CTC, the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation, have announced the addition of two new off-road events to their 2012 Challenge Ride series.

Saturday February 25 will see the first event – named the Ride to the Pies – take place in the Dorset countryside from Blandford Forum. There will be two routes available – 20 and 32 miles – and each will be fully signposted with feedstops en-route.

They will be suitable for either mountain bikes or cyclo-cross bikes so the choice is yours. The longer route features more technical sections than the shorter so is recommended for more experienced mountain bike or cyclo-cross riders. Entries are limited to 400 riders and all riders will also get a free pie at the finish courtesy of event sponsor Birds Eye.

Guildford, Surrey, will then host the second event on Saturday May 26. More details will be announced in due course.

John Storms, CTC Membership Manager, explains why the off road events have been added to the series: “2011 was a great first year for our revamped Challenge Ride series and the overwhelming request was for off-road events run on a similar format to the road sportives.

“Dorset and Guildford have some great trails and we’re using courses designed by local riders to offer the best routes in the area. At Dorset all riders will also get a free pie or two at the finish courtesy of Birds Eye.”

Entry costs £15 for CTC members or £20 for non-members. Enter online at www.ctcchallengerides.co.uk