CONTROVERSIAL bike ride Velo Birmingham will take place today - but the road to the starting line has been a bumpy one, with more twists and turns than, well, a 100-mile cycle race.

We've been with you every step of the way reporting on all the ups and downs that have led to this point. Here we sum up just what all the fuss has been about.

First things first, what is it?

Organisers are using the strapline - 100 miles. Closed Roads. 15,000 cyclists. That pretty much sums it up.

So why has a bike ride caused so much controversy?

It's basically the closed roads bit. 15,000 riders will cycle from Birmingham, passing through Worcestershire and Staffordshire, before returning to Britain's second city. That's a lot of cyclists so the roads are closed - in some places for up to eight hours.

Are people really that bothered about this?

Yes. There are several main gripes

 - Lost trade

Pubs have said they will have no choice but to shut because neither customers or staff will be able to get to them. We wrote about it in March.

Other businesses have been forced to operate reduced hours.

Julie Taylor, site manager at the Wharf Caravan Park, who said: "We've had to put up or shut up.

"I've got four people booked for the weekend when usually I have around 20.

"If you do come here you won't be able to leave until after the race has finished so it was either that or don't come at all.

"People are choosing to not come at all."

 - Inconvenience

Some people have said they will be trapped in their own homes for large parts of the day. Others are worried about elderly relatives being cut off or care workers not being able to reach clients. Concerns about access by emergency services were raised. A vicar said he would struggle to run his Sunday services.

However, organiser CSM Active says it does have measures in place for emergency access and has offered to make individual arrangements with anyone who needs help. 

 - Lack of consultation and communication

People have complained that they weren't consulted before the decision was taken by officers at Worcestershire County Council to allow the race to go ahead. There have been accusations that the council didn't actually know what it was signing up to- which we wrote about here. 

But, once the decision was made, many said they initially knew nothing about it.

Mark Phillips, owner of the Wharf Inn in Holt Fleet said: "This was all signed, sealed and delivered before they contacted any of us about it."

"I've written to the organisers and their response has been negligent.

"At first they ignored it and they only really replied when I continue to pursue it."

But, since the outcry, organisers have tried to send out more information to residents.

Has anyone listened to these worries?

Yes. The council has been in contact with many business owners and residents and, after hearing about some difficulties, it gave Velo Birmingham an ultimatium - help people or we'll cancel. We wrote about it here.

Subsequently a decision was made to change the route. It will now miss out Herefordshire completely and spend more time in Staffordshire. Here's our story about it.

How will the ride affect Worcestershire?

The main places affected will be in Holt Heath, north of Worcester, Ombersley and Droitwich/Cutnall Green. A list of road closures is below.

Is anyone happy about the Velo?

Yes. Some people have pointed out that the riders are raising money for charity and said they are looking forward to the spectacle of the day.

Simon Berry, from the Gardeners Arms in Droitwich has organised a street party to celebrate.

The event will include live music hosted by Sally Halsall, real ale and cider and a barbecue provided by Deliciously Squared Catering.

There will be a stewarded crossing outside to ensure visitors are safe.

Other local businesses supporting the street party include The Unlimited Company, The Missing Link bike shop and Street Prestige Cars.

Mr Berry said: We're a charitable nation and we're a great sporting nation.

"With this being the second biggest bike ride in the country and it's all for a worthwhile cause, it's very important that we support it."

Will it all be over by tonight?

No. CSM has apparently got a contract with Birmingham City Council for five years. But one Worcestershire County Councillor, Ken Pollock, has already said that any future for the race in the county will have to be discussed - a LOT. We published his comments here.

What else do I need to know?

- Businesses staying open

Businesses that will stay open, despite road closures, include:

The Wharf Inn, Holt Fleet

The Wharf Caravan Park, Holt Fleet

The King's Arms, Ombersley

The Cross Key's Inn, Ombersley will be open, but dining starts at later time of 3.30pm

The Crown & Sandy's, Ombersley

The Gardener's Arms, Droitwich

Vines Lane, in Droitwich, will hold a street party after businesses opted to embrace the event.

Witley Court will also be open.

- Businesses set to close

Businesses who will close include:

The Holt Fleet, Holt Heath

Broomfields Farm Shop

Harvey's Farm and Country Store

The Farm Shop and cafe.

- A full list of the road closures on Sunday:

The A448 Kidderminster to Bromsgrove, including Berry Lane and Crutch Lane, will be closed between 8.30am and 4.30pm. 

The A443 Ombersley to Droitwich, including Roman Way, will be closed between 8am and 3.30pm. 

The A443 Holt to Ombersley will be closed 8am and 3.30pm, and the same hours the A443 between Great Witley and Droitwich will also be closed. 

The A451 Great Witley to Stourport will be closed between 7.30am and 2.30pm, while the A422 from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth will be closed between 7am and 2.30pm.

Anything else?

That's probably it for now - but we'll be watching with interest to see what happens today. Let us know your experiences of the day - good or bad. And, we'll wait for the next installment...