The countdown to the Kona Oktoberfest in Bristol continues, with just over a week until the inaugural event kicks off.

The Oktoberfest, on October 16, is the autumn brother to the popular Kona Bikefest and replaces the Cheddar Bikefest which took place for the last time in September 2009.

The Oktoberfest follows a similar concept to the Bikefest, but with eight or four hours of racing as opposed to 12.  

You can ride the 7km loop – with 140m of climbing per lap – as a solo rider, in parts or in teams of three or four riders.

Organisers have lots of surprises planned that will underpin their name choice for the event – so expect signing on staff to be dressed in ‘dirndl’ (traditional Bavarian dress), for the trophies to have a certain Bavarian touch and for the music (maybe even out on course) to give you the feeling that you are sitting in the middle of the ‘Hofbräuhaus’.

Racing at Ashton Court kicks off at 9am, or 1pm if you are only riding for four hours. The site is open to campers from Friday to Sunday.

Anybody who took part in the Bikefest will receive a £25 loyalty gift if they enter Oktoberfest. Head to www.bike-fest.com to sign up.