THE cycle ride which meanders through the Colchester countryside is back for its fifth instalment this Sunday.

St Helena Hospice's annual charity event challenges cyclists with routes between ten and 75 miles, starting and ending at the scenic Monks Farm in Dedham.

Every penny raised from sponsorship will enable the hospice to continue helping people living with an incurable illness across Essex.

Lisa Chenery, events fundraiser, said: “The new routes will give participants a wonderful experience, riding through some fantastic scenery.

"The journey takes riders through the areas we provide our care in.

“We’re excited by the new routes for this year, and the response we’ve had from cyclists suggests they are too.

"There's also been a large number of entries so we can’t wait to see everyone there on the day.”

Last year, fair weather cyclists, families, and pros helped raise more than £40,000.

Registration on the day costs £30 for adults and £20 for children, aged from five to 15.

Riding begins at 8.30am and will be staggered depending on which distance you choose.

For more information click here, where you can also download and print signs, if you have a special reason for taking part.