The British Heart Foundation is planning a new challenge ride on Saturday 22 August 2009 which offers three routes designed by Rough Ride Guide author Max Darkins.

The rides will take riders through the Chilterns countryside in Buckinghamshire using the best trails and offering a challenge to a range of abilities. The three rides, 40 miles, 60 miles and 75 miles, each offer plenty of singletrack, steep climbs and stunning landscapes, with each longer distance adding more climbing to the route.

The routes

The 40 mile ride has a climb of 3,120 feet (950 metre) this is an ample taster of Chilterns trails, this ride takes in some lovely twisty single track through beech woods, but without the big hills.

The 60 mile ride has a climb of 5,285 feet (1,610 metre) and extends the 40mile ride with some steep climbs and scorching fast single track descents. This extension provides an insight into some of the more challenging trails in this area.

Lastly the 75 mile ride has a climb of 7,120 feet (2,170 metre) and extends the 60mile ride, this route tackles even more hills (and steeper ones at that!) as it takes in some classic trails around the Hambledon Valley. Only for the extremely fit and experienced riders (who get up early).

Entry fees are £35 for 75 miles, £30 for 60 miles and £25 for 40 miles, with money raised going to continued fund pioneering research into the causes and treatment of heart disease.

Rob Cox Regional Events Organiser for the British Heart Foundation says: “We are expecting entrants from all over the UK to take part in this fantastic challenge event. From interest already shown we’re sure this will be a massive sell out.”

Find out more at bhf.org.uk/chilternsoffroad