There are less than two weeks to go before we will put on the first night marathon (ever) – the EXPOSURE LIGHTS BIG NIGHT OUT – which will also get the rest of the season on the go. All the details about the night marathon and the other events are on the various event pages of the www.mtb-marathon.co.uk website. We are currently running at 70% capacity and with entries still coming in we might get rather close to being full-up. To avoid disappointment make sure that you enter soon as we might not be able to accept entries on the day. If you want to be kept updated on this please subscribe to the newsletter.

The easiest way to enter is to go to our entry page and submit your details as well as the event you would like to take part in. If you choose to enter via the site please don’t forget that your entry is only complete when you send us your cheque as well. Once we receive both we will send you a confirmation slip with your start number. If you prefer the good old paper way please send an SAE to the NEW address: Merida 100, FAO John Lloyd, Builth Wells Cycles, Western House, 16 West Street, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3AH.

But if you are going to the upcoming Bike Show in Stoneleigh you can also enter there and then. John and myself will be present on stand M538 to answer questions, give advice and just generally have a chat about the series. You can also enter there and then, and we will give you your confirmation on the spot. If you enter one event you will receive a gift worth more than £5.00 – courtesy of the series energy food and drinks sponsor, HIGH5 (www.highfive.co.uk). If you enter two events you will also get a pair of Sugoi socks worth £8.00 – provided by our apparel partner Sugoi (www.sugoi.com) – and if you enter three or more event you will be rewarded with the HIGH5 gift as well as with a pair of MERIDA sunglasses (worth £14.99), donated by our main sponsor Merida Bicycles (www.merida-bikes.co.uk).

If you have taken part in any of the events of the 100 series in the past you will probably have received the new issue of the MTB-Marathon Guidebook. We hope that you enjoy reading it and that you find many useful tips for the upcoming season in there. If you have not received a copy and would like to get hold of one and you’re in the UK (including Northern Ireland) please send us an email with your complete postal address to [email protected] and we will post one out to you free of charge. We’re afraid that we can only do this if you’re in the UK but there is now a new downloadable version on the website for all our overseas marathon friends.

A new feature at the events this year we will be the addition of an organised ride on the Saturday. The “Pedro’s Spin”, courtesy of Pedro’s, will allow anybody who fancies giving their legs a warm up before the Sunday event a chance to do exactly that. A local guide will lead this fun orientated ride, but don’t worry as they should not exceed 30km to prevent you burning out before the big day! With having a big ride on the Saturday night at the first event of the season we might not be able to offer this service but please keep checking the website and prepare yourself for the launch of the Pedro’s ride at the Rhayader round of the Merida 100 series 2005.

Cyclex, a huge cycle and fitness shop that works closely with the Merida guys, will be present at the events and will have an interesting competition planned for everybody which doesn’t involve cycling but a rather tough water sport… They will have an indoor rowing competition planned which should guarantee some interesting battles with lots of prizes to boot! The guys from Cyclex will also be on-hand with a fleet of Merida bikes, so if you are interested in hiring one of their Olympic, World Cup and World Championship winning machines just get in touch with James on [email protected] and let him know what you are after. They also have some great savings to be had on some of their models too, so keep your eyes peeled.