Yes, it’s that time of year again – the Cheddar Challenge is upon us. It’s all change for 2002, though, with the previously all-encompassing event shifting focus to a cross-country orientated affair. That doesn’t mean it’ll all be Lycra-clad shaven racing snakes all over the place, though. The Cheddar organisers are going for a more fun-loving vibe…

As well as conventional XC races and the legendary kids’ races, Cheddar sees two new events over the weekend. The Cheddar Crunch is a two stage event, with a five-hour enduro and a night time trial while the Triple 10 goes further, taking in two five-hour endures and the time trial. And of course there’s a singlespeed race on Sunday, with the organisers threatening an earlier start to minimise hangover recovery time.

It all kicks off on Friday afternoon (4 October), with a “relaxed welcome session” in the bar on Friday evening. Then it’s the initial stages of the Crunch and Triple 10 on Saturday morning, kids’ races in the afternoon and the night time trial in the evening. It’ll be starting right outside the bar, so once you’ve finished it’s but a couple of paces to join the exclusive rider party. This year’s fancy dress theme is Toon Heroes…

Then Sunday carries a full schedule of XC racing, plus the singlespeed race and the third stage of the Triple 10. Surrounding it all will be the Cheddar Expo, showing off 2003 ranges and a bunch of trade stands for the shopaholics.

For information on race entries contact Broadway House on 01934 742610 or visit www.cheddarchallenge.co.uk (although that always seems to crash our browsers…)