Fundraisers are gearing up for 12th running of the Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Challenge.

Ryedale Special Families’ annual fundraiser, takes place next month with 200 cyclists expected to take part.

The event will be held over the weekend of July 1 and 2 with cyclists tackling the 144 miles of the British Cycling Network Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route over the two days, complete with an overnight halfway camp in Hutton Cranswick

Starting at Norton College early on the Saturday morning this year’s event will run in a clockwise direction – the event alternates between clockwise and anti-clockwise each year – and the charity is particularly keen to let local residents know it’s coming their way.

Cyclists leave Norton College between 8 and 9am on Saturday morning, heading out through Settrington, Sledmere, Weaverthorpe and Hunmanby then on towards Sewerby, Bridlington & Driffield before reaching the halfway overnight camp at Hutton Cranswick Sports Fields.

At the camp the riders are treated to a fun evening with barbecue, live music and a few drinks, whilst sharing their days’ experiences.

After a restful night they then continue early on Sunday morning, following the waymarked route towards Beverley, Market Weighton and Pocklington before heading back to Norton College via Millington, Thixendale and Westow.

Organiser of the event, Rob Davies said: “The event isn’t a race, it’s a leisurely but challenging cycle ride around the quiet country lanes of the Yorkshire Wolds. We set cyclists off in groups of no more than 12 at a time, at three minute intervals to help keep them spread out and to minimise any traffic congestion. We’re aware of the need to let horse riders in particular know that we’re coming, so have written to every Parish Council and let them have posters to put up around the route advising people of the event.

"It’s a huge team effort and relies heavily on a large number of people, including fellow organisers, marshals, guardian angels, refreshment stop establishments along the route, the team at Hutton Cranswick Sports Fields, Norton College, Matthew Maw Removals - for transferring everyone’s bags and tents to the halfway - and of course our sponsors Bannisters Yorkshire Family Farm, Big Bear Bikes, Inntravel, Kent Building Developments, MKM Malton, Pro-Pak Foods & Wold Top Brewery.

"Last year’s event raised £35,000 and it is hoped that the amount raised this year will be even greater as the charity seeks to raise additional funds towards their planned move to new premises."

Full details of the Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Challenge can be found on the website www.yorkshirewoldscyclechallenge.org.uk