The BLAST ENDURO, September 2010 - Online Entry Now OPEN!
On Sunday 19th September 2010 The Blast Enduro celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The event, first hosted as a Millennium year event, has now evolved into a substantial mountain bike enduro that can be enjoyed by both experienced and leisure riders alike.&... read more.
27/07/2010
Set2Rise continues to improve
well the rain didn't manage to spoil the course or the enthusiasm of the competitors in the 2010 Set2Rise. a quick change of a small part of the course after the first lap or so meant that the off camber climb from the bottom track was cut-out as it was virtually unride... read more.07/06/2010
SET 2 RISE 12 hour MTB race - VIDEO LINK
Sponsor of the SET 2 RISE 12 HOUR overnighter, CHARGE BIKES have released a short video documentry of their rider (Sam Humphrey)'s solo win last year.
The video footage, showing great vie... read more.
30/04/2010
DROP OFF CAFE - Catering the SET 2 RISE!
Good news! Since we announced the 2010 Set 2 Rise - taking place in Wiltshire over the 2nd May bank holiday weekend - we have been hoping that the Drop Off Cafe (based in the Afan Forest in South Wales) would have their mobile double decker cater... read more.
05/04/2010
Set 2 Rise 12 Hour Event - OPEN!
29th / 30th May 2010
18.00 - 06.00
This event, now in its third year, has been hailed as a friendly, exclusive 12 hour overnight enduro race with one of the best courses of its kind.
Sponsored by CHARGE bikes and supported by MULE BA... read more.
27/01/2010
Charity donation made to Wiltshire Air Ambulance
Tonight, a snowy Wednesday night in January, a handful of SPAM members made it to the Police HQ in Devizes, the home of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance to present a cheque from the club.
As many will already know the profits from our events held on S... read more.
13/01/2010
2010 WINTER CHALLENGE - Happy New Year!
Sunday 3rd January kick started 830 mountain bikers new year off in cold crisp conditions on Salisbury Plain.
This event in the past has seen frost, ice, snow and good old fashioned british rain, but the 2010 event set off in almost perfect conditions, the sk... read more.
04/01/2010
Winter Challenge Pre-Ride. 20th Dec 2009 - Dave Robinson
It was cold and white on Sunday morning, but I had told myself the night before that I was definitely going on the pre-ride - whatever the weather.A big turnout of over 20 riders braved the elements and followed Graham for a gentle pace around t... read more.
21/12/2009
5 go mad in Afan
If in doubt blame the Chairman, always have and always will; it w... read more.
30/11/2009
WINTER CHALLENGE, 3 JAN 2010 - ONLINE ENTRY OPEN
Updated 23.11.09
We have really now resolved our online entry link problem. Sorry for any inconvenience caused for those trying to enter our January Challenge Event over the last couple of weeks.
Rest assur... read more.
20/11/2009
WINTER CHALLENGE WILL GO AHEAD!
Earlier this year we were warned by the MOD that permission to run future cycling events on Salisbury Plain may not be granted due to the damage being caused to some of the wooded areas on the edge of the Army training area.
It seems however, that f... read more.
09/11/2009
The Blast Review
Firstly well done to all 320 riders that traveled to Wiltshire bright and early yesterday morning to take part in the 10th annual Salisbury Plain BLAST!
The Weather was perfect with tempretures climbing quickly in the morning but because of some light cl... read more.
21/09/2009
Salisbury Plain BLAST - This Weekend!
THIS WEEKEND, 100km, 75km, 50km or 25km enduro routes available at the 10th annual 'Blast'.
Places are still available, enter online until Wednesday 16th September 2009 OR Enter on the Day.
See more details ... read more.
14/09/2009
Dave and Stefano on the Transalps
go to this website to find out more www.round-house.demon.co.uk/dave/transalps.html... read more.03/09/2009
THE BLAST - Enter Now!
This year's 'BLAST', now in its 10th year, takes place on Sunday 20th September at Erlestoke in Wiltshire.
SPAMBiking will once again utilise the best riding that Salisbury Plain has to offer with a challenging but fun course incorporating fast open tracks, f... read more.
24/08/2009
The South Downs Way in two days - (July 4/5 2009) - Dave Robinson
For my final hard TransAlps training ride I considered having a go at the South Downs Way double in two days - Winchester to Eastbourne on day one and then back to Winchester the next day.I didn't want to go alone and managed to talk some fellow club riders to tak... read more.
