SADDLE up and enjoy the “party atmosphere” in the Tour de Furness.

That is the message from organiser Graham Postlethwaite, who has promised the charity ride will be fun for riders of all capabilities.

The tour will be held on Sunday September 13, and will start from Roose Conservative Club in Barrow.

The event, which is organised by The Rotary Club of Furness, enjoyed its most successful year in 2014.

The ride attracted 631 cyclists and raised more than £50,000 for St Mary’s Hospice and other local charities.

Speaking about the 20th charity ride, Mr Postlethwaite said: “We are hoping that we will beat what we did last year.

“It was exceptional last year in terms of support, but if we can match it, we will be very happy, if we could beat it we will be ecstatic.”

Four routes are on offer for riders of all ages and capabilities, however Mr Postlethwaite was quick to stress that regardless of route choice, the event was not a race.

He said: “It is a sponsored ride and that is the main thing.

“The Tour de Furness (13 miles), Family Fun ride (five miles), the Furness 23 (23 miles) and the Coniston 50 (50 miles) are the route options; all offer their own unique and tranquil views of the South Lakes for participants to enjoy.

“The main one is the 50-mile route that goes to Coniston. Families will go on either the five-mile route, which just goes on footpaths down to Rampside, or the 13-mile route, which goes from Roose down to the coast road, up through Leece, and then round Furness Abbey before returning to Roose.

“When everybody returns to Roose we have bacon butties, cups of tea, cans of pop, crisps and stuff like that.”

“All the kids that enter get a medal and everyone gets a signed certificate saying what ride they’ve completed, and it’s a real party atmosphere.

“Fingers crossed the weather will be kind to us as it has been the past few years because it’s a lovely atmosphere.”

The entrance fee for adults is £10 up to August 30; it will cost £20 thereafter. Anyone over the age of 10 can enter. Under-16s go for free but must be accompanied by an adult, while over-65s can take part for £5. Entries close on September 5.