We’ve just got back from our 2007 planning excursion to Scotland which we started following the final round of the Merida Bicycles 100 Marathon-Enduro Series 2006 in Ruthin. The event was a great weekend with all the things that make a good endurance event.

The last event of the 2006 season saw well over 1000 riders heading out on the four distances on offer. It was yet again a spectacular picture to see everybody ride out through the historic market town and head up into the hills. The weather forecast was promising for the weekend and bar a little rain which literally kicked in when the field started rolling, we had perfect riding conditions. Luckily the rain helf of for and did not effect the course much. The course made for an enjoyable yet challenging ride and was a great finish to the season.

As we have been away over the last few days it might take a little longer before we get the latest updates onto our website. The photos of the event should go up very shortly. Please check Sleepmonsters for details.

This year was another great year with varied events at the Merida Bicycle 100 series, showing of all the different sides of our sport and we would like to send a big THANK YOU to all our sponsors: Merida Bicycles, High5, USE, Schwalbe, Pedro’s, Hayes, EvansCycles.com, Cycle Active, Buff, Minx, PPG, CrankBrothers, Our Scottish Borders, Memory Map, Ergon, Topeak, Salzkammergut Trophy, Exposure Lights, What Mountain Bike, Bikemagic.com, Sugoi, Fizik and the Forestry Commission. Without their help and dedication the 2006 series wouldn’t have been possible. But an even bigger THANK YOU goes to all you riders who have been taking part this year. You make the events what they are – a great adventures with fantastic atmosphere, fun outdoor weekends with likeminded people.

2006 statistics

• 5634 riders took part in the 5 events of the season
• 388600km (approx.) of riding were covered over the 5 events
• 1,076,0000meters (approx.) being climbed over the series (roughly 1215 times up Mount Everest from see level)
• 12,300 litres of High5 Energy source being drunk (at service stations)
• 13,520 litres of water being drunk (at service stations)
• 7800 bananas being taken from the service stations
• 18,000 High5 Gels being consumed
• 10,500 High5 Energy bars
• 23 chains being replaces at the service stations
• 8 tyres being replaces out on route with some nice new Schwalbe ones
• 92 inner tubes being handed out by the marshal quads, the service stations and by John Lloyd out on route
• 35 derailleurs being replaced by the Merida mechanic team
• 3 seatposts being fixed or repaired out on course
• 43 sets of brake blocks / pads being replaced at the service stations
• 3 complete bikes being swapped for Merida test bikes out on route so that the riders could carry on
  

  2007 season heads-up

  The 2007 season is quite some time away but our preparations are already in full flow. Merida Bicycles are continuing their support which will allow us to extend our series and the events in 2007. We’re currently looking at two new locations – one in Scotland and one in Cumbria, which are both part of bigger festivals, and again one event in Austria. But we will let you know the details of all the 2007 happenings in one of our future newsletters. Besides the marathons we have also started working on the follow up to the very successful Merida TransWales ’06 which we’re intending to run in Scotland. We can say at this stage that things are looking very good, and we should be in a position to announce dates and further details in the next few weeks.

  We will have all our dates available on both our websites www.mtb-marathon.co.uk and www.mtbtransuk.co.uk in the next few weeks. If you are not on our data base and don’t want to miss out on the entry form when it comes out please send an SAE to: Merida Bicycles 100 MTB Marathon Enduro Series or Trans Event ’07 (depending which event you are interested in), Attn: John Lloyd, 5 Irfon Road, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3DE

  Finally, a few words Merida Bicycle’s Chris Carter:
  “It’s been a great year for us at the events and we’re delighted to continue our support for the upcoming season. The events are a great way to meet the riders out there and learn about what they are looking for when they are in the market for a new bike. What we’ve learned over the last few years has been included in our 2007 range and has brought us forward as a stronger brand.”

  So this is it for the time being. If you have any questions etc. just send us a mail on [email protected] or give John a call on 01982 552923.