THE Acorn Dalmatian Bike Ride is all set for the off with a record number of riders saddling up this year.

A total of 353 people have so far signed on the ‘spotted’ line with a route capacity 200 set to take on the relatively flat Brecon to Newport ride along the canal bank.

Riders will gather at Caerleon Cricket Club to board coaches to Brecon for their ride while entrants in the 40-mile event will set off from the same location afterwards.

All riders will meet back at The Priory, Caerleon, at the completion of the event for a celebration barbecue, presentation and family fun afternoon.

Cyclists not already committed can sign up on the day but organisers say they’ll need to wait to get their Acorn Dalmatian Bike Ride sponsor emblazoned commemorative cycling vest.

Dalmatian Bike Ride organiser Dave Rees said: “With just a matter of a few days to go until the 2017 Dalmatian Bike Ride happens, we are still signing people up for the ride although our very popular canal route, from Brecon to Newport, is now full. There are though two flat routes around Newport one of 20 miles which takes about two hours and another of 40 miles.

“We have raised more than £131,000 over the six years that we have staged the Dalmatian Bike Ride and we’re looking to add to that quite considerably in 2017. We can’t thank Acorn enough for their support and also other sponsors who help make the event the success that it is including The Canal and River Trust in Wales.”

The Acorn Dalmatian Bike Ride 2017, which raises funds for St David’s Hospice Care, is on Saturday, June 10. For all details regarding the ride, routes and entry, visit www.dalmatianbikeride.com or for even more details contact Dave Rees at daverees61@ntlworld.com 07768 781040 or call St David’s Hospice Care on 016338 51051.