Bristol's annual mountain bike enduro weekend will return to Ashton Court this year with a new course and a new name – the Ritchey Bikefest powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport.
The event, previously called the Kona Bristol Bikefest, attracted more than 1,800 riders last year. The 2011 track will benefit from big changes to the city's trail network but will apparently "be similar in length and amount of climbing, and will keep its big proportion of much-loved singletrack".
A 12-hour team/solo endurance race will kick things off on Saturday 4 June, followed by a six-hour team/solo event and three-hour novice challenge on the Sunday. There'll be a DJ and bar on the Friday and Saturday nights, with live music on the Saturday too, not to mention a food village and expo area with the latest bikes and kit. For full details, visit www.bike-fest.com.
This year will also see the return of the Ashton Court Oktoberfest, again now sponsored by Ritchey. More than 900 riders took part in last year's inaugural event, which featured oompah music and other Bavarian touches alongside all the usual race action. The Ritchey Oktoberfest 2011 powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport will take place on 15 October.
