The Trek Newnham 90 is back, and final preparations for the event on 18 May are taking place. The venue in Plymouth, Devon offers what’d described as a thrilling course, which has just been finalised by course designer Keith Clark.

The course will challenge riders, and includes a superb range of off-road trails and a very small amount of road (about 5km). The 51km loop (takes in the best of Newnham Park itself coupled with neighbouring woodland, moorland and quarries and offers some excellent but challenging riding.

The organisers tell us that the second loop is coming in a little short at about 34km but makes up for it in toughness – apparently it’s harder than the longer opening loop. That gives a total distance of 85km but the Newnham 85 just doesn’t sound quite right. Just weave about a bit on the wide parts, that’ll get the mileage up. And of course, being Devon, every finisher gets a cream tea (and a t-shirt).

Newnham Park offers a great wooded valley setting for this event with all camping, parking, refreshments, entertainment, showers and facilities in close proximity to the start/finish area of the event. It’s not a race so there are no winners and losers but title sponsor Trek is providing a host of prizes which will go to the slowest/smilest/muddiest/biggest/smallest/tallest riders on the day.

In addition to the Sunday ride there will be Shred Short Track XC action on Saturday evening, a pasta party and live music from the band Big Naturals. If that’s not enough for you then Saturday also features some free skills sessions for the kids from South West Go Ride Coach Jodi Vickery.

The Newnham 90 website at www.newnham90.com has all the details you’ll need together with entry forms and online entry. The event now has over 300 entrants so there is still space left but pre entries close on Monday 12 May.

The Newnham 90 is sponsored by Trek with support from Shred Magazine, For Goodness Shakes, Certini and the Bike Cellar.