As December creeps ever closer, it’s time to look forward to 2009. And that’s actual calendar 2009, not the bonkers bike industry 2009 that kicks off sometime in spring 2008. It’s always good to get out for a bit of a spin to blow the Christmas and New Year cobwebs out, and the south of England has its very own traditional start-of-the-year MTB event in the shape of SPAMBiking’s Winter Challenge.

The Winter Challenge has been taking place on the military ranges of Salisbury Challenge for many years in various guises, only very occasionally being hindered by weather so cold that none of the support vehicles could access the course. There was also a pause when founding organiser Stuart Sidebottom passed the logistical baton to local club SPAMBiking.

So mark Sunday 4 January 2009 in your calendar, choose from 50km, 35km or 25km route options, rummage out your warm socks and extra layers and head over to www.spambiking.co.uk for all your entry needs and further information. Entries in advance must be received by 31 December – you can enter on the day but there’s a £2 surcharge.

The 2009 Winter Challenge starts from Erlestoke, Wiltshire, is supported by Mule Bar and supports various local charities. It’s also one of the few events that comes with the splendid disclaimer that the organisers “are not responsible for the cancellation of any event due to military exercises”…