This looks good. 40 miler round hamsterley forest in Co. Durham, on trail center and single track over the moors. all money going to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance. and there is free cake!! I’ve entered.

http://www.hamsterleybeast.com or https://www.facebook.com/hamsterleybeast

15th May at Hamsterley Forest –

For the second year we are proud to invite you all to take part in what has been described as one of the best Mountain Biking events around.

The Beast is a gruelling ride no question about it, especially if you’re attempting the full 40 miler, but the emphasis is on fun. It’s about getting together with your mates and making new ones whilst helping each other up the climbs and through the mud then having a blast on the downs. You will find no elitism on the Beast, it really is a ride with something for everyone.

If you do want to smash out the best time you can and really challenge yourself, that’s fine too. This year we are introducing timing devices for each rider. This will not only let you know how you’ve done if that’s your thing, it will also improve safety as we can keep tabs on riders whereabouts.

The Beast is also about raising money for a very good cause. The Great North Air Ambulance covers the North east, Cumbria and North Yorkshire and is funded entirely by the public. In order to continue to save lives the charity needs to raise 4.5 million pounds every year.

The Air Ambulance could be needed to help any of us at any time but as Mountain Bikers, it is a charity particularly close to our hearts. We all hope will never need the Air Ambulance but none of us wish to ride in a world in which it does not exist.

We are working hard to make sure that this year’s ride is just as challenging and just as much fun as last year. We are bringing you new routes again with full and half Beast options of 40 and 18 miles, if you’re not quite up to the big one there will be plenty of bail out options along the way. If you sign up for the half but feel particularly fresh on the day and fancy the full 40, you are welcome to give it a go but please be aware that cut off times will be in place for everyones safety.