The Merida 12 Hours of Bristol, held over a splendidly singletrackular course around Ashton Court, is enough to get us to show up to the Bristol Bike Fest (19/20 June). But should you need further enticement, the organisers have it in spades.

The 12 hour enduro runs from 10am to 10pm on the Saturday, and while it’s going on off-duty riders and spectators can catch top dirt jumpers Steve Geall, Jim Davage, Chris Smith, the Fielder brothers and more in action right by the start/finish area. You might not be big into jumping but if you don’t find what these guys do impressive then you must have stopped breathing or gone blind or something. The riders’ll be practising from about lunchtime, with the “proper” sessions scheduled for around 6pm and 8pm. Obviously this is dirt jumpers we’re dealing with, so all timings are approximate…

Saturday evening will also feature live DJ sets and two sets from local band Kortez. The second set will be after the finish of the 12 hour, so racers can grab some refreshments from the event village and devote any remaining energy to some wild pogoing. Possibly.

And then there’s a round of the Southern XC series on Sunday for anyone with any legs left. Packed weekend of bike action? We think so. Camping is available on site for four quid a pitch and further details (and Merida 12 entry forms) are available at www.bristolbikefest.com. See you at Ashton Court…

The Merida 12 Hours of Bristol, held over a splendidly singletrackular course around Ashton Court, is enough to get us to show up to the Bristol Bike Fest (19/20 June). But should you need further enticement, the organisers have it in spades.

The 12 hour enduro runs from 10am to 10pm on the Saturday, and while it’s going on off-duty riders and spectators can catch top dirt jumpers Steve Geall, Jim Davage, Chris Smith, the Fielder brothers and more in action right by the start/finish area. You might not be big into jumping but if you don’t find what these guys do impressive then you must have stopped breathing or gone blind or something. The riders’ll be practising from about lunchtime, with the “proper” sessions scheduled for around 6pm and 8pm. Obviously this is dirt jumpers we’re dealing with, so all timings are approximate…

Saturday evening will also feature live DJ sets and two sets from local band Kortez. The second set will be after the finish of the 12 hour, so racers can grab some refreshments from the event village and devote any remaining energy to some wild pogoing. Possibly.

And then there’s a round of the Southern XC series on Sunday for anyone with any legs left. Packed weekend of bike action? We think so. Camping is available on site for four quid a pitch and further details (and Merida 12 entry forms) are available at www.bristolbikefest.com. See you at Ashton Court…