The Merlin Ride returns for 2011 on July 3 with four distances on offer.

The cyclosportive gives amateurs the chance to ride in a mass group, on controlled roads, with the support of Dyfed Powys Police and a motor cycle escort.

Riders can choose from the 24-mile Towy Ride, 56-mile Druid Ride, 70-mile Cothi Ride and full 104-mile Merlin Ride.

The Towy Ride follows the main route for the first 12 miles before making a return to the Garden via the beautiful Towy valley.

The three main rides navigate their way up to the summit of the Black Mountain, part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The descent is best described as technical, but one of the fastest and most exhilarating in Wales and forms part of the Tour of Britain – they climb, we descend.

Merlin riders finish with the last big climb of the day up to the wind farm at Moelfre at 335m. Feed stations are available on all routes.

The event kicks off from the National Botanic Garden of Wales and supports three charities: Wales Air Ambulance, Macmillan Cancer Support and Ty Hafan.

Register before March 31 to be entered into a free prize draw for a Condor Italia bike.

Entry is available online only at www.merlincycletours.co.uk