CYCLISTS across Cumbria are being urged to sign up for the Jennings Rivers Ride and help raise money for good causes across the county.

The event, rolling in and out of Keswick on Sunday May 25, is organised by Cumbria Community Foundation.

It is usually held in September, but had to be postponed last year because of the wet weather - now the pressure is on to make this year’s event an even bigger success.

Andy Beeforth, chief executive of Cumbria Community Foundation said: “The majority of the riders signed up to take part last September have been able to commit to the new date. I’m conscious that with only one Jennings Rivers Ride in a two year period, we need to raise twice the amount of money for good causes this time.

"I’d like to appeal to people, who can cycle anything from ten miles to 75 miles, to consider signing up for one of our four routes and commit to raise at least £125 for our charity. Anyone who manages to raise this sum will be rewarded with a souvenir yellow jersey - like the leading riders in the Tour De France.

“All money raised will go directly into our grant making supporting projects that provide much needed services at a grassroots level such as Life and Soul, a community group working with adults and young people with learning difficulties.

"Funding enabled the group to continue their weekly ‘Youthport’ sessions based in Maryport, allowing members to build friendships and get regular youth work and enjoy social activities.”

To tempt more cyclists, the company that is responsible for all the biking aspects of the Jennings Rivers Ride - Rather Be Cycling - is running a taster ride out of Keswick this Sunday March 23 at 10am from the Filling Station Cafe.

The inaugural Jennings Rivers Ride in 2011 attracted 750 riders who tackled everything from a family fun ride to a gruelling 75 mile slog over three Lake District passes, in 2012 more than 1,000 cyclists took up the challenge. With 1,117 people signed up to date, there are just short of 400 places up for grabs.

The Jennings Rivers Ride is a collection of four stunning Lake District bike routes for cyclists of all abilities. It’s called the Rivers Ride because sections of the routes follow the affected river courses and criss-cross over many of the bridges that were either destroyed and replaced, or were badly damaged during the floods in 2009.

To enter the Rivers Ride, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/riversride or call Nicola Howells on 01900 825760.