There's never a better sign than the beginning of another season of MTBing with the first Merida MTB Marathon series event, which heads to Builth Wells, Wales, this weekend (12/13 April).

The format remains as before, with the Exposure Lights Big Night Out (ELBNO) taking place on Saturday evening followed on Sunday by a choice of distances in the Marathon. Pre-entering is still available at until Friday lunch time. After that time, enter on the day is available for both events. If you're considering riding both events, you can enjoy a £15 discount.

A new addition to Saturday is the first ever MTB Chariot race which should be an entertaining and exciting event for riders as well as spectators. Read more about this latest event addition here.

As well as sponsoring the Big Night Out ride, Exposure Lights will also be providing a charging station for last minute battery top ups. Exposure Lights are offering entrants of the night ride the chance of winning a brand new Joystick MaXx light, worth £165.

Sponsors Merida will be showcasing their latest full suspension bike, the 96, ideally suited to marathon riding - this is the first time the new bike will be making a UK presence.

Following last year's 'Try B4 U Buy', Gore Bike Wear is joining the event again to give everyone the chance to try the latest gear before you buy. Everyone can test ride their products when you ride the event. Go along to the Gore Bike Wear tent and experience for yourself what the real difference is.

The event including the trade village, registration and camping will be based at White House Farm in Builth Wells which will be signposted from Friday afternoon onwards. Simply make your way to Builth Wells and follow the signs to the event village.