Ah, the vagaries of the calendar. On paper it’s mid-October 2006, but not only are the shops full of Christmas tat, 2007 bikes are already mostly in the shops. And now it’s time to start planning your 2007 bike events season – start shopping for a diary…

The Merida 100 Series is, we think it’s fair to say, the premier enduro series in the UK, with getting on for 1,000 riders at each non-competitive round. And for 2007 there’ll be a few developments.

One thing that’s not changing is the involvement of Merida Bicycles, but following the introduction of 25 and 50km routes alongside the classic 100km and slightly easier 50km options the name of the series has been changed – so it’s farewell to the Merida 100 MTB Marathon Series and hello to the Merida Bikes MTB Marathon Series. It sounds like a fairly small thing, but placing less emphasis on the whole 100km thing should broaden the appeal of the event.

Possibly the most significant development is the broadening of the Merida sphere into England. Wales has always been the heartland of Merida Marathon activity, with Scotland getting a well-received look-in over the last couple of years. But 2007 will see the first Merida in England.

The first English round will be run as part of the Cumbria Bike Fest (7-13 May 2007, Penrith) which sounds like a fairly splendid event in its own right: “A week long celebration of biking across the county with something for all riders, from beginners to experts, for kids, adults and families, with guided rides, do-it-yourself routes, long distance challenges, demos and much more. The festival culminates with a long weekend at Lowther Deerpark, on the edge of the glorious Lake District National Park. Skills training, demos, kids cycling instruction, experts on hand, local food and drink, camping in glorious parkland and the first Merida MTB Marathon in England, all combine to make this the best cycling weekend of 2007!” it says here. Sounds pretty promising – more details at www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk. Your Merida Marathon entry fee will cover parking, facilities and camping as well as entry to the whole festival over the week.

All of the 2007 rounds will feature 25, 50, 75 and 100km route lengths, so there should be something to suit everyone. Cycle Active will also be at each round, showing riders of all skill levels how to improve certain aspects of their riding.

As ever, event details and online entry will be available at www.mtb-marathon.co.uk – keep your eyes open for details of an extra Scottish event and further dates…