THIS coming Sunday, October 4, approximately 600 individual cyclists will ride a 55-mile route starting and ending at Fingle Glen Golf Hotel at Tedburn St Mary, all in aid of the charity FORCE (Friends of the Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre, Exeter).

The FORCE Autumn Storm Bike Ride will start at 8am with cyclists starting in batches through until 8.45am and the route has been chosen to limit the impact on other road users.

The route goes west from Fingle Glen; over to Cheriton Bishop before turning towards Yeoford, Copplestone, Morchard Road and then up to Winkleigh.

It will then go across to Broadwoodkelly, through Monkokehampton and Jacobstowe then on to Okehampton, through Whiddon Down, before heading back to Tedburn St Mary.

Where possible organisers have utilised the cycle network routes.

Special signs will be posted to warn motorists at appropriate points along the route and will be removed afterwards.

In addition, adequate ambulance coverage, medical personnel and cycle recovery teams will also be on patrol.

Two rest stops will be established en-route. Past experience suggests that all cyclists will be back at Fingle Glen by 5pm.

This event is a charity ride, it is NOT a race and is not timed in any way.

Last year the event raised £10,000 for FORCE, the charity that provides essential cancer treatment and support close to home.