Entries are are now being encouraged for the 7th annual Colne Valley Mountain Bike Challenge, taking place this year on Sunday 9th May at 9.00am.

The course is a challenging one (as you'd expect) and consists of approx. 30 miles of local paths, tracks, bridleways and lanes around the picturesque Colne Valley area of Huddersfield – regularly featured on TV as settings for Last Of The Summer Wine and Where The Heart Is.

The cost of entry is £15 pre-booked (entry forms available at http://www.cvmbc.co.uk) and £20 on the day – although we do encourage pre-booking as it greatly assists the organisation of the event.

All participants will receive a free commemorative T-Shirt and certificate upon completion. The course will be fully marshalled throughout and will have 4 refreshment stops at designated points. There will also be a back-up vehicle available for anyone who wishes to (or is forced to!!) retire early.

Bacon Butties will be on sale beforehand at a nominal £1.00 each, but apart from these EVERYTHING ELSE refreshment wise (soup, bread, bananas, flap-jack, biscuits, coffee, tea etc etc) is FREE. Yes FREE. There is also a brilliant little pub – The Walkers Arms – situated on site, so those that wish to can partake of a pint (or two) if so desired.

So, to sum it up – it's a 30 mile challenging MTB ride, fully marshalled, fully 'catered' and absolutely FANTASTIC VALUE, with a pub on site to finish the day off as well. You won't find a better day out in this area on the 9th May. Come and give it a go – you've nothing to lose and we're absolutely certain that you'll be well looked after and have a great time.

No can do. I'll have taken off for my holiday from Heathrow some 12 hours earlier.

Awesome event.

I'll be there, got my postal form yesterday 🙂

Is it the same route as last year? That was a killer, but strangely enjoyable.

I have to persuade t'missus its a good way to spend her birthday!

dont see the point in paying a huge fee for riding the trails i can ride everyday beit about a couple of private sections.

dont get me wrong its fantastically organized etc & quite a good ride but £15.00 is a joke .

TJ – send her on her own, I'm sure she'll agree!

It's for charidee IIRC Big Bud, if you know what that is…

Top event run by some top people – the courses is awesome in a slightly scary way – Hopefully I’ll be there again this year (I’ve done 4 out of the last 5 years and only missed because headplant of the road bike) but feel very unfit at the moment

Al – it's for the local scout group. Does that count as charidee? 🙂

Tis a lovely spot for a ride though!

Don't think I can make it – setting off for an exhibition that day. Shame really as I have a bit of a score to settle from last year – got beaten by the wife!
Excellent event though, brilliant atmosphere and well run.

Received my form through the post earlier in the week – will be posting it back tomorrow.

I hate and love this event in equal measure!

Is the riding worth coming down from Scotland for? I enjoy riding in that part of the world and have done it before – I want interesting track, interesting views and interesting company.

a group of us do it every year and it is a great social event so count me in!

one thing though
do you have any online payment options for this yet?

Big-Bud – Member
dont see the point in paying a huge fee for riding the trails i can ride everyday beit about a couple of private sections.

dont get me wrong its fantastically organized etc & quite a good ride but £15.00 is a joke .

Yet you'll pay to ride the MTL?

http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/mary-townley-challenge-2010

hp_source – Member
I'll be there, got my postal form yesterday

Is it the same route as last year? That was a killer, but strangely enjoyable[i].

Keith, you are a sick, sick man….. 😉
That said, this back marker did enjoy the pain…..

TandemJeremy – Member
Is the riding worth coming down from Scotland for? I enjoy riding in that part of the world and have done it before – I want interesting track, interesting views and interesting company.

Come on down TJ – if nothing else (and assuming the route will take in Wessenden again, I can show you where Fred the lamb was rescued 😀
Seriously though, tough route, through rugged and scenic places. Worth the drive down – only you can decide..

TandemJeremy – Member
Is the riding worth coming down from Scotland for? I enjoy riding in that part of the world and have done it before – I want interesting track, interesting views and interesting company.

All of the above – and you get to stay at mine too.

Local trails are currently dry and dusty. Should be quick on the day.