The Wiggle New Forest Spring Sportive is set to take place this weekend. But how much do you know about the event? here's our round-up of ten things you should know.

1. What is it?

A bike ride of two distances around the New Forest with around 2,000 riders. The ride is voted in the UK’s top 10 ‘sportives’.

2. When?

It takes place on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend from Matchams Leisure Park on Hurn Lane near Ringwood.

3. What time?

Start times are between 7.40am and 10am, with groups of riders starting at staggered times throughout that period.

4. How many routes are there?

There are two distances – an 86 mile route and a 69 mile route.

5. Where does it go?

Basically all over the New Forest. Name a New Forest beauty spot and it’s likely to be on the map –Bransgore, Godshill, Bramshaw, Cadnam, Lyndhurst, Beaulieu, Bucklers Hard, Burley.

Bournemouth Echo:

6. Can I enter?

Sadly both rides have sold out for the weekend but there is another Wiggle New Forest event in September.

7. What is a sportive?

Essentially sportives are not bike races. Yes people may be timed, but they are ultimately challenges, rather than races.

8. Do organisers make sure riders wear helmets?

The event website says it is mandatory for all riders to wear safety approved helmets. Organisers will disqualify any rider not wearing a helmet. They also try to ensure bike numbers are on the front of the cycles.

9. Why is this event newsworthy?

The event has attracted a lot of attention due to opposition from some New Forest residents. Protesters tried to wreck the 2013 and 2014 events by sprinkling tacks in the road, causing a large number of punctures but no injuries. The behaviour of some cyclists also came in for criticism.

This year’s event will be the first major cycling sportive since the New Forest National Park Authority’s controversial cycling charter was passed.

The voluntary agreement says the number of people taking part in organised events should be limited to 1,000 per day.

But, the organisation which stages the Wiggle-sponsored rides, UK Cycling Events, is refusing to support the new limit. They, along with other cycling organisations including British Cycling and the Cyclist's Touring Club, called on the authority to remove the limit but to no avail.

10. What rules and regulations are in place though?

As well as the organiser’s own terms and conditions, which include obeying all Highway Code rules and being considerate to other road users, riders are also asked to observe the main points of the New Forest Cycling Code.