A RECORD number of cyclists are preparing to take part in the ninth annual Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Challenge

The event, in aid of Ryedale Special Families (RSF), takes place over the weekend of July 13 and 14 with 300 cyclists expected to tackle the 144 miles of the Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route over the two days, complete with an overnight halfway camp.

Starting at Norton College early on the Saturday morning this year’s event will run in an anti-clockwise direction – the event alternates between clockwise and anti-clockwise each year – and the charity is particularly keen to let local residents know it is coming their way.

Cyclists leave Norton College between 8am and 9am on July 13 heading out through Leavening and Thixendale towards Millington, Pocklington and Market Weighton, then onwards in the afternoon through Beverley then to the overnight camp at Hutton Cranswick Sports Fields.

The cyclists then continue on Sunday, following the waymarked route to Driffield, Bridlington and Bempton, returning to Norton College in the afternoon via Foxholes, Weaverthorpe, Sledmere and Settrington.

Organiser of the event, Rob Davies said: “The event isn’t a race, it’s a leisurely but challenging cycle ride around the bi-ways of the Yorkshire Wolds. We set cyclists off in groups of no more than 15 at a time, at three minute intervals to help keep them spread out and to minimise any traffic congestion. We’re aware of the need to let horse riders in particular know that we’re coming, so have written to every Parish Council and let them have posters to put up around the route advising people.

“It’s a huge team effort and relies heavily on a large number of people, including , marshals, guardian angels, the team at Hutton Cranswick Sports Fields, Norton College, St John Ambulance, Matthew Maw Removals and of course our sponsors Bannisters Yorkshire Family Farm, Big Bear Bikes, Inntravel, Kent Building Developments, MKM Malton, Pro-Pak Foods & Wold Top Brewery.

Last year’s event broke all records raising a massive £38,000. It is hoped that the amount raised this year will be even greater as the charity seeks to raise funds towards their move to new premises.”