RIDERS from all over the country will be wheeling out their bikes and heading to the Colne Valley.
And it’s not too late to take part in The Colne Valley Mountain Bike Challenge on Sunday – which is returning for its eighth year.
The 30-mile, all-terrain endurance ride is across tarmac, dirt, gravel, hills and fords.
And money raised from the event will go towards Leymoor Cricket Club in Golcar and the 39th Parkwood Scout Group.
Organiser Jonathan Brook said: “The money helps to keep the cricket club going – without it we might not survive.
“The ride has really grown in popularity and people are coming from all over the north to take part, from places like Leicester, Preston and Grimsby.
“It’s not a race – it’s more of a personal challenge and sometimes people do like to beat their last year’s time.
“The fastest riders usually do it in about two hours and the slowest in six hours so you do need to have a certain level of fitness.
“It’s very challenging, it is not technically difficult, just long and difficult.”
The riders will set off from Leymoor Cricket Club, Golcar, at 9am.
Those who still haven’t signed up should meet there at 8am.
This year’s course includes Longwood, Outlane, Scapegoat Hill, Pole Moor, Cop Hill, West Slaithwaite, Marsden, Pule Hill, Wessenden, Deer Hill, Meltham, Blackmoorfoot, Linfit, Wellhouse, Bolster Moor and back to Golcar.
The ride is marshalled all over the valley with four refreshment stops.
The challenge is open to riders aged 12 and above with a suitable mountain bike and a reasonable amount of off-road riding experience.
Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
A crash helmet is essential.
The challenge costs £15 in advance or £20 on the day.
Participants receive a goodie bag and a certificate and T-shirt for finishing, plus food and drink at The Walkers Arms at the end of the course.
To register and for more information visit the website: www.cvmbc.co.uk
