The long-running Bucks Off-Road Sportive takes place on Sunday 13 May, organised by the West Drayton Mountain Bike Club (WDMBC), one of the UK’s biggest mountain bike clubs.

Chris Denman, former Southern XC champ and WDMBC chairman said: “BORS started off 13 years ago after members of WDMBC took part in the Hell of the North Cotswolds and felt that there was a call for a similar event nearer to London. From then on it’s just got bigger and bigger and last year the event sold out with 600 riders.”

Steve Keating, course designing aficionado, commented: “The Bucks countryside is an incredible place to ride and although this year the event will start just inside the borders of Hertfordshire the ride soon meanders back into the Bucks countryside and I have once again designed routes that take in the best the area has to offer.

The longest distance this year remains at 132km route, which will be tough enough for even the die-hard marathon rider while the two shorter routes cater for the weekend warriors and those for that want to enjoy the stunning countryside. It really has something for everyone.”

A proportion of each entry will be donated to the South Bucks Riding for Disability Group who have up to 100 disabled horse riders and use and share many of the bridleways used along the routes and also The Chiltern Air Ambulance.

All those completing the event will receive a memento of the day, a free soft drink/pint at the licensed bar at the HQ as well as a free cup of tea to drink whilst they dissect there rides and tell their war stories.

There are three distances available – the Mega 132km, the classic 100km and the club 72m route. All routes start and end at the new event HQ the Chiltern Sports club , Maple Lodge Close Maple Lodge Close, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 2SQ which boasts better toliets and facilities from last year HQ but still remains close to the  M4, M40 and M25.

The routes are a mixture of country roads, public bridleways and single track and are clearly sign posted. Refreshments and aid stations will be well stocked thanks to generous contributions from The Feed Station.

Professional photographer Simon Slater will also be on hand to take photos of the riders at various points around the routes.

Pre-entry has closed but there will be entry on the day available for a surcharge. Full details of the event are at www.bucksoffroadsportive.co.uk