Entries are now open for the Liverpool-Chester bike ride which takes place on Sunday, July 5.

The annual cycle challenge, organised by Pennine Events, is now in its 22nd year and 2015 is giving you even more opportunities to prepare and ensure you are ready for the big day with a series of roadshows.

Supported by Merseytravel and itravelsmart, Pennine Events are hoping more than 5,000 people will take part in the 2015 ride.

A variety of routes are on offer for all abilities including a Five Mile Family Tunnel Ride, which starts and ends in Liverpool and runs through the Mersey Tunnel.

For a more challenging route there is the 25-mile Chester to Liverpool ride, which also gives you the alternative to cycle from Liverpool to Chester and guarantees a great atmosphere and a challenge to work towards at the start of 2015.

If you are feeling like 25 miles isn’t quite enough, double this and take part in a 50-mile challenge, where you have the choice of starting and finishing in Chester or cycling Liverpool to Chester before finishing the ride in Liverpool.

A 100-mile challenge is also an option for those really looking for a New Year challenge. This route takes in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, including Delamere Forest.

For the fourth consecutive year Wirral based charity Claire House will be the ride’s official partner. The event has already raised more than £120,000 for the charity.

The seven month countdown has begun and help is at hand with a series of itravelsmart Active Travel Roadshows. The first will be held outside Chester Town Hall in Northgate Street on Saturday, January 17 from 11am-3pm.

To sign up and for further details of the event and the itravelsmart Active Travel Roadshows, contact support@pennineevents.co.uk.