Mountain Biking Madness

Imagine a mountain bike race where Pamela Anderson and Popeye are neck and neck heading towards the finish line, with Batman and Wonder Woman close behind. I’m sure you’d agree it sounds like quite a spectacle and next month could be where you see it happen - right here in Perth.

The Muckmedden Fair City Enduro is back and as always, competitors are encouraged to get dressed up and tackle the mountain bike race in full costume (although it would be advisable not to wear something that may impair your vision!). It all gets underway on Saturday 21^st October and it’s the perfect excuse to try out your Halloween costume early and really get into the spirit of things!

The race was recently listed in Red Bull’s ‘Top 11 Must Do Mountain Bike Events in 2017’ and it’s right here on our doorstep – so why not hop on the saddle and get involved in the fun?

GALLERY

It’s a multi-stage race which kicks off with a ride through the streets of Perth before heading to the hills of Deuchney and Kinnoull where riders are tested in six timed stages tackling some of Scotland’s best mountain bike trails – and probably getting very muddy in the process.

If competing doesn’t sound appealing then surely spectating does and you can cheer on 350+ riders as they whizz passed dressed in everything from superhero costumes to Hollywood movie stars. The guys at Muckmedden Events, based in Abernethy, always put on a great show and the racing is just as exciting as it is amusing!

Aaron Gray, one of the Muckmedden Events team, is looking forward to another action-packed race in what’s now the fifth edition of the Fair City Enduro.

“It brings hundreds of mountain bikers into Perth every October and creates such a buzz about the place. During race weekend it seems like every second card has a mountain bike on its roof and as a local it’s great to see how much the event brings to the city.

“Fair City Enduro attracts many top riders, including world-class athletes, but our events are also known as being the ideal first step into Enduro Mountain Bike racing because we focus more on having fun than getting quick race times. You can’t take things too seriously when you’re sitting at the starting line next to a giant carrot!”

It’s a unique event in which the participants seem to get more and more creative each year and we can’t wait to see some of the costumes on display next month. There’s plenty going on throughout the day including a variety of competitions and entertainment in the event village. You can’t take things too seriously when you’re sitting at the starting line next to a giant carrot! Some of the top mountain bike manufacturers will be in attendance and there will be opportunities to test ride the newest models as well as pick up some new biking clothing and accessories in the trade village.

And there’s also still plenty of time to enter! Entries don’t close until 18^th October and start from £45 for adults. Muckmedden Events also have the women-specific ‘Muckmaiden Ride Out and Coaching Day’ on Sunday 8^th October at 10AM, which aims to let female riders familiarise themselves with the trails in the company of other female riders, and to get some professional skills coaching. It’s the perfect way to prepare for the event and meet your fellow competitors.

Good luck to anyone taking part in this year’s Fair City Enduro and keep your eyes peeled for a Small City Gallery after the event! We’ll be capturing some of the highlights so no pressure – we’re expecting big things from your costumes!

***

For more information on the Fair City Enduro 2017 or to enter, visit the Muckmedden website.

If you're taking part on the day and are looking for a new mountain bike ahead of the race, pop over to Perth's Bike Station - you can read all about the charity here - who will be able to help you find a model right for you, or help you prepare with a quick service of your bike.

The photography in this article is from Ian Potter from PK Perspective.