Taking place on Sunday 18 July this year, the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride will start at Old Haymarket, just outside the Birkenhead Tunnel entrance. The 2010 event will feature four rides:

A sportive route of around 90 miles

A challenge ride of 54 miles: Liverpool – Chester – Liverpool

A community ride of 30 miles: Liverpool – Chester

A family ride of 25 miles: Liverpool – Thornton – Liverpool ( Wirral Circular ), 25 miles

The Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride is the only cycle event with exclusive access to the Mersey Tunnel, which will allow participants to travel underneath the River Mersey, something which is practically impossible on every other day of the year, due to the volume of traffic passing through.

This year, event organisers, Pennine Events want to see more participants taking part than ever before.

Mark Sandamas, Director of Pennine Events commented: ‘Over 2,200 cyclists took to Liverpool’s roads during last year’s Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride and we are hoping that even more people will feel inspired to get on their bikes and take part this year.

‘Cycling is a fantastic way for people to have fun and get active and this event really does have something to suit all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a serious cyclist, or a complete novice, I’d encourage you to get on your bike this summer by joining in the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride.’

 Local Liverpudlian and pro-cyclist, Pete Matthews, will be taking part in this year’s Sportive Route. He was a rider in last year’s event, and is already looking forward to the ride this summer.

Pete said: ‘I take part in cycling events right across the UK, but the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool route is by far one of the best. It offers lots of off-road paths to allow cyclists to take in and enjoy the scenery, and the event is always really well manned, with marshals at hand around every corner, which makes a huge difference to the overall feel of the ride.

‘One of the main highlights of this event is the fact that participants get the opportunity to ride through the Mersey Tunnel, a five mile stretch which is otherwise closed to cyclists. This really adds a novelty factor to the day and makes it all the memorable, not only for first-timers, but for those of us who are used to these kinds of events’.

The sponsors of this year’s Bike Ride are Liverpool PCT, Active City, Merseytravel & Chester Cycling Demonstration Town.

Dr Paula Grey, Director of Public Health at Liverpool PCT, is keen to encourage more local people to take part in this year’s event. She commented: ‘We are urging people to make a healthy change to their lifestyles over a long-term period. By signing up for the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride, people could begin an active pursuit that will last for the rest of their lives.’

 The Bike Ride is a fantastic way for people to have fun and get active and we’re delighted to be supporting it this year.’

Councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel added: “The Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride has attracted tens of thousands of riders over the years and we want to help encourage lots of new cyclists to rise to the challenge and get into the saddle. This is a great opportunity to be part of something very special – either by taking part with other entrants or with friends and family.”

Entering the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride is simple. Just go to www.pennineevents.co.uk to enter online or to download an entry form for your friends, family and colleagues.