The ever-popular Hell Of The North Cotswolds will return for its 24th year on 13 April 2008. As has become traditional, there’ll be 100 and 50km route options, both across mixed terrain on the Cotswold Hills – Tarmac roads and bridleways including everything from technical rocky singletrack to rutted tracks. Both routes start from Winchcombe at 9am.

Unlike some events, HONC has no waymarking – you get written instructions and a printed map to follow. You can try following the people in front of you if you like, but the voice of experience suggests otherwise. Those of a high-tech persuasion will be able to download a Tracklogs GPS route (which we’re sure will find itself quickly converted into other formats and reuploaded).

And of course there’s the vital tea-and-cake stop at half-distance. There’s a limit of 1,000 entries, and it always fills up, so get in quick – all entries must be made in advance, there’s no entry on the day. Entry fees are £12 for over-18s and £6 for under-18s.

All finishers will receive a commemorative medal, while one lucky under-18 rider will win a brand new Marin Palisades Trail thanks to Marin. The winner will be drawn from a hat – all under-18 entrants will be entered for the draw. The 2008 Palisades Trail features a lightweight Hydro-Edge 6061-T6 aluminium frame, Marzocchi MZ Race fork, Truvativ Five cranks and Shimano Deore drivetrain and disc brakes. The whole lot comes in at £649, so getting one for £6 (with a free enduro thrown in) will be a bargain for one lucky rider.

The HONC organisers support a number of charities including Cancer Research and the Air Ambulance. Last year over £3,000 from the HONC coffers was donated.

Online entry will be available from 17 December at www.honc.org.uk. The site also has full event details.