The Suffolk Villages Cycle Ride takes place every year in June. This popular and established charity sportive offers cycling at its best through glorious Suffolk countryside and quaint villages and this year will take place on the 22 June.

In this article John Drury, Stowmarket Lions organiser of this sportive from 2015, talks about his personal experience of this popular ride - this year in support of three great causes; Saint Nicholas Hospice Care, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Lions charities.

“As a serious amateur cyclist and new to Suffolk, I was introduced to the ride during a period of rehab after a cycling injury that had side-lined me for some time.

“I signed up for the 75km route and was very pleasantly surprised to find an extremely well organised event with excellent route signage, marshalling, and a professional approach from start to finish.

“Having cycled many national and international sportives I found myself adding the ride to my annual event diary and have enjoyed the beautiful scenery this event has to offer ever since.

“I have now been given the opportunity to combine my passion for cycling with organising this wonderful event, started some six years ago by Brian Rowson of the Stowmarket Lions. I look forward to building on Brian’s success combining an event with longer distance options and facilities to embrace the competitive club cyclist, whilst ensuring the shorter distance options are thoroughly enjoyed by the family and fun riders that return to us year after year.

“See you on Sunday June 22.”

Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just want to give a sportive a try why not join us on this year’s Suffolk Villages Cycle Ride on June 22. There are three scenic routes to suit all abilities from novice to the experienced sportive rider.

Each of the three routes are clearly marked with colour coded signs, marshal points, travelling marshal, feed stations, first aid and cycle mechanic facilities. Refreshments are also available at the start/finish location.

Come and join us for a great day out and accept the challenge for the Saint Nicholas Hospice Care, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, and Lions charities.

Online entries close June 20 so hurry and enter today.