The team behind the Schwinn 100 mountain bike marathon have plans underway for a second epic event for this year. We spoke to the organiser, Michael Wilkens, about the preliminary details.

The event will be based in Rhayader, 13 miles north of the Builth Wells centre used for the Schwinn 100s. The Rhayader event will have a similar mass start format to the Schwinn. But, rather than 100km and 50km options, there will be a 100km route plus a truly epic 100mile course over the Welsh mountains.

The event has the full support of the local council who -like most of Wales, as far as we can tell- seem to think mountain bikers are a thoroughly good idea, so we can expect a really good atmosphere. The backing of a major outside sponsor (not Schwinn, who cease trading in the UK in two weeks time) is in the pipeline, but not yet confirmed.

The Rhayader rumble will occur sometime around late August to fit in with other events, such as the Schwinn 100 and Sleepless in the Saddle, and to give organisers enough time to get the new event fettled. Obviously we’ll bring you more details as soon as we get them.

With established events (Polaris, Trailbreak, Trailquest, Red Bull Mountain Mayhem,Sleepless in the Saddle, Karrimor Six, Schwinn 100, Newnham 90, Hell Of the North Cotswolds, Salisbury Plain Challenge and the Drumtochty Challenge) now being joined by even more long distance challenges such as: the Coed-y-Brenin Fat Tyre Festival (see article), the Thetford Enduro, the SIMBA series, the Enduro series, and the Cheddar Challenge enduro, it’s getting to be a full calendar. Which is great for those of us who like their events long and leg sapping.

So get your diary and your ‘weekend leave’ passes sorted out and follow Coach Potato’s advice here on the BM, as we get ready for what looks to be an epic year.