Many years ago there used to be a race called Man v Horse v Bike. It was exactly as you'd imagine - a simple cross-country race with runners, equestrians and mountain bikers following the same course. The horses won it for years and years until Tim Gould scored himself the prize - the cash pot for being first MTBer to beat the horse went up every year and by the time Tim got it it was a tidy sum.
MvHvB doesn't exist in its original form - those pesky laws about racing bikes on bridleways got in the way - but the spirit of the event is about to be reborn thanks to the Mendip Cross Trails Trust.
Mendip 6-4-2 is an exciting and new unique event bringing together horses, mountain bikers and runners. 6-4-2, described as "half treasure hunt and half orienteering event", is the brainchild of Mendip Cross Trails Trust, the charity who work with landowners to create access to the countryside for all users - horseriders, cyclists, carriage drivers, the disabled, and walkers.
MCTT are building a network of multi-user routes across the Mendip Hills and beyond and see the 6-4-2 event as the perfect showcase for their work at the same time as attracting new members and providing an enjoyable experience for existing members.
MCTT's Project Officer Rachel Thompson explains, "A horse and rider has 6 legs, mountain bikers have 2 legs and 2 wheels and of course a runner has 2 legs so we decided that an event combining them on one Mendip trail at the same time should be called Mendip 6-4-2". Rachel continues, "Mendip 6-4-2 follows the success of our Heart of the Mendips Ride which attracted over 100 horse riders and mountain bikers from all over the region as well as the broad media coverage that really helps get people involved in our work".
Mendip 6-4-2 is designed to provide a competitive challenge as well as an enjoyable experience for families and friends with categories for all levels, abilities and ages.
The first Mendip 6-4-2 in a series of four this year will be held at on Sunday 24 June at Gallant Hill Farm, Foxcote near Radstock by kind permission of owner Mr Watts. Further Mendip 6-4-2 events are planned in July and again in the autumn with full details and entry forms available on the Mendip Cross Trails Trust website at www.mctt.org.uk.
