CYCLISTS of all ages and abilities will be on their bikes on Sunday when they take part in three different rides all leaving from The Green, Devizes.

Bike Events has organised both the Wiltshire Big Wheel Ride and Wiltshire 100 that set off between 7am and 10.30am. Serious riders who want to test themselves on a 100-mile route set off first followed by those aiming for 45 miles and finally the family riders on the 12-mile route.

People taking part are able to raise money for any charity of their own choice. The Big Wheel events both take in the Vale of Pewsey and the family cyclists can even stop for lunch at the Kings Arms in All Cannings.

The Wiltshire 100 sets off to the west to the Wylye valley and then goes on to Wilton and Salisbury before returning through the Avon Valley and the Pewsey Vale before finishing in Devizes.

One of the organisers said: "The 100-mile route features chip-timing and web results so after the event, entrants can see their overall time and average speed along with the opportunity to compare time with friends.

Among those going for the longest distance are Devizes friends Craig Townsend, Paul Paradise and Carl Minshull.

Mr Townsend, 34, of Quakers Walk, Devizes, will be raising money for the Forever Friends appeal at the Royal United Hospital, Bath in memory of hairdresser Kelly Ross who died in July aged 32 after losing a short battle with cancer.

Mr Paradise and Mr Minshull will both be raising money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. They both took up cycling in a bid to lose weight and are reaping the benefits.

Mr Minshull, 33, who works at Cross Manufacturing, Devizes, took up the sport four months ago and is now four stones lighter.

Mr Paradise, 32, of Forty Acres Road, Devizes, has also seen a dramatic drop in his weight since and improvement in his health since getting on his bike. The web developer said: "Two years ago I was 21 stone and my doctor said my type 2 diabetes was not under control. I decided to change my lifestyle so I went on a diet and started cycling.

"I lost nearly nine stone over a year and half and I'm now no longer diabetic, my blood pressure is now normal and so is my cholesterol. So I decided to enter into the Wiltshire 100 to challenge myself.

"I selected Wiltshire Air Ambulance because a family member a few years ago was treated by them, but sadly he passed away from the injuries.You never know when you will need them yourself."

For more information about Sunday's events go to bike-events.co.uk/Ride.aspx?id=503