Pedal up funds on scenic rides (From This Is Wiltshire)

THIS year’s Wiltshire 100 and Big Wheel charity bike ride takes place across the county on Sunday, September 9.

Up to 1,000 cyclists are expected to set off from The Small Green, Devizes, with a choice of three routes.

Participants can raise funds for the charity of their choice. Distances are 100 miles, 45 miles and a 12-mile family route, which are all circular for convenience.

The 100-mile riders set off to the west where the route joins the Wylye valley into Wilton, the ancient capital of Wessex, then on to Salisbury.

Then it’s up the Avon Valley through some stunning villages to the Vale of Pewsey before heading through Savernake Forest to Marlborough. With a final climb up over the Ridgeway, the route drops back into the Vale of Pewsey to the finish.

Meanwhile, both the 45 and 12-mile options set off east through the Vale of Pewsey, with the scenic 45-mile route heading through Savernake Forest to Marlborough. They also finish off with a climb over the Ridgeway and back into the Vale of Pewsey. The 12-mile family route stays within the Vale with a stop at All Cannings for lunch.

There will be refreshment stops at regular intervals and Bike Events provide full back-up, including route-signing, marshals, medics, mechanics and support vehicles. Food stalls and a beer tent greet the riders at the finish.

You can enter on the day or visit www.bike-events.com