Travel company TrailAddiction are putting on an all-new gravity enduro challenge this summer that is claimed to be the first of its kind.

AlpShred is billed as a rally-style alpine enduro that unlike other events, can be ridden anytime that suits you during the month of July. Based in Areches-Beaufort, France, a course will be set upon which anyone can turn up, rent a timing chip and then challenge themselves.

The course will pack five timed stages which will be predominantly descending special stages, using natural backcountry trails. Linking these stages will be ‘liaison stages’, untimed and featuring climbs.

So, if you happen to be in the region or can get yourself out there, TrailAddition will be hosting a get-together on Sunda 15th July and in exchange for €25 you’ll get a timing chip and barbeque and a few beers in the evening.

Entry to the challenge is made by pre-sign up e-mail to [email protected]. By registering your interest here, you reserve your timing chip for the two days and will enter into the ALPSHRED challenge league table.

Your timing chip will be available to be picked up from Hotel Christiania in Areches along with your map of the course from 08:00 on any morning of the week. Anyone attending a trailAddiction guided package week at Areches-Beaufort (Destination X) can enter free-of-charge.

More details at http://trailaddiction.com/alpshred.php

Here’s a taste of the trails you can expect to ride

Photos © Irmo Keizer