THE countdown is on for one of south Cumbria's biggest mass participation events.
Entries have opened for the Tour de Furness 2016, the 21st edition of the cycling spectacle, and organisers are urging people to sign up and get on their bike.
Every year the event sees around 600 cyclists prove their pedal power and raise money for local charities by working up a sweat.
RELATED ARTICLE: Record number of riders at the Tour de Furness
The Tour de Furness will be held on Sunday September 11 and there will be four routes ranging from five miles aimed at children, 13 miles for families and the leisure cyclist, 23 miles for those looking for a challenge, and 50 miles for ultra enthusiasts.
Geoff James, organiser of the event, hopes a record-breaking number of people sign up, and he is encouraging friends and work colleagues to form teams and have fun.
He said: "Anyone who enters can raise money for their own charity - that's what makes it special.
"Last year we raised £44,000 and the most was for St Mary's Hospice. They got around £12,000."
Other good causes to benefit in the past include Animal Refuge Barrow, Brathay Trust, Furness Parkinsons, Mind in Furness and Sandside Lodge.
Loyal supporters
The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Furness and has grown in popularity each year.
The routes take in some of the most breathtaking scenes around the Furness peninsula, with the longest ride going along the coast road and around Coniston Water.
The start and finish of each route will be at Roose Conservative Club, with the shorter course travelling to Rampside and back.
The entrance fee for adults is £10. Under-16s go for free but must be accompanied by an adult, while over-65s can take part for £5.
To register and for sponsor forms, click here .
Registration forms are also available at Topmark Cycles in Greengate Street, Barrow.
Tour de Furness in numbers
- First edition in 1996
- Four different routes
- 20th anniversary celebration in 2015
- Youngest rider to take part in the 50 mile route in 2015 was just 11-years-old
- 630 participants signed up in 2015
- More than 35 charities helped
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