HUNDREDS of riders have set off today for a mass cycling event through the New Forest.

As reported yesterday, the event which will see riders take to Hampshire's roads  announced a last-minute route change.

The Wiggle New Forest 100 route was due to bypass Bashley, Sway and Brockenhurst but the new route will take in the villages.

Organisers announced that all three of the event's routes would change.

Never-the less 2,000 riders have been taking part ion the event today.

The annual Wiggle New Forest 100 Sportive, which runs today and tomorrow, starts at Somerley House in Ringwood and follow either the 54 short, 66, standard or 101 epic routes,

Depending on the length of the route that a participant follows, they could travel through Brockenhurst, up to Romsey, close to Salisbury, down through Ashford, Three Legged Cross and Hurn.

Natalie Hicks, head of UK Cycling Events, which organises the Wiggle rides, said: "We have about 2,000 people, which is a normal amount. People tend to travel up to 60 or even 100 miles to take part.

"There are lots of people that are doing this for charity while others are doing it for their own personal achievement."

She said that one group has already raised £2,000 for Cardiomyopathy UK ahead of the event taking place.

"It's for people to enjoy. This is the first year that we have held the event at Somerley House and it has better facilities and a beautiful backdrop of the house.

"The backdrop of the roads through the New Forest inspire you"

Natalie went on to say that Somerley House is open for the public to take a look around all weekend as part of the event.

She said that 'the Olympics always encourages people to ride their bikes and kids take part along with adults, making it part of their family life.

David Stain, 52, from Highcliffe, who is a member of Bournemouth Arrow Club, was taking on the 54-mile route with his son, Connor, 12.

David said: "We did the Isle of Wight cycle last week and we are going to Majorca to cycle around there next week.

"We cycle as a family quite a bit and Connor was southern mountain bike champion for three years before coming in third this time.

"We have seen all sorts of people taking part. I think people are softening to cycling in terms of their complaints with motorists. Cycling has taken off in a really positive way."

All riders from the two-day event must return back to Somerley House by 5pm on each day.

Neale Haynes, 42, Tim Cockburn, 32, from North London and Philip Davies, 38, from Windsor, are taking on the 101-mile route wearing black and white striped 'Inmate' shirts.

Neale said: "We are here just for a ride and it's a bit of fun. We have previously taken on the London to Brighton ride. It will be fine as long as we stop at plenty of pubs along the way."

Tom Payne, 38, from Horley in Surrey, was also taking on the 101-mile route. He said: "I have done the Isle of Man cycle and other Wiggle ride events. I did the Wiggle New Forest ride in April as I have family down here."

Babs Becker and Michael Hummel, both 4 from Farnborough, are taking on the 54-mile. Babs said: "We did the Wiggle Bournemouth Sportive and I just started cycling this year. Michael has been doing this for years."

Benjamin Wilson and Maria Gregson, both 22, were taking on the 54-mile route. Benjamin said: "It's our second official event together, but normally we cycle with family and friends."