BOXER turned cyclist Kelli Salone wants as many women as possible to hop on the saddle this weekend to join thousands of other ladies around the world taking part in a 61 mile cycle.

And Kellie has promised there will be plenty of tea and cake during the cycling sisterhood event, as well as a pit stop to refresh and have a natter.

“It’s all about coffee and cakes when you go riding,” said mum-of-two Kelli. “We want as many women to join us as possible.”

The 45-year-old, who runs Dame Cycling and lives in Hannington, is one of around 30 Swindon ladies taking on the Rapha 100k this Sunday which coincides with Swindon Cycle Festival running from 10am to 4pm.

Cyclists are invited to meet at the County Ground at 8am where Dark Room Expresso will be on hand providing a caffeine boost before the ride gets underway.

Individuals will be put in groups depending on their ability with an experienced leader at the front and back, but Kelli is advising only people who have cycled 50 miles before should take part.

The route will pass through areas such as Royal Wootton Bassett and Calne so people can feel the wind in their face and enjoy the scenic views along the way. There will also be a rest and regroup in Calne at Fay’s Bistro.

They are hoping to return back in Swindon at around 2pm to not miss out on the festival action at the County Ground.

“The whole thing is women all over the world are riding 100k. It feels nice that people in all the different countries are doing it with you,” said Kelli.

“It is also what Dame is all about, pushing people to do new things but with the support of other women achieving what they want to achieve.

“There are a lot of ride clubs in Swindon and they’ve all got women in. The whole idea is to bring the women together for this no matter what club they are part of.

“It’s really nice it’s on the same day as Swindon Cycle Festival and it gets everyone thinking about cycling.”

Despite there being torrential rain the past two years Kelli has organised the ride, she is keeping her fingers crossed there is sunshine this year, but whatever the weather she has promised the event will go on.

She also wants to warn drivers they will be embarking on the ride and for them to take care, as on Sunday when they did a practice run one of the women got knocked off by a car trying to overtake, hitting the woman who fell off her bike and banged her head.

“People do need to realise when they are overtaking that we are travelling too,” Kelli added.

For more information on the ride call Kelli on 07718585000 or search Dame Cycling Swindon on Facebook.