It seems like only last week that we were announcing the first event in the Merida 100 MTB Marathon series. And yet here we are reminding you that the last one of 2004 is this very weekend. Where did the year go?

The organising team has bunged over some all-important last minute details. If you’re a Merida 100 veteran then there’ll be little mystery to the ins and outs of participation, but there are a couple of key changes.

You’re aiming for the Rugby Club at Ruthin, wherein the event village, start/finish and campsite will be located. Signposts will be out from Friday afternoon. You can sign in on Saturday between 12 noon and 8pm or on Sunday morning between 7 and 9am. Don’t dally around, sign-on will close at 9am.

Saturday evening attractions include the traditional pasta party (6pm until stuffed) and the prize draw for a Merida bike and CicloSport HAC4 bike computer (8pm).

Then on Sunday the main event kicks off at 9.30am (half an hour earlier than the usual start time – don’t be late). There’ll be more prize draws after the finish, so hanging around for a bit after the event may well be profitable…

If you’ve got non-riders in your life then the Ruthin event looks like a winner. The town is holding an Open Heritage weekend, with local historic buildings open to the public and guided walks. Ruthin shopkeepers will be opening on the Sunday too, so family and friends should be able to amuse themselves while you’re out riding your bike. Details of things to do will be available in the event village and the town square.

There’s still time to enter via the on-line entry page (you’ll need to post a cheque straight away too) or entries will be available on the day as long as you arrive in Ruthin in good time.

Everything you need to know should be on www.mtb-marathon.co.uk – for any last minute questions or queries mail [email protected] or give John Lloyd a call on 01982 552923.