As foot and mouth recedes into fewer foaming Fresian / blistering bleaters zones the events calendar is getting busier.

The summer Polaris is definitely on this weekend, and for the first time ever there are still some entries on the line available – confirm by calling Polaris on 01246 240218. The event centre is Kielder Castle itself, where the event village will include band, bar, food and trade stands. The best thing is as it’s the Summer Polaris you’ll be returning there on Saturday night rather than schlepping all your camping gear round with you. Expect great atmosphere, great riding between the checkpoints and hopefully great weather – but take a bucketload of insect repellent.
For more details and a downloadable PDF map, head for the eventwebsite. Make sure you’re bikes are squeaky clean before you go though as marshalls will disqualify people who haven’t got clean bikes or who don’t use disinfectant mats. More details in the PDF.

Meanwhile @ndy at Nambs is getting very excited about their regional championships at Hamsterley on July 14th – 15th;

“Wow, Just been up to the NAMBS Regional Champs course at Hamsterley. All I can say is you people are in for a treat with a course that’s gonna make up for all that foot and mouth misery and put a smile back on your faces.
“OK, here is a quick course description for the downhill. The top section is super fast with a number of drop off’s ranging from 3 to 4 foot in height and rides real nice. The second section is steep and technical with tight switchbacks featuring the usual rocks and tree roots to catch that front wheel….dab that front brake too much and your gonna be eating
dirt…yeahaaa.

Get your entries in NOW. Check out the webby and get your rigs ready people as its gonna be one hot weekend of racing for both XC and DH. Hey this is the first time both the XC and DH have had a NAMBS get together this year….its gonna be sweeeeeet. Bring yah mates, bring yah family, lets make this something special. Webbys at: www.nambs.co.uk and there’s onsite camping too.

Rhyming nicely but at the other end of the country to NAMBS, SAMS are also going ahead with the South of England Mountain Bike Championships 2001 at Checkendon. They’ve introdced new XC categories – Novice/fun (12+) – 3 laps, Fun (12+) – 2 laps and Singlespeed (19+) – 3 laps. Entry forms are being sent out in the next 7 days to those who’ve already asked. Enquiries by phone to 01380 818416 or email.
Also at Checkendon but as part of the Trailbreaks / Evans Checkendon Cycle Fest, 3rd-5th August, Cannondale will be offering test rides aboard a fleet of “Chain Gang” specific bikes featuring the award winning adjustable Jekyll frame, Carbon Lefty ELO front fork, Magura disc brakes, Mavic Tubeless wheelset and Shimano components. All you need to bring is yourself and your passport to the Cannondale stand on either Saturday 4th or Sunday 5th August and we will take care of the rest. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

Last, – but we’re sure not least for the Nationals contenders – the National MTB Championships (21/22) July are being relocated from Hopton Castle (near Ludlow) to Bringewood, 5 miles to the South (just west of Ludlow on the B4361 to Wigmore). Get your act togehter fast as the Champs are pre-entry only and entries close two weeks before (9th July).