PEDAL powered fund-raisers are being urged to get on their bikes and enter the Daily Echo-backed Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride 2009 before entries close on Monday.

About 1000 people are expected to take part on July 5, making this year’s 21st anniversary ride the biggest ever.

Organiser, Peter Smith-Nicholls, said people from all walks of life had already signed up, with novice cyclists and young families expected to join club cyclists on the start line in Broadstone.

“The current format has been very popular over the past five years but there are changes planned for next year so we are encouraging anyone who has enjoyed riding the current distances in recent years to sign up,” said Peter.

A 15-mile ride to Lychett Matravers for a circuit of the village, refreshments, and views of the harbour, should appeal to families and occasional cyclists.

There is a 25-mile route and for the fearless, routes of 50, 60, and 100-miles long.

Luxury yacht firm, Sunseeker, which is backing the event, has two staff in the 100-mile ride.

Refreshment stops are available at Lychett Matravers, Sturminster Marshall, and Winterborne Kingston, and mechanics from Bournemouth bike shop, Primera Sport, will be on hand to provide technical support.

Daily Echo editor, Neal Butterworth, will be among those taking part for the first time, and has been recording his training miles in a blog on the paper’s website.

To follow Neal’s progress, and to enter the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride 2009, visit bournemouthecho.co.uk/ nealsonwheels.