WHAT better way to recover from a bike ride than with a refreshing cuppa?

Now fundraisers signing up for the Daily Echo-backed Macmillan Dorset Bike 2010 will be able to enjoy a cup of Dorset Tea thanks to the generosity of a firm from Ferndown.

Jenny Hill of the Keith Spicer tea business on the Cobham industrial estate said they had been inspired to back the ride after reading coverage in the Daily Echo.

“We’ve given a case of black Dorset Tea which we launched last year to celebrate 75 years in the county. A case contains six boxes of 80 bags – about a year’s supply for the average family,” said Jenny.

Ride organiser, Peter Smith-Nicholls, who launched the ride 21 years ago after losing his father to cancer, said the tea was sure to prove a hit with thirsty cyclists.

“I can’t imagine a better reward than a steaming hot cuppa! Local businesses have been so generous. The ride really seems to have captured their imagination,” said Peter.

As many as 1,000 cyclists are expected to roll off the Corfe Mullen start line on Sunday, July 4, on routes from 10 to 100 miles.

England cricket legend David Gower will be among those bidding to beat last year’s record fundraising total of more than £90,000.

Entries for this year’s ride close on Saturday, June 26. To register, click here