It seems 12-hour enduro races are all the rage right now, judging by the number of new events launched just this year alone. Latest to join them is the Hit the North 12-hour race. As the name suggest, HtN will be based up North (from the geographical viewpoint of the BM office, at least), around North Manchester on 19 July.

The organisers have laid on an 8.4mile course that promises to include the mandatory mix of twisty singletrack and challenging climbs, with a fearsome drop off, fast gravel sections through recently planted woodland, tunnels, viaducts, motorway crossings, railway cuttings, cobbles, a bit of tarmac and a blast through the ornamental gardens of a stately home long since reclaimed by nature - sounds like a good combination to us.

But why the location, you may be thinking? Well, as the website says, "After a bit of forum moaning about the lack of a big race in the North West a few like minded total strangers decided to get together and do something about it. Moaning Northern Gits (MNG) was formed over a couple of pints in the Church Inn one wet Tuesday evening in March 2007."

Open to solo riders, pairs and teams of four, the event will have all the required facilities to keep tired legs and minds going. Chip timing, showers, toilets, camping, on site catering, and a DJ to play tunes as the sun goes down.

There's plenty of information on the website www.hitthenorth.net.