After the success of the 2006 TransWales, the organisers of that event have decided to spead their wings and create a similarly tough event north of the border, the TransScotland.
The 2007 event sponsored by Chain Reaction Cycles and Merida Bikes, will follow the same concept as the TransWales, with a mixture of linking and special stages. The course will utilise the best of the much loved 7stanes trails and will link the trails with some of the best riding that can be found in Scotland. Challenging trails, great views and a relaxed event atmosphere will be the order of the day. The event will start on 25 May 2007 in Selkirk and finish in the same place the following Saturday (second of June 2007). Pete Laing, course designer of the much loved Selkirk round of the Merida Bikes MTB Marathon Series, is the course designer of the TransScotland and will make sure that the course will be on the highest level possible. Pete says, ‘The Trans Scotland course will take in the best of the Central Borders drove roads and hill tracks, some coastal riding down by Dalbeattie, the wild open country of Glentrool and exposed moorland by Wanlockhead. Slippy roots and woodland riding at Drumlanrig might catch out those brought up on the built trails in Wales and Scotland and it goes without saying that the 7stanes centres will provide a unique mix of singletrack styles for the timed stages. Expect big climbs, long stages, weather that will change daily, some mud (!) a smattering of back-roads links and large chunks of the Southern Upland Way, which will provide riding with an epic flavour familiar to many. Our stupendous Access Laws might also allow the inclusion of a few cheeky trails!’
The event is strictly limited to 300 riders (solo or teams of two) so we’d recommend acting quickly if you are interested in the event. Riders can enter the open, mixed, vets and solo category. Entry forms along with further details are available on the www.mtbtransuk.co.uk website. Alternatively you can send a SAE for an entry form to: MOUNTAIN BIKE EVENTS LTD, 7 Edward Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol, BS4 3ET, UK.