It’s only a few days before the Scottish round of the Merida Bikes MTB Marathon in Selkirk (4-5th August 2007) opens its doors. The organisers are expecting more than 1000 riders at what is widely regarded as the best course the UK enduro scene has to offer.

With more than 800 entries taken and with last minute entries still flying in there are a few palces still available. The organisers say “As this event is far away from home for us please note that we will only be able to receive postal entry forms until Thursday the 2nd August. Every entry form arriving at our offices after that cannot be considered for the Selkirk round.” So that still leaves a couple of days for postal entries. The online entry is still open www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/entry_forms/entry_forms.php up to Friday lunch time. Please don’t use the online entry after that as it will be impossible for entries to be incorporated into the signing on lists. Day entry will be possible but be aware of the £2 surcharge for day entries.Entries:

Registration and location:

The registration which is based at Selkirk Rugby Club will open at 12 (noon) pm on Saturday (4th August ’07) and will stay open till 8pm. On Sunday (5th August ’07) the registration will re-open at 7am and will stay open till 9am. Please make sure that you have entered/registered before 9am on Sunday. Michael Wilkins says “We will once again have a superb Merida mountain bike and some Mercedes-Benz goodies to give away as part of the questionnaire draw. The draw will be around 9.45am on the start line. The start of the ride (all categories and distances start together) is at 10am. The Rugby Club will be signposted from all directions – so simply make your way into Selkirk and follow the markers. ”

Event village:

Selkirk always attracts a healthy amount of companies. Besides the Merida Bikes crew (check out www.merida-bikes.co.uk/) the guys from 2Pure (http://www.2pure.co.uk/), the UK distributor for CrankBrothers will be on site showing the latest products and offering technical support for all CrankBrother users. To mention just a few there is James from Ergon, the guys from RJC, the team from Schwalbe tyres, Bob from High5, the guys from Sortimo, Gore Bikewear and last but not least the team from Mercedes-Benz vans.

On show at Selkirk from event sponsors Mercedes-Benz Vans will be a vehicle that will appeal to those looking for an individual way to transport their mountain bike to enjoy the great outdoors. The all-new Vito Sport-X is powered by a turbo-charged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine producing 204hp. That’s sufficient to rocket this very special van from 0-60mph in just over 8 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 122mph.

Gore Bike Wear – Try B4 U Buy

Gore Bike Wear are joining the Selkirk and Ruthin event to run their ‘Try B4 U Buy’ scheme in which you can test ride their products when you ride the event. Go along to the Gore Bike Wear tent and experience for yourself what the real difference is!

A sample of the latest and award winning products for men and women will be available to try, with a range of technologies from GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER® jackets right through to baggies and summer jerseys. All they ask is you treat them as your own for the day! Take them, ride them and return them. Bring them back to the Gore tent dirty, sweaty, ridden and rated and then leave the washing to them!

Cycle Active skills classes

As mentioned in our last update the expert coaches at CycleActive are going to be on site in Selkirk running some first class skills and warm-up rides. We are told that booking for the skills classes has been busy, so you better be quick! There are two levels of skills ride to choose from, they last for about 1.5 hours and they depart on the Saturday at 12pm, 2:30pm and 5pm. Numbers are strictly limited to ensure good learning, so email [email protected] now to reserve your space.

Weather and Course conditions:

Talking about weather – it has been rather good in Selkirk over the last few days and it is also looking rather promising for the next few days (including the weekend).The course in very good condition at the moment.Theorganisers ask that with potentially warm weather for the event PLEASE make sure you can transport sufficient water when you are out on the ride. We strongly recommend a hydration system or at least two big bottles. Check out the Hydration Buyer’s Guide for advice on getting one that works for you.