In 2007 Specialized launched its Challenge Series, combining its demo fleet with the added bonus of challenge rides around some of the UK's best trails.

The series returns for 2008, with an expanded diary to include six dates, with venues in Scotland, Hamsterley Forest, Cannock Chase, Aberystwyth, Bracknell and Forest of Dean, beginning in March. There'll be set loops to try out the bikes, with challenges ranging from a night ride in Scotland to women's technical days in Bracknell.

Richard Hemington, Managing Director of Specialized UK said, "The Specialized Challenge Series received a huge welcome last year and thanks to the positive feedback from riders around the country we have decided to relaunch them in 2008 with six new venues and new innovative challenges".

Specialized will also use the series to launch its latest project, the Riders Club, due to launch later in the year. As part of the registration, each Specialized Challenge Series participant will become a Riders Club Member, gaining free access to information on local rides and special events organised by and through the Riders Club site once launched.

Dates and venues

• 15-16 March Carron Valley, Stirling, Scotland
• 29-30 March Hamsterley Forest, North East
• 12-13 April Cannock Chase, Midlands
• 10-12 May Aberystwyth, North Wales
• 17-18 May Bracknell, South
• 7-8 June Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire