• Pictures of Cycle Racing around the country lanes - This image is courtesy of Photographer: Ian Britton from www.FreeFoto.com.

The rides offer the chance to take part in a long distance cycling challenge at the same time as exploring some of the most beautiful scenery in the New Forest.

The first two rides will take place on Sunday 9 May and include the 100km New Forest Day Out and the 200km New Forest Excursion.

Start and finish for both rides is Lymington town centre and the route, which travels through Burley, Fordingbridge, Brockenhurst and Bucklers Hard, takes in ancient pasture woodland, giant Redwoods, heathland, coastal grazing marshes, timber enclosures and forest lawns.

Anyone can take part but the rides are not for the faint hearted - entrants will have to be confident that they can complete the challenge and will be responsible for the roadworthiness of their own bikes.

"The council supports cycling for its contribution to healthy lifestyles and as part of its commitment to promoting sustainable transport," said Cllr Barry Rickman, portfolio holder for leisure. 

"We are very pleased to be able to put on the first of these exciting new events and we hope that we may be able to expand the cycle challenges in future to a wider range of ages and abilities."

Two further cycle challenges, including the 100km New Forest and Coast ride and a 200km New Forest On and Off Shore ride, will take place later in the year, on Sunday 5 September.

The events are being held in association with Wessex Cycle Touring Club and the national cycling association Audax UK.

Pre entry is advised.  For further details and entry forms, visit www.nfdc.gov.uk/cycle_events or telephone Dianne Bailey on 023 8028 5349.