Hundreds of cyclists across the north-east are gearing up for a 73-mile adventure sportive this weekend.
There is still time to sign up for Sunday’s fundraising cycle for the Methlick Branch of the Royal British Legion.
The ride starts at Ballater’s Deeside Inn and finishes up at the Ythanview Hotel in Methlick – taking in both the Deeside and Formartine and Buchan Way railway lines.
It comes following a successful first Methlick Cycle Challenge in 2015, with a shorter challenge introduced for those not keen on the full Deeside to Formartine route.
The event has been designed for mountain or hybrid bikes, and this year will feature some special off-road sections for thrill seekers.
Organiser Boyd Ross said: “We are doing really well on the entries, we have about 130 to 150 folk. It is well up on last year. We are just hoping the weather stays nice.
“We have spiced it up with some off-road sections given how popular cycling is and also seeing a lot of interest in adventure cycling.
“We are recommending either mountain bikes or hybrid bikes, the road bikes haven’t got the gears and some of the conditions under wheel are going to be kind of muddy and such like.”
The shorter routes include a 20-mile cycle from Dyce to the finishing point, which is aimed at families and younger riders.
Transport is being offered from Methlick to Ballater for participants, with bacon rolls, tea and coffee available at the starting point, and a barbecue and showers at the finish.
Marshals and road signs will be in place along the route. For more information visit www.methlickchallenge.co.uk