The sixth season of the Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon Series powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport will visit a different event location for each round in 2012.
For full information about local services, cycle facilities, accommodation and what’s on in the local area throughout the event weekend, please get in touch with the local Tourist Information Centre or visit the local website – details below.
Round one - Builth Wells 7th - 8th April 2012 Event village and start / finish for the ELBNO and CRC MTB Marathon – Penmaenau Caravan Park
Situated in the beautiful unspoiled countryside of Mid-Wales, Builth Wells is an ideal base from which to explore the many attractions and events held throughout the year in this part of the UK. The river Wye flows through the centre of Builth on its way to Hereford and Ross-on-Wye, along the flanks of which stand many wonderful hotels, shops, pubs and B&Bs in the town centre. It also has a picturesque golf course with conference facilities. Take the chance to explore the history of Builth Wells and visit the wonderful castle site, which is perched above the town.
Round two – Selkirk 19th - 20th May 2012 Event village and start / finish for the Vitus Road Sportive and CRC MTB Marathon – Selkirk RFC
The ancient and Royal Burgh of Selkirk stands high above the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys. Sir Walter Scott served as sheriff here for 33 years. His former courtroom building, now a local museum links with the ironmongery trade recreated. The Robson Gallery provides a venue for exhibitions.
Clapperton's Daylight Photographic Studio is a working museum and photographic archive. ‘Selkirk Common Riding’ in June is recognised as one of the oldest of the Border Festivals, with as many as 400 riders taking part. The town's industrial background is reflected in the number of specialist tweed outlets, whilst local glass works offer the chance to buy products and see skilled craftsmen at work. Three miles west is Bowhill House, a Georgian mansion, with woodland walks and an adventure playground in the extensive grounds. Other local places of interest include Aikwood Tower, Selkirk Golf Club, a Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre.
The 7stanes trail centres, Glentress and Innerleithen are less than 30 minutes away - Selkirk is crying out for a little mountain bike holiday with the perfect finish at the CRC MTB Marathon. So if you have not had the chance yet to sample some of the superb trail centres in the Scottish Borders – this is your chance to make the possibly long way up worth your while.
Round three - Marshbrook (nr Church Stretton & Craven Arms) 14th - 15th July 2012 Event village and start / finish for the Vitus Road Sportive and CRC MTB Marathon – (at the) Shropshire Hills Mountain Bike & Outdoor Pursuit Centre
Marshbrook is a hamlet in Shropshire, England. It lies on the junction of the A49 and B4370, situated three miles to the south of the market town of Church Stretton. There is a public house in the hamlet, near to the railway line - The Station Hotel. In 2010, the camping and outdoor activities centre opened with mountain bikes available for hire. Set in the picturesque Shropshire hills, this is the only mountain bike centre in the UK that has all the facilities ‘under one roof’. In the grounds there is a pub and restaurant, bike shop / workshop, café, shower block and bike wash, electrically heated camping pods and campsite. The excellent natural trails start just a few minutes ride away, why not take your friends and family for a spin before /or after you plunge into the buzz of the event weekend.
Shropshire Hills Mountain Bike & Outdoor Pursuit Centre
Marshbrook
Nr Church Stretton
SY6 6QE
The local town of Church Stretton is only 2 miles from the Marshbrook event, you can visit the town website here: www.churchstretton.co.uk
Round four - Abergavenny 4th - 5th August 2012 Event village and start / finish for the Vitus Road Sportive and CRC MTB Marathon – Abergavenny location (exact location TBC)
Nestled between seven hills right on the Welsh/English border, Abergavenny truly is a 'Gateway To Wales'. The town situated in the South Eastern corner of Wales, Great Britain, only 20 miles from the English border. Abergavenny is steeped in history and enjoys an enviable position close to the industry of middle and western England whilst bathing in the beauty of the Brecon Beacons national park. An ideal base for exploring the Brecon Beacons, Abergavenny has much to offer tourists - a blend of old and new, with activities and things to do to suit young and old alike. A visit to Abergavenny can really feel like a break away from it all - you can almost feel time slowing down as you unwind and take in the fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery.
Tourist Information Centre contact details:
24, Monmouth Road
Abergavenny
NP7 5HL
Tel: 01873 853254
e-mail: abergavennyic@breconbeacons.org
web: www.visitabergavenny.co.uk
Open daily 10.00am - 5.00pm - situated at the Bus Station.
Round five – Ruthin 15th – 16th September 2012 Event village and start / finish for the ELBNO and CRC MTB Marathon – Ruthin RFC
Ruthin lies at the end of the Vale of Clwyd in Denbighshire, North Wales. Ruthin is an attractive market town with a population of about five thousand. It has good examples of Elizabethan, Georgian and Queen Anne styles of architecture, typical of North Wales. There are also Celtic and Roman remains to be found. From wherever you park in Ruthin, if you head uphill you find yourself in St. Peter's Square. This hilltop town centre is unique in its rich architectural mix and lofty views of the surrounding countryside. The event village is only a few hundred yards away from the town centre, which, has lots of restaurants, pubs and shops and is generally a nice place to go for a stroll. So maybe make a proper weekend break out of it and if you have the time you could go to the trails in Coed Llandegla Forest (www.coedllandegla.com) for a spin before you dive into the marathon bustle.
