If organised rides are your thing, then you can't go far wrong with one of Trail Break's events, provided you're geographically close of course. So keen are we on Trail Break's plethora of event offerings that Bikemagic has taken up the grandly-titled position of "Media Partner" for 2008 - keep your eyes open for random (and let's face it, they're all random) BM personnel at various Trail Break shindigs this year. For 2008 the Trail Break calendar is positively packed to the HTML borders, so we won't waste much more time with a fancy introduction. Here's everything that's happening throughout the year.
Southern 100 enduros
Long distance rides are Trail Break's raison d'être, and this series of three 100km endures are the classic events in the calendar. If 100km is a bit too far, there's a 60km and 40km shorter options too, with all routes fully marked so you only need follow the arrows, though you'll be supplied with a backup map - GPS route download files are available.
Trail Break know how to support riders better than most, so expect well stocked feed stations, where as well as receiving encouragement from those manning them, you'll also be able to stock up on SIS energy products as well as good old-fashion sustenance like flapjacks and tea. And cake, of course...
The South Downs 100 - Duncton, 10 May 2008 (book now)
Starting from Duncton, this is an epic winding up and over the South Downs and taking in parts of the classic South Downs Way.
Big Wight - Isle of Wight, 24 May 2008 (book now)
Part of the Big Wight Festival, this breathtaking circuit of the Island can be ridden on either day of the Festival (or even both if you're feeling strong).
The Ridgeway 100 - Letcombe Regis 7 June 2008 (book now)
A stunning circuit around the heart of the ancient Ridgeway from Wantage to Avebury and back, looping you on and off of the Ridgeway trail itself.
Southern Trail Rides
If the above enduros sound, well a bit strenuous and serious, the Trail Rides might be more your thing, with ride distances from 12 to 40 miles, and are intended to make the riding simple. The best routes, mostly off-road where possible, are clearly marked out. They're ideal for the riders just starting out, for families or for taking the children along.
Princes Risborough - 26 April (book now)
Reigate, Surrey - 5 July (book now)
Woodcote, Oxfordshire - 16 August (book now)
Bramley, Surrey - 11 October (book now)
Wight Diamond
Trail Break's Big Wight (23-26 May, Isle of Wight) is what you're looking for if you'd looking for something a bit more social than the usual MTB event weekend. It started in 1996 as the Wight Diamond Challenge, evolved into the Wight Diamond Festival and is now the Big Wight. The organisers say that the event's "unique combination of superb riding, events to suit everyone, on site camping, catering, bar and entertainment have earned it a reputation as the best mountain bikers party on the calendar," and people who've been all appear to agree.
The weekend offers something different depending on how much riding you want to do. The Navigator Race uses the whole of the island with 30 check points located at various points, and you have 7-hours on Saturday and 5-hours on Sunday in which to collect as many points as possible. The beauty is that you choose your own route, so you don't have ride any further than you want to. (book now)
Or you can take part in one, or both, of the 100km enduros taking place over the weekend, fully marked and offering a splendid grand tour of the Islands best riding, biggest hills and most breathtaking views. You can do two enduros, two days of Navigator racing, one of each, just one of one and spend the other day doing something else, whatever you like. All the options come with family-friendly options. (book now)
However much riding you decide to do, you can be certain of full event facitilities including lvie music, beer tente, SIS energy products, on site catering, emergency support, prizes for all categories, Sport Ident scoring and web results.
The South Downs Way Lemming Trail
6-7th September 2008 (Book now)
This is an event for those looking for a full weekend of riding. First run way back in 1996, the Lemming Trail is a two-day 100 mile epic (by which we mean over 9,000ft of climbing) enduro spread over two days with an overnight stop.
As well as the usual high quality route - which promises 'relentless ups and downs' - you'll ride all day Saturday, be fed a handsome meal in the evening then either camp or stay in a hostel overnight. Then Sunday morning you'll be fed a cooked breakfast before setting of the final leg of the ride. There's a packed lunch included for the final day, though drinks and food will be available at the support stations.
But what about a change of clothes at the overnight stop, you ask? Well, Trail Break will carry all your gear for you, leaving you to carry just what you need for the ride itself. Once the ride is over, you and your bike will be transported back to the start.
MaXx Exposure
27-28th September, QE Country Park, Hampshire (Book now)
This is one very tough event. And I should know, I've done it twice before. The ride skips daylight and starts just as the sun sets, threading a tough and demanding route 75-mile over the South Down Way from Beachy Head to Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Read about last years event.
Plenty to chew on then. For more information, and to enter online, pop over to www.trailbreak.co.uk
