A quick update on some of the mtb events taking place this year, including this weekend. Keep checking the events calendar because we're adding new events all the time.

Brechin Cycle Club are organising their sixth Great Drumtochty Challenge, a one-day mountain bike orienteering competition. It's taking place on May 25th in Scotland's Fetteresso Forest and is inspired by the tried and tested "Polaris" format. For more information and an entry form check their website.

The Ramsbottom offroad duathlon, a multi-sport event combining trail running and mountain biking across the West Pennine Moors, now has it's own website. The June event is a 4.5 km Tower Run followed by a 12 km offroad ride and then a 4.5 km Trail Run. You can take part as individuals (£13) or in relay teams of three (£25 per team). Check the website for full details and entry.

Also now with its own website (separate to roughriders.com) is the Marin Roughride in June. There's a downloadable entry form as well as photos from the testride. Organisers have decided to now open the event up to under 16s (with parental permission), they've also announced some boozy prizes like kegs of ale for the teams with the most finishers.

Coming up this weekend is Sherwood Pines XC races, Clipstone Forest, Nottingham organised by Shokwave Racing. The course is 15 miles, three laps of five, with shorter distances for some categories including younger riders and 'ladies'. It's mainly singletrack mixed with double track and fire road and is organisers say it's suitable for riders of all abilities. Racing starts at 11 am and you can only enter on the line (£5-10). There'll be toilets, a cafe and a bike shop to hand, as well as the chance to test-ride Rocky Mountain bikes. For more info contact alan.verney@virgin.net, 07941 140 199.

And don't forget this weekend there's the Thetford Winter Enduro, in Thetford forest too. The weather's looking nice for it....