SPAM Biking, organisers of the famous Salisbury Plain Challenge events have announced details of this year’s winter challenge, on Sunday December 30.

After last year’s slightly earlier date for the event; the Imber Range opening and Christmas / New Year celebrations have fallen such that the Winter Challenge is back to the traditional calendar slot. This year’s event will take place on Sunday December 30 2012; an ideal opportunity to work of the Christmas excess, and build up a thirst for the New Year celebrations! The SPAM Winter Challenge is Salisbury Plain’s classic mountain bike endurance event. Online entry is available at the SPAM Winter Challenge website, entry will also be available on the day.

SPAM say that that it will be a relaxed affair, held on all-weather trails. The riding isn’t particularly technical but the weather can create its own challenges. There are three distances to choose from: 25km, 35km and 50km. Most riders choose mountain bikes, but there are always a few go-faster nutters on cyclo-cross bikes.

There will be lots of marshals out on the course and professional medics on standby at the start/finish area. Helmets are compulsory.

On site catering offering hot and cold drinks and food will be available from 8am, and volunteers from Dorothy House, a local hospice, will be tempting all with a delicious spread of cakes at the finish line with proceeds supporting their cause.

Bertie Maffoons Bike shop will be on site with spares and kit for any last minute fettling or an extra layer of clothing if required. The Erlestoke base provides plenty of hard-standing parking and toilets are available on site. We recommend spare warm dry clothing for after the event.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to local charities. In previous years SPAM has given to Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Help For Heroes, a number of local schools and pre-schools, Salisbury Hospital and The Lion’s Club.