CYCLISTS are out and about in the New Forest agaom today as the area hosted its first mass cycling event of the year.

Hundreds of riders are taking part in the two-day Wiggle New Forest Spring Sportive, which is based at Somerley House, near Ringwood.

Entrants can tackle either the “epic” route of 84 miles or the “standard” course of 67 miles.

The first day of the event on Saturday saw hundreds of cyclists taking part, with a second day taking place today.

They will pass through the villages of Sway, Beaulieu and Lepe before heading towards the centre of the district. After arriving at Lyndhurst they will go under the M27 and then will travel through the Bramshaw area before heading back to Somerley House via Godshill and Fordingbridge.

Everyone taking part in the event has been asked to observe the New Forest Cycle Code.

In the past the Spring Sportive and other rides organised by UK Cycling Events have sparked hostility between locals and cyclists, with some residents sprinkling tacks in the road in a bid to sabotage the event.

But more recent rides have proved less controversial, with few complaints and no reports of sabotage.