CYCLISTS have been challenged to sign up on line for one of the UK's toughest rides.

Keen cyclists from across the country will descend on East Lancashire this summer for epic 60-100 mile routes as part of the Pendle Pedal.

Cyclists who sign up for the event, now in its third year, will ride through beautiful and hilly Pendle, Ribble Valley, Lune Valley and Forest of Bowland countryside on Sunday August 3.

The routes include some of the most famed and feared climbs in British Cycling including the Nick O'Pendle, Waddington Fell, Tatham Fell and the Trough of Bowland; tests which have been set for professionals in previous races including the Tour of Britain, the Kelloggs Tour and the Milk Race.

Participants will this year be able to put themselves to the test with a new challenge. Those who think they are tough enough can choose to ride 10 miles of rough climbs and descents on a medieval road across a remote moor - Kings Highway' on Salter Fell.

Pendle Pedal is part of Pendle Bike Fest 2008 - a series of cycling events including Premier Calendar and Elite Series races featuring the country's top riders, leisure rides and activities for people new to cycling.

Pendle Pedal starts and finishes at the Rolls-Royce Sports Ground in Barnoldswick, where Pendle Cycle Show takes place on the same day.

The cycle show is about all things cycling - displays, events, opportunities to ride different and unusual bikes and be entertained by stunt displays and live music.

Mark Sandamas, director of Pennine Events, which has offices in Barnoldswick and Wigan and specialises in organising sports, leisure and health events, said: "We are offering cyclists the opportunity to enter the Pendle Pedal online, with the optional challenge of Salter Fell. The main question we have for participants is: are you tough enough to ride it?"

Details about the Pendle Bike Fest 2008 including locations and dates are available at http://www.pendlebikefest.com. Further information is also available at www.pennineevents.co.uk or by calling 01695 682 020. To sign up to the Pendle Pedal online, visit www.pennineevents.co.uk.