With less than two weeks to go until the Newnham 90 endurance event we thought it was time for an update…

The route is now finalised, two laps of the 45k course, the second one in the opposite direction to the first. For those of you doing the 90k worried about meeting riders coming in your direction on the return loop, the first 5k of the reverse 45k is separate land and when you do rejoin the route you will be on open moorland. You won't reach the tighter forest tracks you will be within 17k of the finish area and (the organisers hope) are unlikely to meet many stragglers who in effect will only have completed 17k of the route - compared to your 73k. Organiser Martyn Salt told us that he's “really pleased with the finalised route but if you do have any technical questions regarding it, or have any queries about equipment, etc. please e-mail the course designer, Keith Clark, on kjc@postmaster.co.uk.

Preparation: following some frankly ridiculous scenes during the Schwinn 100 weekend before last it's a great time, hopefully without patronising those who know the score, that you need to be prepared for all weather, physical and mechanical eventualities. While the course isn't going to be as quite as demanding as the Schwinn 100 it is still an endurance event in the wilderness so you'll need to be prepared. While there will be drink stations along the way and a cream tea stop at halfway you need to be self-sufficient. Carry everything that you need. In particular carry extra food and clothing, you never know when you might need it. Please also ensure you carry spare inner tubes, chain repair equipment and other vitals that may make the difference between finishing and having a long, possibly very long walk.

Biker-X entries now include Dale Holmes (Britain's new BMX World Champ), Will Longden, Scott Beaumont, Dylan Clayton and many more top riders. This will take place on site at Newnham Park (200 yds from campsite) on the evening of the 22nd - just before the pasta party. Your Car pass gives you and anyone travelling in your car free admission to this event so please make sure you display it clearly on arrival.

The pasta party will include a good pasta meal, unveiling of the route, acoustic entertainment, bar and a climbing competition!

Facilities: there will be toilets, showers (6), water, parking, camping all on site at Newnham Park - please note though the site will not open until Saturday 22nd September.

The start: the 90 kicks off from Newnham park at 8.30am on Sunday. The organisers have asked us to tell everyone to “make sure you allow plenty of time for registration on arrival”.

Still want to enter? There are still 63, of 500, places left. Click here to download an entry form. To be included you HAVE to have your entry in by the 18th September.