BIKES and pedal power at the ready – the 2014 Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride is nearly here.

The 26th annual event will take place on Sunday, July 6, and starts in Corfe Mullen.

There is a choice of five circular routes including a 25-mile ride through Charborough Park, as well as 38, 48, 60 and 100 mile rides though the Stour and Winterbourne Valleys.

All the usual support will be available including mechanics from Primera, the massage team from the Anglo European Clinic of Chiropractic, as well as more than 100 Macmillan volunteers supplying refreshments and encouraging cyclists on all of the routes.

All the money raised in sponsorship will go to Macmillan and everyone raising more than £100 will have the chance to receive a £10 Primera voucher.

The pre-ride registration closing date has been extended until Sunday, June 29.

Started in 1989 by Peter Smith-Nicholls, the annual event attracts around 800 cyclists every year.

It is sponsored by Sunseeker International and supported locally by Primera Sport.

This year’s event was launched by cricketing legend David Gower from the plush surroundings of Sunseeker’s flagship luxury 155 Yacht in March. The former England captain has been supporting the Daily Echo-backed charity event for several years.

Cyclists can enter online at macmillanbikeride.co.uk