If you’ve never done a mountain bike event before, but you fancy giving it a go, then the Scott MTB marathon series is a great way to test the waters.

Comprised of 5 rounds throughout 2016, you can enter one, or all of them throughout England and Wales. With varying distances to choose from: 25k, 50km and 75km, you can choose a suitable ride for your skill level and ability.

I did the 25km last year in Rhayader as my first step into the MTB event scene and I loved it. The event staff were very helpful and welcoming, which made things a lot easier as I did the event on my own. There was a variety of riders, the full Lycra pro’s and the amateur fun riders like myself, but everyone was in high spirits and very sociable.

The Rounds

– April 9th – 10th: Builth Wells, Mid Wales

– May 22nd: Rhayader, Mid Wales

– July 3rd: TBC, England

– July 24th: Wantage, Oxfordshire

– September 10th – 11th: Ruthin, North Wales