An exciting summer of cycling will come to a head in Marlow next month in the biggest community sporting event of its kind.

Following the excitement of June’s Aviva Women’s tour, cycling club Marlow Riders are making preparations for the biggest and toughest bike ride of the summer.

Organisers of the annual bike event, Marlow Red Kite Ride, hope to see 700 cyclists take to the streets on September 6 after increasing the registration capacity by 100 following last year’s success.

The ride offers three picturesque routes over the Chilterns and Thames Valley, with a 50, 80, 100 mile event plus the longest route of 126 miles the event has ever seen.

Former Olympic bronze medallist, Willi Moore who designed the new course said: “Some riders last year said the event wasn’t challenging enough, so this is a much more beefy route.

“I’m not aware of another Sportive offering four different routes. We’re catering for all abilities here and this allows our loyal riders to continue the development of their cycling capabilities.”

The finish area at Marlow Sports club is expected to be a hit with all ages as families will be able to gather to eat and drink and relax after the day’s excitement.

For the second year running proceeds will go to Cyclists Fighting Cancer, a charity which gives bikes, adapted bicycles and equipment to children and young people across the UK whose lives have been affected by cancer.

Event organiser, Steve Tomlie said: “Sadly we have lost three of our members over the past year to cancer, so our continuing relationship with Cyclists Fighting Cancer will serve as a fitting tribute to their memory.”

Last year’s sell out event was a huge success and raised £5000 for the good cause.

This has been big summer for cycling in Marlow as thousands of people took to the streets in June to see of the final stage of the women’s tour.

Entry for September's ride is £25. For more information go to http://marlowredkiteride.co.uk