Keen cyclists from across East Lancashire are being urged to sign up for this year's Ribble Valley Ride.

The charity ride is returning to the valley in June, with three routes of varying difficulty meaning cyclists of all abilities can take part and support a good cause.

A number of local businesses have come together again to support the event, founded by keen cyclist Bill Honeywell.

The event in 2023 raised £4,000 for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation and other local charities, and is hoping to help these good causes again this year.

There are 500 places up for grabs on the ride, which features an easy 25 mile route, testing 50 miler, and challenging 75 mile loop taking in some of the most beautiful and testing climbs in Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales.

Lancashire Telegraph: The event in 2023 was a success The event in 2023 was a success (Image: Rotary Clubs of Accrington and Clitheroe)

This year's edition has the backing of Ribble Cycles, which is helping scale up the event, run by Accrington and Clitheroe Rotary Clubs, and raise even more money for charity.

The historic cycling firm knows the hills of the Ribble Valley very well with 125 years of research and testing carried out in the area.

It is also offering all riders who enter the chance to win a bike worth £3,000.

THis year's routes will go through picturesque parts of the region; the 25-miler takes in idyllic scenery, while the 50 mileride is described as "tough and hilly", heading into the upper valley and Yorkshire Dales, while the elite level 75 mile loop takes in both the upper valley, Dales and hilly climbs of the Bowland Fells.

All three routes will be signposted and marshalled, with regular food and hydration stops along the way to keep riders fuelled, and technical back up will be available for any mechanical mishaps, all of which is included in the modest entry prices which start at £20.

As well as Ribble Cycles, a number of other local companies have got on board, including Heidelberg Materials and Rufus Carr.

Chip timing and full results will be available at the end of the rides, but organisers stress the ride is non-competitive.

Event founder Bill Honeywell, from Clitheroe Rotary Club, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Ribble to increase the profile of this year’s ride and attract cyclists from further afield to experience the delights of this beautiful corner of rural Lancashire.

“The Ribble Valley has a rich cycling tradition, producing some outstanding riders who went on to excel at national and international levels.

"It’s also an incredibly popular destination for hundreds of club cyclists, who head here for their Sunday ride each weekend.

“The Ribble Valley Ride has always appealed to riders of all abilities and thanks to the generous support of Ribble, we are expecting this year’s ride to be sell-out event – introducing many more riders to the area and raising several thousand pounds for local charities.”

David Stacey, commercial director at Ribble Cycles, added: "We are proud to be sponsoring this year’s Ribble Valley Ride and to be a part of such an established event with its route set amongst this iconic landscape.

"Riding with colleagues, family and friends to help raise greater awareness and fundraise for such important local charities is a huge privilege for Ribble.

"Our brand origins lie at the very heart of the landscape and the community. The spectacular scenery and diverse terrain have influenced the design and technical development of Ribble’s bikes for more than a century.

"Inspiring people to get on a bike and enjoy the benefits of cycling is in our DNA - I set myself the goal to ride this event last year which I rode with my family.

"It was exhilarating and great fun. So, we are very much looking forward to welcoming riders from across the UK and of all abilities to come and ride with us, to experience the warmth of the community, explore ‘Ribble Country’ and get an insight into the landscapes that inspired one of Britain’s most iconic cycling brands whilst raising money for some incredible causes." 

Entries for the event open on Sunday, January 14, and will close on June 6 or whenever the 500 places available are all taken.

People should head to ribblevalleyride.org to enter.