Around 60 mountain bikers will set of from Stevenage tomorrow to brave the cold conditions for a muddy 20-mile charity off-road bike ride.

The Comet: The Santa Cruise charity bike ride aims to raise £2,000 for the Angels Support Group.The Santa Cruise charity bike ride aims to raise £2,000 for the Angels Support Group. (Image: Archant)

But these canny cyclists won’t be dressed in lythe Lycra. Instead they’ll be decked out in cumbersome Santa costumes.

The bikers are taking on the challenge for the second year running to support the Angels Support Group in Hitchin – a charitable organisation which supports parents and carers of children with autism or ADHD.

The ride is organised by staff and friends of Contour Cycles in Broadwater Crescent, Stevenage.

The course starts at Contour Cycles and makes its way to Mardley Heath, Harmer Green, Tewin, Bramfield and Datchworth before finishing back in Stevenage at the Roebuck Inn.

Neil Bartle, who is taking part, told the Comet: “It’s really fun but it’s pretty tough doing it in a Santa costume. We have a van so if anyone is struggling we can sort them out. It’s quite a tough challenge.”

If you want to join the ride tickets are still available from Contour Cycles.

Check the Comet website for pictures after the event.

You can also donate to the cause at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/santacruise2017.