The second round of the 661 Gravity Enduro is set to take place in the wilds of Kielder Forest, Northumberland this weekend the 11th-12th June.

The first round at Ae Forest, Dumfries, was a roaring success despite the miserable weather and got the very first season of racing off to a great start, showing the fun and potential of this style of racing.

If you’re unaware of it, the concept is simple: riders are timed on relatively pedally downhill stages and must get between each timed run under their own power, using the off-road linking stages. The idea is very similar to car rallying (also a Kielder Forest staple, where it’s nicknamed Killer Kielder for good reason) and for mountain bikers it should prove an exciting but entirely doable challenge, with a mix of man-made trail along with more natural sections.

The result is a cross between classic XC/enduro racing and downhill racing and it’s a true test of bike handling skill, fitness and strength. The linking stages provide plenty of time to get to know your fellow riders and add to the great atmosphere. For spectators, the seeding run on Saturday provides plenty of action and it’s also used again on Sunday, riders being timed live on their final run of the day.

Singletrack Magazine will be set up in the event village along with all a wide number of other sponsors, including the SRAM Tech Centre, who will be on hand to sort any technical woes, Continental Tyres, title sponsors SixSixOne with their range of protection and clothing, Bionicon bikes plus many more.

Marshals Wanted

The organisers need some people to volunteer as marshals for this round – if you fancy getting a goody bag from the event sponsors, including ourselves and SixSixOne for around 2-4 hours of massively appreciated and vital work, then get in touch with Steve Parr at steveparr66@yahoo.co.uk or fire a text over to 07989 415554.

You can see the headcam footage below to give you a little flavour of the event…

Entries have now closed for this round but if you’d like to enter any of the other rounds then check the website at:

www.ukgravityenduro.co.uk

If you plan on turning up to Kielder to spectate or if you’ve entered, the 661 Gravity Enduro crew are suggesting you stock up on the midge repellant as the tiny beasts are out in force.

There is camping available on site and the Purple Mountain bike shop will be on hand to cure all bike woes. The Duke’s Pantry at nearby Kielder Castle will be open all weekend providing food and drink. If you need more information on local services then head to www.visitkielder.com

Check out our video from the first round below…