If you’re a London-based mtber you could do far worse than check out the Beastway series which kicks off its ninth series tomorrow at the Eastway Cycle Circuit.

The eleven-week run of races is organised from within London’s cycling community – involving several clubs and shops. It’s an hour-long race with plenty of short but steep ups and downs that’ll have you twitching at your gears, unless you’re one of those racing in the new singlespeed category that is. It’s also quite a twisty, compact course, and with up to two-hundred other riders you’ll be calling on your overtaking skills (at least you’d hope…). The precise route changes every week, so what was fun to fly down one week might be the scene of climbing carnage the next.

The race can be as serious as you want it to be as organisers welcome bikers of all abilities, with categories from novice up. There’s also a strong social element to the series and plenty of chance to check out clubs and chat to riders. What’s more you don’t need a race licence to take part, just turn up, pay your money, listen to the rules and race. The race starts at 7.30pm, but if you roll up after 7 you’ll run the risk of not getting a place.

There’s a slight increase in entry fee for seniors this year to £8 to cover increase insurance costs, but all other entry fees are unchanged. In case you’re wondering, this isn’t a profit-making series, all proceeds go to cover costs. This year the series is sponsored by Brixton cycles and the following clubs will be arranging and marshalling the course.

May 22 – London Phoenix
May 29 – Bikepark.co.uk

June 5 – Oscar Bravo CC
June 12 – Gemini BC

June 19 – Mosquito Bikes

June 26 – Cyclone

July 3 – De Laune

July 10 – Crest & Gravesend

July 17 – Eastern Region Velo* to be confirmed

July 24 – Addiscombe

July 31 – Brixton Cycles

To find out more about the series check out their website. It’s all good dirty, sweaty fun and probably one of the most enjoyable work-outs you can get in London.