It’s getting near that leg shaving, elbow barging, blood and tears time of year again, so get your diaries out to note down the regional events near you.

‘Oop North’ the NAMBS series takes in some old favourite venues as well as some new ones. Unfortunately as they can’t afford the time to do all the extra paperwork this year, there’ll be no overall series title, just indivdual races. All rounds still count towards National points though.

Round 1. 28/29 April, Ramsgill near Pateley Bridge. All disciplines.

Round 2. 27 May, Gisburn Forest, Ribblesdale. XC only.

Round 3. 16/17 June, Innerleithan near Peebles. All disciplines.

Area champs 14/15 July,Hamsterley Forest near Bishops Aukland. All disciplines.

Round 4. 11/12 August, Bellholme near Todmorden. DH only, two rounds – one weekend!

Round 5. 8/9 September, Boltby near Thirsk. All disciplines.

For more venue, Event and entry details race over to the NAMBS 2001 website.

Meanwhile ‘Darn Saarf’ SAMS are running a full series of DH and XC races although they’re still staying shy about the opening venue.

8/29 April – venue TBC.

26/27 May – Bristol Bike Fest – Ashton Court.

16/17th June – venue TBC.

11/12th August – Aston Hill, Wendover.

8/9th September – venue TBC.

Southern Championship 14/15th July – TBC.(not as in the BCF 2001 Handbook)

More details and website link up information when we get it.