HUNDREDS of riders took to the roads in Dorset today for the fifth Wiggle Bournemouth Sportive cycling event.

Some 750 people joined this non-competitive event, joining one of three courses starting at Chapel Gate Sports Center at East Parley early this morning.

Glorious sunshine greeted the cyclists as they explored the countryside of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, with a choice of three distances - a 103 mile route, a 75mile, and a 48 mile course.

Taking in quiet rural roads and outstanding natural beauty, the courses crossed the River Avon and skirted around the western edge of the New Forest.

Highlights included panoramic views of distant Somerset from Bulbarrow, Dorset’s highest point, the model village of Milton Abbas and North Dorset’s North Downs.

The event was organised by UK Cycling Events and riders paid between £20 and £35 to take part.

Events logistics manager Jo Pickering, who ran the event, said: "We have 750 cyclists out there today enjoying the sunshine - it's a beautiful day for it. It's not a competitive race - we give people their times for their own benefit - its about going out riding and encouraging a healthy lifestyle."

"We have medical and mechanical assistance around the routes so it can be enjoyed by all types of cyclists. I've seen children from eight to 14 out riding with their parents, we've got people who have just come off Ride London stretching their legs here after last weekend, groups of friends - all types of people. And the weather has been absolutely brilliant which really does help.

"The ride touches on the edge of the New Forest, goes through lovely villages and around hills - people have been complementing us on the routes and saying how beautiful the scenery is out there."

Some 250 took on the longest ride, with most choosing the middle distance.

The riders started off from 7.45am, with the quickest completing the longest course in six hours. All riders were asked to be back by 5pm.

See wiggle.co.uk for more details.