The last weekend before this year’s summer marathon in Builth Wells (1/2 July) is upon us. Preparations are going into their final phase and it’s all looking rather nice. The weather seams to be on our side, the last few changes are in process on the course and entries are still flying in.

Course

The course at this year’s Merida 100 summer round in Builth Wells will be the improved version of the course which we used at the April round. Lots of new tracks have been added and John is rather proud of his creation. He says it is the best course this year… Come along ride it and tell us what you think. We will send a final update just before the event on course conditions.

Getting there

The event is again based at the White House Farm (http://www.whitehousecampsite.co.uk/). Just head into Builth Wells from any direction and follow the ‘Merida 100’ signs. The camp ground is open from Friday evening onwards and you are welcome to stay till Monday morning. If you’re coming with a caravan, we’d like to suggest that you come early so that you can find a suitable spot. For further details on the signing on times etc please check http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/events/builth_wells.php.

Entries

They are still coming in, especially the online entry which is getting more and more popular. You can still enter online till Friday evening – after that please don’t send any further online entries, we won’t be able to pick them up. We are still taking postal entries, but please be aware that we might not get the confirmation to you in time. Be assured though that we will be able to get you in. We have now extended the maximum number which will allow entries on the day. If you know that you are going to take part now please save yourself the £2 surcharge and enter online. Simply go onto the entry page (http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/entry_forms/entry_forms.php) and follow the on screen instructions.

Austria

When Builth is around the corner it can only mean that ‘Merida on holiday’ time is following closely behind. If you haven’t yet been to our guest round in Bad Goisern, Austria (details at http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/events/bad_goisern.php) make sure that you don’t miss out on it this year. There are still places available and also some cheap flights to be had. To enter simply download an entry form from here (http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/entry_forms/entry_forms.php) fill it and send it through with your cheque to mjw marketing. To get yourself a super cheap flight check out the Ryanair website (http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/). The package deal we are offering (detail on the Bad Goisern event page) include accommodation, super food and airport transfer plus lots of little extras. DON’T MISS OUT!!!

The guys in Austria have also put up lots of updates about the new course which is now online, the helicopter shuttles, the Dachstein Track and many other things. Check out http://www.trophy.at/show_bericht.php?ber_id=2742.

Event village – Builth Wells

As it has been since the beginning, Builth Wells is popular with the riders and with the supporters. We will have most of our sponsors at the event. Merida will be there in full force with an extended show range as well as Fizik, Topeak, Ergon, CycleActive, High5 with some super offers and their free samples, Schwalbe, Memory Map with all the courses on their great system, Hayes brakes who will run services on your Hayes brakes (in case you need one), Dirtworker with their mobile washing unit which you can test and purchase for a special offer price of £79.99 and our friends from Pedro’s who will have lots of great offers on as well as their free bike washing facilities.

Warm up and Coaching rides with CycleActive

Don’t forget the various guided rides we have to offer with the help of Pedro’s and Cycle Active. We have two rides for Saturday and the Family Skills session on Sunday. Make sure you pre-book the Pedro’s spin or the Get Started Skills Ride by sending us an email to [email protected]. Entries are strictly limited.

The Pedro’s Spin

A great chance to warm up and get expert tips and coaching at the same time. Improve your skills on technical terrain, drop-offs, steep climbs and more, under expert instruction from a CycleActive guide.

Get Started Skills Ride

The perfect ride for newcomers to the Merida Marathons, or the sport of mountain biking. Learn the core skills of mountain biking and develop your balance, bike control, braking and overall trail riding techniques in a small group, with expert tuition.

Family Skills Sessions

These were also a big hit at the first two events this year and will be running again in the CycleActive Arena. For parents and kids alike these skills sessions combine great learning with great fun on a custom-made obstacle course. Sign up for the sessions at registration – spaces are strictly limited so get your name down early if you can.

Merida TransWales’06

With the summer now in full flow it also means that the first-ever TransWales is only a few weeks away. The recent opening of the TransWales to solo entries has seen a good uptake but there are still solo and team places available. From the emails we have been receiving we very much get the feeling that riders are taking their training regime a little bit too seriously. The event is demanding but not to the level most of the riders seem to expect. To get an idea just have a look at the training page on the marathon site (http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/entry_forms/training.php) – if you follow a similar regime then you will be more than capable to come and join the Merida TransWales. To enter simply go to www.mtbtransuk.co.uk and download an entry form or send an email with your postal address to [email protected] and we will post you one out. If you are still not sure what the Merida TransWales is all about simply check out the website and in particular the FAQ section (http://www.mtbtransuk.co.uk/news_faq.php) and if you have any questions simply send us an email to [email protected] and we will try to help. We are going out this weekend to finish off the special stages. That means that we should have the new course finished by next week and hopefully all the details on the TW ’06 site shortly after.