ORGANISERS of a popular annual bike ride are expecting another sellout as registration opens for this year’s event.

The third instalment of the Marlow Red Kite Ride will be held on Sunday, August 31, which proved a big hit last year when all 600 places were snapped up.

The route takes riders over the rolling Chiltern hills and through the Thames Valley, with the choice of 50, 80 or 100 mile rides taking in three counties.

Course Director and former Olympic bronze medallist Willi Moore has once again designed routes that provide testing climbs, a mix of lush scenery and some faster flatter sections over the longer routes.

The race is organised by cycling club Marlow Riders, which meets every Saturday at Marlow Sports Club since its formation four years ago.

Organisers hope to make the event more family-friendly and are boosting the post-ride activities on offer at Marlow Sports Club.

Event Director Steve Tolmie said: “We’d like to attract more families to come to our area for a short break or weekend and ride the Red Kite Ride.

“It’s a great area to visit. We are also working hard to develop the attractions at the after event ‘theatre’ as an additional incentive for participants to bring along their families.”

Last year’s ride raised over £8000 for good causes, with charity Cyclists Fighting Cancer benefitting from the proceeds this time around.

The organisation gives bikes, adapted tricycles and equipment to children and young people across the UK whose lives have been affected by cancer.

Entry for the ride is £25 and numbers are limited to 600. For more details and to register visit http://marlowredkiteride.co.uk