Good morning Sunners,

Heavy rain may have fallen across the region overnight – but a group of cyclists, who'll be pedalling their way along the picturesque east coast this morning, are hoping the rain will stay away.

A group of cyclists working together on Old Coach Rd in 2014.

Today's fourth annual BOP Coast ‘n' Country Cycle Challenge will see about 500 riders take on the largely flat cycle ride between Mount Maunganui and Whakatane – starting at Mount Maunganui College this year at 9.15am.

They have the choice of either a 100 kilometre slog from Mount Maunganui to Whakatane or 50 kilometre from Pukehina Primary School.

Each year a portion of the race entry fee is donated to Waipuna Hospice – between $3000 and $4000.

The 100 km race starts 9.15am from Mount Maunganui College, and the 50km race from Pukehina School begins 10am. Both rides finish at Rex Morpeth Park, Whakatane.

Check out what else is happening in and around the region today below:

Sunday 24 May

Bay Bible Fellowship/Lord's Day

Worship service at Welcome Bay Primary School Hall, 309 Welcome Bay Rd 10am. Colossians 4:3-6 'Walking through opened doors.” Lincoln Forlong. www.bbf.net.net

Bethlehem Primary School Annual Cow Dump

And gala day cnr Carmichael & Bethlehem Rd 11am - 2pm. Games, rides, food, raffles & huge toy & games sale.

Bible Seminars

Every Sun at Greerton Senior Citizen's Hall, Maitland St, Greerton 1.45pm. Title: 'Lessons from important people in the Old Testament”. Interactive, Q&A. Refreshments provided. Vic 543 0504

Krishna Kirtan

And vegetarian dinner in Tauranga, 4th Sunday of month, on koha basis. Bela or Bhadra for venue details 552 0073

Otumoetai Indoor Bowls

Champion of Champion Singles at Mount Sports Centre 9am start. New members welcome. Karen 576 0443

Papamoa Lions Club Market

Held second & fourth Sunday of month at Simpson Reserve, cnr Dickson & Parton Rd 7.30-12.30pm.

Petanque Tga/BOP Club

Every Sun & Thurs at Cliff Rd 12.45pm. Boules available, tuition given. 578 3606

Quakers in Tauranga

Mainly silent worship, hour long meeting followed by tea & talk. Every Sunday in hall behind Brain Watkins Historic House 10am. 544 0448

Radio Controlled Model Yachts

Meet Sun & Thurs 1.30pm at pond behind 24 Montego Drive, Papamoa, to sail electron & similar 3ft long yachts for fun. Beginners welcome. Graham 572 5419

Spiritual Centre, The Psychic Cafe

Community Hall, Greerton. Doors open 7pm for 7.15pm. Learn & discuss with 10 or more spiritual, psychic & healing practitioners. Fellowship & friendship. Door charge $10, everything else free. 578 7205

Taize at St Georges

Contemplative service using the music of the Taize Community 7pm. www.stgeorgesgatepa.org.nz

The Pink Floyd Experience

Wish You Were Here 40th anniversary tour at Baycourt Theatre 8pm. 577 7189 or baycourtboxoffice@tauranga.govt.nz

The Tauranga Wedding Show

The best wedding suppliers & the brightest wedding ideas all in one place, on one day- a must attend event for all couples to be! Arena Baypark 10am – 4pm. Adults $10, children 15 years & under free.

Theosophical Society

'People power - saving the planet: A look at desert reclamation & what we can learn from it.” Tauranga Yoga Centre, Elizabeth St 2pm. Entry by donation, all welcome. June 576 6106

Underwater Hockey

Every Sunday at Baywave. Gear & coaching available for beginners. New members welcome. Juniors (under 15) 5-6.15pm. Seniors (over 15) 6-7.40pm. Lance 027 287 4731 or lancepotaka@orcon.net.nz

Western Bay Harness Club AGM

May 24 10.30am. For venue details 543 2152