Following the success of the 2009 event, Breast Cancer Campaign's Pedal it Pink is returning to Nottingham this October (Sunday 17).

Over 500 women dusted off their bikes to take part in Nottingham’s first Pedal it Pink and raised £40,000 to beat breast cancer. This year we hope to be even bigger and pinker so we need you to join us in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to put the brakes on breast cancer.

The women-only cycle ride, sponsored by Santander, has now gone nationwide but organisers and participants are excited about returning to Nottingham for a second time. This year, Breast Cancer Campaign is urging the women of Nottinghamshire to gear up for the ultimate cycling challenge by signing up to the marathon distance at Pedal it Pink, to stay in shape while supporting this worthwhile cause.

One woman who is determined to get back in the saddle is Valerie Waites, 62 from Sherwood, who is taking part in Pedal it Pink for the second year after losing her close friend Julie to breast cancer three years ago. Valerie will be joined by her daughter and a group of friends from Rosemary Conley’s Slimming classes from across Arnold, Mapperley, Sherwood and Ravenshead, where she is a member. The ladies will be cycling for a fundraising, as well as a weight loss, challenge.

Valerie said: “The atmosphere at last year’s event was fantastic, it was great to see lots of women cycling together for this good cause and also lovely to see little kids getting involved in the Family 5K Lap. I cycled in memory of my good friend who passed away from breast cancer and will be doing it again for her this October.

“I’ve encouraged my daughter Teresa to cycle with me, as well as a group of friends from Rosemary Conley slimming classes from across Nottingham, so we’re all geared up for the half marathon and we’re looking forward to seeing The National Water Sports Centre turn pink once again.”

Pedal it Pink has a variety of cycle routes to choose from so there is something to suit all abilities, but most women enjoy the ultimate challenge of cycling a marathon distance around the park. Not only is this fantastic exercise but also a real life goal for many ladies who haven’t ridden a bike in years. There is also a half marathon distance and a family 5k lap which is open to men and children too.  All routes are completely enclosed within the park, so it’s safe, traffic free and suitable for all existing and aspiring cyclists.

Catriona Wright, Events Manager at Breast Cancer Campaign said: “So far Pedal it Pink has raised more than £205,000 and we’d like to encourage you to help us continue to add to this amount by joining us for the second Nottingham event.

“Not only is cycling a great way to stay fit but the challenge of the event is sure to make it a fun day out for friends and family with all proceeds going to a very worthwhile cause.  Whether you’re looking for a physical challenge, a fundraising challenge, or quite simply a fun day out, why not join us this year and do your bit for those affected by breast cancer?”

Cycling is a great form of cardiovascular exercise, which helps to burn fat and if done regularly, contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Cycling is also great for toning leg muscles and can burn up to 500 calories an hour.

If you would like to register for Pedal it Pink and help put the brakes on breast cancer, please visit www.breastcancercampaign.org, email pedalitpink@breastcancercampaign.org or call 020 7749 3700. Registration is £15 for the marathon, £10 for the half marathon and £5 for the family 5k lap and all participants are encouraged to raise £100 to help beat breast cancer.