Organisers of the Devon Coast to Coast Challenge sponsored cycle ride revealed a new route for this year's event at the launch party in Barnstaple on Sunday.

This year's challenge on Sunday 5 June 2011 will be a sponsored cycle ride, in aid of North Devon Hospice, from Bideford to .... Bideford. 

The route was announced at Sunday's Coast to Coast launch party at the Inn on the Square in Barnstaple. 

The unexpectedly large crowd of eager cyclists overflowed from the

upstairs function room at the pub as entrants queued to sign up to the

challenge.

There will be two route options; The more hardy cyclists will

tackle the Z route which covers 104 miles travelling via Barnstaple

through Winkleigh, Petrockstowe, Dolton and Torrington.  Less

experienced riders are advised to take the 66 mile D route.  This course

will take them on a shorter circular route.

Last year's event from South to

North Devon raised over £30,000 for the North Devon Hospice.  Organiser

Simon Paddon won an award for his part in organising the event.  His employers Lloyds

TSB presented Simon with the 'Making a difference 2010' 'Best individual fund raiser Gold

Award' in December last year.  Simon said:

'I am dead chuffed; and although it's my name on the

award, I represent the entire team who organizes the ride each year. It

really is great to be recognized in this way'.

As well as a trophy Simon was also presented with an extra £500 to add to sponsor money for the North Devon Hospice.

All details of the challenge are available on the Devon Coast to Coast Challenge website.  Entry fee is £20 for either route and you can sign up online.

Editor's

note:  Emma Lowe who is part of the Devon Coast to Coast organising

team for North Devon Hospice has been nominated as a Local Legend on barnstaplepeople.co.uk.  Online voting begins 18 February.