DORSET and Somerset Air Ambulance is delighted to announce that its seventh annual Coast to Coast (C2C) Cycle Challenge is now fully booked for 2017.

The event, which is not a race, involves cycling through some of Dorset and Somerset’s most beautiful countryside and takes place on Sunday, May 14, 2017.

With only 600 places available and demand higher than ever, within 11 hours of the charity announcing online registration open, all places had been filled.

Last year’s event saw cyclists of all ages and abilities take part, raising more than £81,000 (including gift aid) for the life-saving charity.

The Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge offers two different routes and distances. For those who like a challenge, the brilliant 54 mile cycle which starts in the Somerset port of Watchet and finishes at West Bay near Bridport will not disappoint.

With a mixture of quiet back roads, interspersed with some very demanding climbs and equally hairy descents, the event has something to offer for everyone.

For those that don’t want to cycle that far, there is a shorter 11 mile route which begins at Drimpton in Dorset and also finishes at West Bay.

Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Chief Executive Officer said: “Our Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge has once again proved incredibly popular.

"We know there is always a high demand for the 600 places available which is a credit to everyone involved, whether they be helping to organise, volunteering or taking part.

“This will be our seventh year in the saddle and every year seems to get better and better.

"With such a demand for places, there will undoubtedly be those who are disappointed not to gain a place.

We hope that they will continue to support the charity and the cyclists taking part, by joining us on the day both at the start, on-route and at the finishing line celebrations.

“For those who have been fortunate enough to gain a place, we hope that they will encourage their friends and families to sponsor them so that we can raise as much as possible and make this the best Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge yet.”

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has flown more than 11,500 missions since its launch in March 2000, saving many lives and aiding recovery with outstanding immediate care and rapid delivery to the hospital best suited to meet the patient’s needs. With no direct Government or National Lottery funding, we rely on the generosity of the public and events like Coast to Coast for support.