The South Oxfordshire Rough Ride Guide will be running their first MTB event on July 16.

But, rather than racing, the event, dubbed the ‘cycle’ network, aims to build on the fun and social side of riding. The routes will be signposted, use the best natural singletrack, and there will be an emphasis on meeting new riders and social networking.

“We want an event that enables people to ride new trails and challenge themselves, but also an event that encourages riders to stop and socialise at the end,” the event organisers told us. “Our aim is for people to come away having had a good ride and to have met new people to ride with in the future.”

Having grown up in the Chilterns and written guidebooks for the area, Max Darkins of the Rough Ride Guide has included some of his favourite trails and route options that should challenge all abilities.

There will also be a few spot prizes, refreshments and hopefully a big screen showing cycling films, so for a small sign up fee of £10 we think it sounds like a great idea.

See www.roughrideguide.co.uk for more details.