Monster Bike and Hike: A 30-mile ride followed by a hike of either 8, 22 or 43 miles depending on whether you’re going for gold, silver or bronze (and on how knackered you are…!) Sounds pretty gruelling – but all this is in aid of a worthy cause, Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres, and takes place in the great Fort William with Chris Hoy helping out to boot. Event: bank holiday weekend, 2-3 May. For more information, go to Maggie’s Centres/monster.

Ride it! : Those helpful fellows at Evans Cycles find the routes, mark them, then give you energy food and water along the way. Plus you can test the latest Gore demo clothing and road bikes. Future rides: April 18/19 North London, April 25/26 Gateshead, May 17 Gatwick, May 30/31 Brighton. For more details, have a look at Evans Cycles Ride it!.

Border Raid: The Bike Place 2009 hosts Border Raid at Kielder Water and Forest Park on May 16. The second of four races held at Kielder by TBP, this one will take you on a scenic route to Scotland and back – should be lovely in the May sunshine. For more information or to enter, go to The Bike Place or Kielder Park.

The Original Bicycle Festival: Scotland is the ultimate spot for riding and to pay homage to this, this festival in Dumfries and Galloway will be holding biking events for all ages and abilities. 9 – 24 May. Visit The Original Bicycle Festival for more info.

Dirt Divas courses: One for the ladies – whether you’re a complete beginner or looking for a more advanced adrenalin rush. Dirt Divas are having their next training courses on May 10, June 7 and August 9. Go to Dirt Divas to book a place and get the lowdown on their cracking race results.

Kona Mash-up: Chucking all varieties of riders and routes in with each other, this event does exactly what it says on the tin in terms of a mash-up. You race in the Technical or Enduro category, and then all the times get judged together at the end so there’s no room for division as in most comps. Okay, so even we’re a bit confused but go to Kona World to enter and figure it out for yourself. Events: June 13 and December 5 in Affan Forest, Wales.

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