Only in its fifth year, the Durham Beast ride is gaining a good reputation for a short, sharp shock of a ride.

It may only be 50 miles - just over now there has been another hill added, but with just under two miles of vertical climb it is a case of if you are not going up, you are going down.

Starting at one of Durham County Council's Park and Ride centres at Sniperley the mass start sees more than 750 cyclists take on 50 miles of well-signed roads around the north and west of Durham City.

With a water stop around half way - at Tow Law - there is ample time to rest for a little and see the fabulous sights from the top of the county.

For more information and route profile please go to the website where you can sign up for a great ride with some great company: www.durhambigride.co.uk