It may be “one of the hottest events on the UK watersports calendar”, but we’re mentioning the forthcoming Animal Poole Windfest (14-17 September 2006) here because (a) it does feature bikes in a bit of a way and (b) there’s a lot of crossover between the worlds of wind and kite surfers and mountain bikers. Ever wondered who brought MTBs into the UK in the first place? Bored windsurfers looking for something to do on those windless days. And since for most windsurfers “windless” is anything less than a Force 6, they started to get a lot of riding in…

But enough historical trivia. The Animal Windfest will take place at Sandbanks, Poole and will include the UK Windsurfing Association National freestyle, supercross and slalom championships, the British Kitesurfing Association kiteboard supercross championships, the Animal Windfest Beach Volleyball Championships and the UK Thunder Cat Championships (whatever that is…).

You can also look forward to the Coastal Gun Run, a 30 mile wind/kitesurf race from Weymouth to Sandbanks. And of course the Animal Braun CruZer3 Bike Tour, in which Animal riders Martyn Ashton and Grant Fielder never fail to amaze.

Obviously there’ll be all sorts of other on-shore attractions, plus evening events including the Surfers Against Sewage Golden Butterfly Ball, music and parties.

Founder of the event, Gary Willingham of FCWatersports, says, “Animal WindFest 2006 promises to be even bigger and better than previous years, offering top action on the water, some of the world’s most talented competitors, best brands and legendary parties. The four-day event is designed to entertain everyone from hardcore watersports fans through to families who want to watch the action from the beach.”

Want to know more? Head for www.poolewindfest.co.uk.