Well, we’re not sad to turn over the calendar and wave goodbye to January, and look ahead with increased excitement to February.

The weather ‘should’ start improving, though this  cold snap has had us digging out the thermals. However,  after a particularly mild start to the year, we’ve been riding more than ever, and that means we’re even more excited about riding some events this month.

The events season is kicking into gear now, so let’s take a look at some events we think you should ride/watch in February.

5^th February – Gorrick’s Saddle Skedaddle spring series round one

The optimistically titled spring series gets going this weekend with the first round held at the popular Tunnel Hill venue. Expect fun and competitive racing, a warm welcome and a fantastic course. www.gorrick.com

5^th February – Dyfi Winter Warm Up

The 50km Dyfi enduro in May is one of the most popular with UK mountain bikers, and for 2012 this smaller event around the Dyfi Forest should kick your season into gear. Choose from 12, 20 and 28 mile routes. www.facebook.com/pages/Dyfi-Winter-Warm-Up/158713670883526

18th February – Innerleithen Alpine Winter Series round 2

A multi-stage day and night enduro that will consist of a number of timed stages on the hill. You will have a maximum of 6 hours to complete the stages, starting at 13:00 and returning by 19:00.  www.sientries.co.uk

18^th World Cycle Racing – Around the world!

OK, strictly speaking this isn’t an event you can really enter, but ten hopefuls will be lining up in a couple of weeks time to race each other around the world, a distance of 18,000 miles. See the contenders here http://bikemagic.com/events/event-news/world-cycle-racing-ten-cyclists-to-race-around-the-globe.html

18^th February – Red Bull Hill Chasers

If you don’t feel like taking part, this should be a cracking event to pop along to and cheer on the competitors, as they tackle a tough ascent on an assortment of mountain bikes, road bicycles, fixed gear machines and BMX bikes. http://bikemagic.com/events/event-news/red-bull-hill-chasers-returns.html

26^th February – Whyte Winter series round four

It’s the last round of the Thetford MTB Racing’s winter long series and with 2- and 4-hour categories to choose from. Expect fast racing through the tree-lined singletrack that always leaves a smile on your face. www.thetfordmtbracing.com/ws.htm

Is there an event we’ve missed. Riding an event that we haven’t listed? Let us know about it in the comments box below please…