You're probably familiar with The North Face's legendary Nuptse down jacket. TNF describe it as "iconic", and that's not far from the truth. Look around any MTB event campsite and you'll see dozens of the super-warm jackets. Apparently, in the run up to Christmas, TNF's Kendal head office is inundated with phone enquiries from people looking for Nuptse jackets to such an extent that there's now a dedicated "Nuptse Hotline" just for down jacket enquiries. The number is 01539 790300 and it'll be live from 1 November. Or visit www.thenorthface.com.

The 7stanes centre at Newcastleton now has a new café, bike hire service and workshop. It's being run by The Rush bike shop (based in Jedburgh) and will initially be open from 10am-4.20pm at weekends and 2-9.30pm on Tuesdays to cater for the night-riding set - demo light sets from all the major manufacturers will be available to hire. Susan Yates from The Rush says that if all goes to plan the opening hours will be extended in the Spring. Find out more at www.7stanes.gov.uk.

Riders in the Peak District may be interested in a forthcoming meeting with Sheffield Wildlife Trust, managers of Blacka Moor Estate. The Trust is formulating a management plan for the estate for the next five years, and want to get input from mountain bikers. The meeting will cover access management and trail repairs, so it'll be a great opportunity to state a preference for interesting sustainable trails... The meeting is at the Estate, between 1 and 4pm on Saturday 22 October. Meet at Piper House car park (SK283807) on the A625 Hathersage Road. There's apparently no limit on numbers.