Ones to ride
Plymouth, Devon
After a couple of years out, the classic Trek Newnham 90 is back. It's based at Newnham Park, Plymouth, home of Grundig World Cup XC races from back in the 90s, and offers one of the best courses anywhere on this small island. Two distances are available depending on fitness, but everyone gets free Devonshire cream teas when they finish.
Hill Wood, Wiltshire
Taking place on 17/18 May at Hill Wood, Wiltshire, the Charge Bikes sponsored event has been organised by SPAMBiking, and will be the first 12-hour enduro to be held on Salisbury Plain. Those last two words give you an idea of what to expect course-wise, with an eight mile route that has been described as 'technical.'
New Forest, Hampshire
Round 3 of the 2008 Southern XC Series is taking place this weekend (18 May) at Crow Hill, just outside the New Forest, Hampshire. With an improved Crow Hill course the venue for the National XC championships in July, there'll be many XC racers heading there for a bit of practice on the course.
Kielder Forest, Northumberland
Kielder Forest is host the second round of the Saab Salamon Avalanche Trophy, the DH/enduro series on the 17/18 May, making this the first time the series has visited England.
Gateshead, Tyne And Wear
The Evans Cycles Ride It! events comprise a series of organised road and off-road rides that are designed to take the hassle out of your weekend riding. The rides are non-competitive with an emphasis on riding with other riders, riding in new areas and sampling some of the best cycling the UK has to offer.
Grizedale Forest, Cumbria
Final preparations are in place for the Wild Boar 24 hour race on 17/18 May at Grizedale Forest, sponsored by The North Face.
Cwmcarn, South Wales
PS Cycles is hosting a demo day at Cwmcarn, South Wales on 17 May, with a fleet of Iron Horse bikes ready to roll.
Ones to watch
St. Wendel, Germany
11 British riders will be heading to Germany this weekend to fly the British flag in the XC European championships, and with Liam Killeen finding his form, chances are good for a high placing, possible a medal.
Bridgnorth, Shropshire
Europe's biggest 4X race series heads to Bridgnorth, Shropshire this weekend, with Saturday hosting round two of the National Series and Sunday the British National Championships.
Anthony Cooper
