SADDLE up and ride! Nearly 250 people have already signed up to complete this year’s Daily Echo-backed Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride.

But organiser Peter Smith-Nicholls wants to quadruple that figure so that at least 1,000 cyclists will take part – each one aiming to raise at least £100 to mark Macmillan’s 100th anniversary year.

Among participants in the July 3 event will be 11-year-old Henry Mason from Poole, who is challenging to be the youngest ever person to complete the 100 mile route.

The Broadstone Middle School pupil will be accompanied by his dad John and, elder brother Sam, 23, while other brother Hugh, 12, cycles the 48 mile route and mum Charlotte the 20 miles.

John said: “Henry is very keen and is into triathlons and road cycling. He was really up for doing the 100 last year, but we felt he was a bit too young. He goes out a couple of times a week and leaves me for dead.”

Mr Smith-Nicholls said: “We want people to make a special effort his year. It’s not just about celebrating 100 years of Macmillan, it’s also about looking forward to the next 100 years.

“We normally aim for 100 people to be signed up for the 100 mile route. At the moment we’re on target for twice that number.”

The annual event started in 1989 the year after Mr Smith-Nicholls cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End following his father’s death from cancer.

Last year’s ride raised more than £90,000, bringing the total so far to more than £830,000. The money supports people who are living with cancer.

To enter this year’s event, which has a choice of six circular routes from 10 to 100 miles, go to macmillanbikeride.co.uk or ring 01202 601705.