Something to ride

The Kona Cheddar Bikefest (known as the Cheddar Challenge in a former life) takes place this weekend and there are still day entries on offer.

The NiteRider Night Time Trail starts at around 7.30pm Friday evening, with registration from 5pm-7pm. Then on Saturday riders can register from 7.30am–10am and, with registration staying open pretty much all day once the race has started. Finally, the kids’ race is on Sunday from 12pm – 1pm

Last year nearly 800 riders took part over the weekend. The format has changed slightly from 2007, Saturday’s race will be extended from eight hours to 10 meaning the last few hours will be ridden in darkness. Sunday will also grow, from four hours to five, plus there will be a separate 3 hour novice event.

The 2007 event was impacted by last minute changes to the course – making it varied and action packed but also rather tough and short. The plan for 2008 is to keep the basic structure and all the ‘traditional’ Cheddar bite in plus extending the loop and adding a diversion making the steep climb up to the top of ‘Witches Wood’ ride able and less of the struggle. We will put regular updates on the website and into the newsletter.

Any question, email them to paul.bikefest@virgin.net, or call 0117 9532698, or 07834 005835.

Something for the family

Head to to Blenheim Palace on Sunday and you can ride around the grounds, the first time they’ve been opened to the public on two wheels.

The Open Weekend is to celebrate the launch of the Cultural Olympiad and features racing, bike polo, unicycling, a mountain bike stunt team, vintage bikes and ‘Go Ride’ cycle skill for children. You can take part in some of the routes or just watch, up to you.
www.blenheimpalace.com