THE first event in the Test Valley Tour Spring Road Route got off to a great start with hot spring sunshine and more than 500 riders.

The ride which started at Longstock Park Nursery, part of the Leckford Estate owned and run by the John Lewis Partnership.

Riders were given the choice of either a 20km, 50km or 100km marked route taking them through quiet country lanes and villages.

The Test Valley Tour is the umbrella name for a series of five seasonal cycling events and packs of permanent cycling and walking routes which are available to follow throughout the year.

Teresa Bradley, marketing and events officer for Test Valley Borough Council said: "The real beauty of our roads and mountain bike events is that all the route planning is done for you."

But cyclists who like to get more involved with route planning can take part in the next event of the series in 13 June, a Trailtrax ride, described as orienteering on a bike.

Riders will navigate their way to check points identified on a map where they will gather at as many points as they can.

For the first time this year the council is offering a bike hire service to anyone who doesn't have a bike but wants to join the tour.

This service will be available for the Hot Mountain Bike Challenge due to take place on 25 July.