Ready for big day of cycling

Preparations for this year's Tour of the Bay are well underway, with a new kit launched and the four courses set.

The 22nd annual cycling event kicks off on October 14, with four courses catering for young, old, casual and dedicated riders.

The four different courses that are returning from last year's event are the 105km, 50km, 20km and a 10km fun ride.

Event organiser Vanessa van Kampen said she was expecting many of last year's participants to return to beat their times.

"Traditionally we get about 1000 riders so it's an exciting event to be part of," she said. "We expect to go over 1000 this year. The main thrust of it is it's a fun ride, it's not about winning."

The event begins at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park. Participants can travel the stretch of Taihape Rd if they are doing the 105km course, or remain as close to home as Nicholl Rd in the 10km ride.

Ramblers Cycling Club member Jason Kelly said the cycling club was very supportive of the event, which Hawke's Bay Today is a sponsor.

"Ramblers certainly support it, it's a fun ride for riders of all abilities, it's not a race," Mr Kelly said. "We just want to encourage people to go riding.

"Obviously the more people that go riding, the better. It's just a fun, healthy pastime."