AROUND 2,500 cyclists will be making their way into Pembrokeshire on Saturday (April 27), when the annual Carten100 takes to the road.

Since the ride between Cardiff and Tenby was first established, with small beginnings, 15 years ago, it has raised a staggering £1m for charity.

It is now proudly billed as “a unique Welsh cycling tradition”.

This year’s sell-out event will give a boost to a number of good causes, including Pembrokeshire’s own hardship charity, Patch.

A strong Pembrokeshire contingent will be taking part in the ride, which leaves from Cardiff’s City Hall and covers 108 miles to Tenby for a triumphant arrival in the town’s Tudor Square and a marquee reception at the harbour.

The aim of the Carten is not to be first to finish, but more to enjoy a social ride in the company of friends.

The riders’ organisers say the event is “not a race, not a sportive – just a ride to Tenby.”

Riding Out Taboos is the theme of the fundraising for the event’s two key charities – cervical cancer charity Jo’s Trust, together with Prostate Cymru.

Also being supported, in addition to Patch, are the Wales Air Ambulance; the National Association of Blood Bikes; Pedal Power – a Cardiff-based charity that encourages children and adults to experience the benefits of cycling; suicide prevention charity, the Jacob Abrahams Fund and Welsh homelessness charity, Llamau.

The cyclists will be leaving Cardiff in waves between 7am and 9am on Saturday, with the first due in Tenby by the early afternoon.

The majority of the riders will be arriving in the resort between 4pm and 8pm, and will make their way to the harbour for recuperative food and drink in a giant marquee, hosted by Tenby Lions.

For more information, visit www.carten100.co.uk