Recently we brought you the disappointing news that the almost-legendary Cheddar Challenge was no more. After 18 years, organisers Dave and Sue Moore at Broadway House were forced to call it a day thanks to access problems with the woods that formed much of the course. But that doesn’t mean that there’ll be nothing going on on the traditional Cheddar weekend – there might not be any racing, but Broadway House will be hosting an end-of-season gathering featuring two group rides around the Mendips and of course the usual hospitality in the bar on Saturday night.

Dave explains: “The pedalling will involve two group rides one on Saturday and one on Sunday (these are free except for money for the odd pub stop!). We’re expecting a good number of riders so you’ll be able to progress at your own pace and we’ll include a few bail-out routes just in case. If you prefer riding alone there will be route maps available. All group rides will start from the park itself. The Cheddar Challenge’s infamous ‘Hell’s Hill’ leads directly from Broadway House to a network of excellent trails in the Mendips.”

The only costs involved will be a fiver per person to camp at Broadway house for the weekend, plus food/beer/cakes and so on. Broadway House has hire caravans if you don’t fancy a weekend under canvas, and if you’re within striking distance of Cheddar and don’t need to stay on site, you can just show up and join in the rides.

More details will be available shortly, but in the meantime have a gander at www.cheddarchallenge.co.uk for further information.