CYCLISTS are gearing up for a popular annual challenge taking entrants on trails of more than 100 miles.

The challenge, organised by Darlington Borough Council’s Healthy Darlington team, sees cyclists take on four tough tracks, ranging from 50 miles and beyond to test even the most experienced cyclists.

The first of the rides, The Round 50, will take place on June 3. It takes in 50 miles of County Durham and North Yorkshire countryside and is an opportunity to begin preparation for the longer rides.

The 70 on July 1 follows a route created by members of Darlington Cycling Club, through some of County Durham’s most scenic areas.

The Castles Ride on August 5 can help to prepare anyone thinking of tackling The Hell of the North in September. It is an extremely challenging route in its own right, stretching 85 miles with some tough climbing over Redmire and Harkerside Moors

The ride is linked by castles along the route, including Richmond, Middleham, Bolton, and Walworth castles.

The final and most gruelling ride of the series is The Hell of The North on September 2. It continues to be the most popular of the rides and is a tough test for riders and is recommended for experienced cyclists only.

The extremely challenging route covers more than 100 miles of scenery as participants check in at Kirby Stephen before making their way back through Brough, towards Middleton-in-Teesdale, and on to Darlington.

Cyclists can register online by visiting eventbrite.co.uk/darlingtoncyclerides. Alternatively, email eventsteam@darlington.gov.uk or visit healthydarlington.co.uk/events and search cycle rides.