and equipment. Meet at: 27 Redway Road (Loblaws Trailhead).

Ride the Ravines/Bikes, BBQ & Beer - Sunday June 17, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Explore Toronto's unique ravine system and raise money for accessible cycling in the GTA while you go. Be sure to stay into the afternoon for beer from Amsterdam Brewing Co., BBQ and bike stunt displays. There will also be live music from The Marni Levitt Collective and Jerry Leger & The Situations. Meet at: Evergreen Brick Works.

MEC Bike Fest - Saturday June 23, 11:00am - 5:30pm
The stalwart event of Bike Month, MEC Bike Fest is always worth a visit. There'll be clinics, bike checks, displays, free basic tune-ups, a cycle exchange and even valet bike parking provided by Cycle Toronto, who will receive all proceeds from the event. Expect this one to be busy. Meet at: Distillery District.

Bike-in Movie Night - Friday June 29, 7pm - Midnight
Who says drive-in movies are only for cars? Head back into the Don valley for an evening of local brew and screenings of bicycle-related short films in the Evergreen Brick Works' Pavillions. The event is free but there's a suggested donation of $5. Meet at: Evergreen Brick Works

Photo: "Bells on Bloor" by Martinho in the BlogTO Flickr pool.