2007 saw the rebirth of the Cheddar Challenge in the form of the Kona Cheddar Bikefest. Almost 800 riders joined the ‘Festivities’ and challenged one of the most demanding courses in the UK event scene and put Cheddar back on the UK events map.

Around 750 riders in teams of two, four and solo took part in the 8 hour and 4 hour event on Saturday and had a great day racing on the short but tough Cheddar course. The much loved sections like Vipers Vale, Devils Drop and Witches Wood put big grins on the rider’s faces. Every lap remained a physical and technical challenge until the very end but it didn’t stop the riders putting in some astonishing laps and lap times.

As you would expect Cheddar is back on the map for 2008 with the 2nd issue of Cheddar Bikefest sponsored by Kona Bikes on the weekend of the 27-28th September at the Broadway House Campground in Cheddar.

The format is similar to the Bristol Bikefest but adjusted to the time of year. For the 2008 event we will have the now 10hour enduro in the Saturday followed by the 5hour event on the Sunday. As an extra for the newcomers to endurance racing we have added a 3hour long ‘Novice’ Endurance event which will also run on Sunday. This will give everybody who is keen to find out what all the ‘fuss’ is about a chance to dip their toe in the water without overdoing it straight away. Both days can be ridden as solo events or as teams of 2 or 4. The special twist on Saturday is that the last couple of hours (depending on weather) will be ridden in the dark and will offer a real chance for everybody to enjoy night riding before the ‘dark season’ starts. Our night lap sponsor NiteRider will be on site offering technical support, showing off the latest night light technology and offering lots of prizes for the fastest night laps.

Loyalty gift – don’t miss out We have paired up once more with our sponsor KONA bikes to give every rider who is taking part in the Saturday and the Sunday event a ‘loyalty gift’ (worth more than £25) - so everybody who has already entered both events or who is going to will be rewarded when you sign on. It maybe worth considering giving the 5 hour solo a go once you have tackled the course on Saturday in a team of four or maybe the other way round.

Even more importantly - for all the Bristol Bikefest 2008 riders out there – don’t forget that our ‘loyalty gift’ offer applies for everyone who has already taken part in the Bristol event in June and is now entering the Cheddar event as well. So if you enter at least one event at both 2008 Bikefests than you are in for a treat!

The course
Last years course was a balls out mixture of tough climbs and the best bits of the glory days of the Cheddar Challenge. Due to last minute changes we had to throw in rather difficult climb which majority of the riders had to walk. We have managed to sort this section out by making that section completely ridable but without sacrificing any of the fun bits that made the Cheddar Challenge course the highlight of the UK race calendar.

Here's the profile comparison from last year to this year.



NiteRider Night Time Trail For 2008 we have moved the night time trail to Friday night (26th September 2008) from around 7:00PM onwards. The night time trail will be FOC for riders who have entered either the Saturday or the Sunday race and will be started from the bar at the entrance of the campground. If you want to do just the night time trail the entry fee is £5. Riders are asked to register as soon as they arrive on Friday afternoon. The night time trail will be the chance to have the course all to yourself and the ideal opportunity to prepare yourself for a day of racing on Saturday or/and Sunday. Riders will start at set intervals and will race one loop against the clock.

The venue / event village
With the ongoing changes and improvements that have been made at the Broadway House venue in Cheddar the facilities are all top notch which will make the Cheddar Bikefest the ideal place to bring the family for the final mountain biking burst of the season. The Bristol Bikefest team are going to add their usual laidback atmosphere with music and a well stocked bar throughout the weekend.

The event village will have something for everyone. Top notch caterers and coffee vendors from the region, adventure playground and the latest 2008/9 accessories, apparel and bikes on display.

Kids race
There will be a kids race held on the Saturday starting at 1:00PM. Classes are 0 - 5years, 5 - 10 years and 10 and over. Parents can enter their children on the day before 12:30PM by coming to the race unit and registering on the line. The entry will be free of charge.

How to enter - entry now open! This event website www.bike-fest.com tells you all you need to know about the Kona Cheddar Bikefest with venue information, course details, briefing notes and lots more and most importantly has the entry form available to download. Simply download it, fill it in (please note that every team rider has to fill in an entry form) and send it through to us together with the payment. Successful entries will be uploaded on our entry page on a regular basis. Due to not wanting to overcrowd the course and spoil the fun we have restricted the entry, in particular the solo entry. So to make sure that you can take part in the event of your choice please enter as soon as possible. If however last minute is more your thing we will accept entries on the day at the venue if spaces are still available.