HUNDREDS of cyclists got on their bikes for the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride.

The Daily Echo-backed event is expected to raise around £80,000 to support people suffering with cancer.

Among those who gathered at the recreation ground in Corfe Mullen bright and early to take part in the 100 mile route was Tim Smith, of Broadstone, who joined the ride as part of a gruelling training schedule.

He said: “I enjoy cycling and I’m always looking for a new challenge.

“I’ve just registered for Land’s End to John O’Groats so I’m starting to train for that.”

The next to leave were cyclists participating in a 60-mile route.

Nicola Villers, Jackie Forsyth and Vanessa Glennan joined Karen Jackson for an unusual birthday celebration.

Karen said: “It’s my 50th birthday and we wanted to do something special together.”

The ladies, who travelled to Dorset from Solihull in the West Midlands on Saturday to take part in the ride, sported tops emblazoned with the words ‘Jackson 4’.

Nick Turner, who lives in Bournemouth, was seven when he took part in the second-ever ride 27 years ago.

He joined his family to participate in the 60-mile ride.

Ewan Steele, who lives in Bridport, also joined the 60 mile route.

He said: “My longest ride so far was 36 miles, so this will be a bit of a baptism of fire.”

Bill Riddle, chair of the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, took part for his wife, who is recovering from breast cancer for the third time.

He said: “I was the event’s biggest fundraiser three years ago.

“It’s a really nice ride.”

Organiser Peter Smith-Nicholls said around 700 people took part in the event, which also features 10, 25, 38 and 48-mile routes.

“This is the 28th year of the event, and since we started, we’ve raised about 1.25million for the charity,” he said.

“We’ve been supported by Sunseeker for more than 11 years, which means that cyclist’s sponsorship can go straight to charity.

“When people take part in an event like this, they want to know that the money they raise is going to Macmillan.”

He welcomed back those who take part each year.

“One of our cyclists is 82 in a few days,” he said.

“He usually raises more than £1,000 for us.”