If you like getting out on the tracks, trails and bridle ways and perhaps getting a bit muddy or fancy a challenge and help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support then why not join loads of folk like you and take part in this year's Macmillan Castles Bike which starts from Coate Water Country Park, Marlborough Road, Swindon SN3 6AA on Sunday 2nd June from 9.30am, last entry 10.30am, choose from three routes below.

Experienced trail riders will appreciate the ups and downs and some of the technical challenges of our 29 mile route which takes you out via Barbury Castle and Hackpen and then after some challenging hills brings you to the HQ via Ogbourne St George, the Old Railway path back to Coate Water along the national cycle network.

If you just like being out riding but don't fancy tough hills then our standard or medium route is only 16.4 miles you start with the long route, but at Barbury Castle, you get to take a sneaky short cut and some refreshments before whizzing along Smeethes Ridge to re-join the riders on the long route for the homeward leg at Ogbourne St George. This route is suitable to families with teenage children.

Our short route is for less experienced but capable riders who want to grab some of the fun of riding a large event. There are a few climbs on the road at the beginning of the ride when you will be in good company. Then shortly after you start the offroad sections you will veer off and make your way to Chiseldon before coming back along the National Cycle Network to the HQ at Coate Water.

Please find below a map of the long route in the update posts.

Almost all of your entry fee makes its way to Macmillan Cancer Support so just by entering you are helping Macmillan to help affected by cancer and their families. But you can boost your support by getting sponsored or making an additional donation when entering.

WIN A MOUNTAIN BIKE!

The event's main sponsor Mitchell Cycles will donate a bike to the person who raises the most money for Macmillan and award a shield to the largest entry team.

Early entries, before 15 May will be put into a raffle to win a Macmillan Cycling Jersey to wear during the event.

 Entry fees: SAVE £5 by registering in advance

• Adult Entry is £15.00 before the event and £20 on the day. On the day entries will be contactless by card and subject to there being places available.
• Child Entry (under 16 on the day) is £5 before the event and £5 on the day. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Family Entry is £30.00 before the event and £40 on the day. That's a special price to encourage families of 2 adults and up to 4 children. We recommend that a suitable adult to child ratio is 1:2

Please take time to look at the routes and rider information on our website at www.castlesbike.co.uk and join the Castles Bike Ride community on the Facebook Castles Bike Ride Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/CastlesBikeRide
Or on Twitter https://twitter.com/castlesbikeride

The car park at Coate Water is Pay & Display and there is a height restriction on entry. Please see our website for further information.

If you need some help getting your bike ready then we suggest these options:

Mitchell Cycles In Shrivenham Road https://swindoncycles.co.uk/
Swindon Cycles in Beechcroft Road https://swindoncycles.co.uk/
Tony Staples at Mobile Cycle Medic Website https://www.mobilecyclemedic.com/