Basingstoke's Big Wheel Bike Ride takes place Sunday

The 15th Big Wheel Bike Ride in Basingstoke takes place this Sunday – and organisers are calling for more riders to sign up and help beat last year’s total of 1,300.

The ride will raise money for St Michael’s Hospice and gives cyclists the chance to challenge themselves while taking in the countryside of North Hampshire.

There are three new routes to choose from - five miles, 25 miles or the truly testing 50 miles, which is designed for regular cyclists or those who are in training, and refreshment stops are posted along each route.

The ride is sponsored by Basingstoke-based firm Alberto Culver and begins and ends at Down Grange Sports Complex, in Pack Lane, Kempshott.

Registration is available on the day, with timed starts staggered between 9am-10.30am

There will be free entertainment at the sports complex during the day for race supporters, including Kestrel FM’s roadshow and a funfair.

And for riders who have a particularly gruelling ride there will be free leg massages from a team of complementary therapists.

Last year, the annual bike ride raised more than £40,000 and organisers hope to beat that total this time.

The hospice is located in the grounds of Basingstoke hospital, in Aldermaston Road and needs to raise £1.8 million every year to keep its services going.

Entry to Big Wheel 15 costs £15 per adult, £7.50 per child, £35 for two adults and two children and £25 for a tandem bike entry.

Riders aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult.

Register online at stmichaelshospice.org.uk, telephone 01256 848 848 or email events@ stmichaelshospice.org.uk for an entry form.