Registration for a hugely popular female-only cycling event in Bury St Edmunds is now open.

East Anglian Daily Times: Last year's Women on Wheels event at Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTLast year's Women on Wheels event at Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Women on Wheels (WoW) is back for its fifth year in Bury St Edmunds and to celebrate the anniversary, next year’s event will also include a ‘park party’ following the ride for participants, family and friends.

Next year’s event will take place on Sunday, July 8, starting from Nowton Park and will include four routes to suit all abilities, with 10, 25, 50 or 70-mile distances available.

The female-only bike ride is aimed at woman of all abilities and is open to all ages.

This year’s event attracted a record 227 riders and raised £9,332 for Bury St Edmunds-based charity St Nicholas Hospice Care.

East Anglian Daily Times: Last year's Women on Wheels event attracted 227 riders. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTLast year's Women on Wheels event attracted 227 riders. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The Bury St Edmunds is one of five WoW events which will be held across Suffolk next year and is organised by Abbeycroft Leisure in partnership with Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Sport.

The series of events will be supported by specialist bike retailer Revel Outdoors and brewer Adnams.

George Chilvers, community fundraiser at St Nicholas Hospice Care, said: “We’re delighted that Women on Wheels has become a permanent fixture in our fundraising calendar and we’re ever so grateful for the wonderful amount raised and all the support that we have received.

“Every day it costs over £12,000 to keep the hospice running and it’s thanks to the amazing support from events like WOW that we are able to continue offering the vital services we provide throughout West Suffolk and Thetford.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Women on Wheels event in Bury St Edmunds last year. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTThe Women on Wheels event in Bury St Edmunds last year. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Sarah Wightman, owner of Revel Outdoors, said: “It’s amazing that WoW Bury St Edmunds is now in it’s fifth year and going from strength to strength.

“We are hoping even more women and girls will joins us on these enjoyable and friendly rides this year and discover the fun of cycling.

“We’re so pleased to be a part of this fantastic event.”

Alison Blackwell, Abbeycroft Leisure’s development director, said: “Work has already started on next year’s event, and we’re hoping for even more ladies and girls to take part.

“It’s a great day, with lots of fun, coffee and cake and now we’re adding picnics, prosecco and barbecues into the mix.

“Cycling is a great way to appreciate our beautiful county and this event helps us in our ambition to become England’s most active county.”

Ladies who register now will receive a 50% early bird discount or can donate the discount if they prefer.

For more information about the event, visit www.wowsuffolk.org.uk or the St Nicholas Hospice Care website at www.stnicholashospice.org.uk