Hot on the heels of the announcement that the team behind the popular Bristol Bikefest is to take over the running of the legendary Cheddar Challenge (now Cheddar Bikefest) comes news of the changes in store for the Bristol event.

We’ve always enjoyed the Bristol Bikefest. The atmosphere is pleasingly relaxed, the weather’s always good (and yes, that’s jinxed it now…) and, perhaps most importantly, the course is that rare beast in the world of endurance events – a lap that you just want to go and ride again every time round because it’s lots of fun.

Thankfully the venue, the Ashton Court estate in Bristol, will be back as before. We dare say that the course will be slightly different but it’s bound to still be great. We’re told that the figure-of-eight layout, complete with bridge, will remain. Also back on board is sponsor Ritchey Components. What will change is the format. In 2006 Saturday was a team 12 hour event and Sunday was a solo 12 hour event. This worked pretty well, although inevitably it was all a bit quiet on Sunday and getting home from a 12 hour race finishing at 9pm on a Sunday proved a challenge.

So for 2007 things have been shuffled round a bit. Saturday 9 June will be 12 hour day, while Sunday 10 June will be a six hour race. This both introduces an easier event and an earlier finish, which sounds like a fine plan to us. The 12 hour will be open to solos and teams of four or, splendidly, eight – just the job if you don’t want to have to work too hard. The six hour won’t have the eight-person option – just solos or teams of four for that one. Both events will have Competitive, Fun and Singlespeed categories.

On the subject of singlespeeds, the weekend will also include the as-official-as-it-gets UK National Singlespeed Championships. We’re told that that’ll take place first thing on Sunday, so it’ll be possible to do all three events. There’ll also be a kids’ race at lunchtime on Saturday.

The Bristol Bikefest is well-known for its musical accompaniment, and this year there’ll be a DJ, bar and food stands in the marquee on Friday evening – lots of people arrive then on account of the 9am start on Saturday morning. There’ll be live music on Saturday, too. Other non-racing attractions include plenty of trade stands and a selection of demo bikes from various manufacturers.

Everything you need to know (including downloadable entry forms) can be found at www.bike-fest.com or www.bristolbikefest.com. The first 400 riders to enter will get a free limited edition Bristol Bikefest 2007 t-shirt, and if you enter before 1 May you’ll get free camping for the weekend too. Don’t hang about – it fills up fast…