Midsomer Madness – Weds 22nd June

Images from Midsomer Madness 2007

It's a free-to-enter evening moutainbike ride held on the Wednesday nearest to mid-summer. It's also always within Bike Week. It uses many of the (really quite interesting) bridleways around the south of Bath: Combe Hay, Wellow, Shoscombe kinda area. It's really quite hilly, too.

Anyhoo, my friend from Bath - Andy Stewart whom I suspect some of you may know - has resurrected it again for this year. This'll be it's 4th incarnation, it's last being in 2007. Think we had about 50 riders out that time. I seem to remember the Long Route was nearer 40km back then... The montage above uses some snaps from that ride.

In previous years the whole route was way-marked, people were given a map to follow and they'd ride round on their own or in little groups, at their own pace, and meet up at a pub at the end. All incredibly social and great fun. His format's a little different this year in that he intends for several optional groups to form which will then be 'led' round the route. There will also be some prizes for 'Most Spirited Ride' in three categories, courtesy of Cadence in Bath.

It really is a great little event using some really interesting trails. And not too far away. If you've still got some legs after the Tuesday Night Ride, please come along.

Details are as follows:

WEDNESDAY 22 JUNE 2011

Meet 6.45 for 7pm start at St Gregory’s School, Combe Hay Lane,
Bath BA2 8PA (off the A367 near Odd Down Park & Ride)

Suitable for all abilities (including young adults aged 16 and over).
Off-road experience useful but not essential.

Choice of routes: 20km and 30km.
Maps provided or join one of the led rides.
Wear a helmet and bring a spare tube, bottle and lights.
Optional pub stop near the end.

For more information: www.bikeweek.org.uk

Or contact Andy Stewart analogueandy@yahoo.co.uk 01225 424905 or 07810 756 925