THERE are no World Cup fixtures, the weather forecast is good – so why shouldn’t you join the Daily Echo-backed Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride?

The annual fundraiser next Sunday, July 4, will suit almost everybody who likes to take to two wheels, with a choice of routes from 10 to 100 miles.

Organiser Peter Smith-Nicholls said the 22nd annual ride – whose entrants again include cricket legend David Gower – could be the best ride ever.

“We had lots of positive feedback last year and I think we’ve made the ride a little bit better this year,” he said.

“All the rides are circular now. You start at the top of a hill so it’s all downhill for the first 12 miles.

“There are marshals all around the course encouraging people, helping them round the course and hoping they have a good time”

The ride starts in Corfe Mullen and the shortest route is a 10-mile trip including cycle paths, country lanes and local roads.

The 20-mile alternative takes cyclists along the river Stour and through Charborough Park.

The longer rides of 38, 48 and 60 miles follow the Stour Valley to Blandford, through some of the most picturesque parts of the county.

And for the superfit, there’s a 100-mile challenge.

Last year’s event saw 975 cyclists take part, raising some £90,385.

“We can still take people in the coming days,” said Peter.

“They can still sign up until Wednesday.”

He said the long-range weather forecast looked good and there were no World Cup fixtures at all that Sunday. “There’s no excuse for not signing up,” he said.

The Daily Echo, Sunseeker and Primera are all backing the event and students from Boscombe’s Anglo-European College of Chiropractic will offer post-ride massage.

For details, visit macmillanbikeride.com or ring 01202 601705.