It’s not all that often that a race is announced that actually makes us go “Ooooooh”, but the press release for the first Raasay Rumble (15/16 September 2007) had exactly that effect. The Isle of Raasay nestles just next door to the Isle of Skye on the west coast of Scotland – the whole area is pretty stunning and Raasay certainly doesn’t disappoint.

The Rumble is a ten-hour enduro open to solos, pairs and teams. And the organisers aren’t shy about talking up the course: “Super-cross country that will challenge your prolonged climbing ability and test your technical riding agility… Think big pumping climbs, think roots, tight singletrack and rock gardens. Everywhere.”

As well as natural beauty and a highly-promising sounding course, the format has some innovations too. Everyone will do one lap of a prologue loop taking in the slops of Dun Caan, complete with climbing primes. Then there’s the main loop, featuring forestry singletrack and, uniquely, open shoreline. The loop will include natural obstacles, the stylish cleaning of which could earn you a technical prime jersey.

The race will finish at 10pm, leaving plenty of time for apré-ride fun. And there’ll be a guided social ride on the Sunday to the north of the island. It all sounds highly promising. Entry fees are £40 per rider – choose from solo, pair or team of three.

Full details, entry forms and all that stuff at www.raasayrumble.com. We’re hugely tempted, although the whole “600 miles from BM HQ” thing is slightly distracting…