The SPAMBiking Winter Challenge (previously the Salisbury Plain Challenge) has been running for well over a decade in one form or another, and in that time has become the event of choice for kicking off the new season - and burning off some excess Christmas food into the process.
The event, on the 30 December, retains the format same from 2006, with a choice of three distances, 50km, 35km or 25km. Last year over 1,100 riders turned out, and the organisers fully expect a similar number, pre-registration is recommended. Entry on the day is available however, and registration opens at 8am, with rides starting at 10am.
The course has been tweaked to eliminate the need for two shorter loops on the longer course. As ever, the Winter Challenge is all in a good cause, with proceeds going to CLIC Sargent and a variety of local charities. SPAMBiking invites participants to either make additional donations or collect sponsorship to boost the overall total.
So if you're wondering how best to burn off the Christmas excess, head over to www.spambiking.co.uk and get yourself signed up. Take a read of Mike's report way back in 2003 for an idea of what to expect.
In other SPAMBiking news, the organisers are set to launch a 12 hour enduro, replacing he Summer Solstice Challenge, this summer - more news as we get it.