15/07/2009
Salisbury Ride
Well done to Pippa and Nick for an excellent 25miles on Sunday. 8 happy souls turned-up at a warm and sunny 5 Lanes. Paul Naish rode over from Shipton Bellinger and Jonathan Thomson from Broad Chalke. Sadly we lost (not literally) potential new member Graham with c... read more.07/07/2009
Set 2 Rise 2009 - 'Great course, great weather, great weekend'
Link to PHOTOS Link to RESULTS
... read more.24/05/2009
CLIC 24
The fun of CLIC24 has passed again for another year. Paul Connell and myself were there in SPAM colours (underneath wind & waterproofs!) putting in a few laps for cha... read more.
19/05/2009
2009 Set 2 Rise PRIZES
A picture of the 2009 prize fund has just been released and it looks as impressive as last year. Prizes include whole bikes, frames, saddles and cleaning kits amongst lots of others. Click on the image right to enlarge.read more.
15/05/2009
Another stolen bike - Bulford
I thought I would try and get as many people as I can to keep a look out for my bike as im gutted that some bugger has stolen it.
It was stolen from my shed last night in Bulfo... read more.
12/05/2009
Another Bike Stolen
Another SPAM member has been the victim of bike theft - this time from a public place. Earlier this year another club member had a couple of expensive specimens stolen from his garage (which now looks like Fort Knox) and has since fortunately had... read more.
01/05/2009
Set 2 Rise 12 Hr - It's filling up!
There's just over 4 weeks to go before Salisbury Plain's only 12 hour overnight MTB enduro on 23rd/24th May.
The Set2Rise was launched last year and was hailed to have one of the best courses of this type of event - plus the numbers are limited to make sure y... read more.
20/04/2009
Avebury and beyond
A sunny Sunday saw 3 new SPAM riders (Lucy Barker, Phil Normington and Guy Baggaley -well first non night ride since joining) along with the Chairman and the Secretary set-off from Avebury on the regular club favourite out towards Barbury Castle. A quick blast up the... read more.
07/04/2009
Nigel’s Fantastic Trip to Wales
We gathered at Nigel Brown’s estate before heading off in the drizzle for Wales; Dave Robinson and me in my car with Ken Snook, Nigel... read more.
07/04/2009
Six go mad on Exmoor
Exmoor March 2009
The sun shone, the birds sang and it seemed ... read more.
16/03/2009
A Wintery Challenge
As a nice change we've actually experienced some traditional winter weather over the Christmas period, instead of the usual mild, damp drizzle that we have become acustomed to over the past few years, but the question on everyone's lips was would it last for the Wint... read more.
05/01/2009
Last ride of 2008
I posted a ride for 31 December 2008 as a road ride but, after looking at the forecast, it turned into an off-road venture. Big Dave Robinson and Nigel Brown came to my place for a ri... read more.
01/01/2009
Winter Challenge - 4th January 09, Entries OPEN!
The Winter Challenge returns this year to it's traditional slot on the first Sunday of January - welcoming in the new year, and getting us out on our bikes after all that turkey and chocolate!
50km (Experienced Riders), 35... read more.
19/11/2008
Summer in October, The Afan Trip
Afan October 2008 - Phil Miles
(More pictures in 'The Gallery')
read more.
22/10/2008
SPAM wins at Cheddar (NOT)
7 intrepid SPAM gentlemen (the 8th sadly had a family concern) arrived at Broadway House in time for the race start at 10am last Saturday. Those who arrived on Friday enjoyed a couple of carbohydrate drinks as part of their pre-race preparation, deciding no... read more.
30/09/2008
Having a BLAST on Salisbury Plain
Sunday 14th September - The Blast 6 Hour Enduro.
Considering recent weather it was no suprise that numbers were low for this event. With only half the amount of riders signed on prior to the day we knew that we were ... read more.
15/09/2008
The BLAST - Enduro Event, 14 September
ENTRIES OPEN NOW! 6 hour ENDURO.
With a slight change of format this year, THE BLAST will suit every rider from the less experienced to the keenest rider looking for a real challenge.
Due to a large military exercise in the area... read more.
02/08/2008
The Annual Stefano Footpath Challenge! Sunday 22 June 2008
Salisbury Ride 22 June 2008
After a small amount of deliberation and some encouragem... read more.
23/06/2008
The Joys and Dangers of Mountain Biking - Dave Robinson
Six spambikers had an extended weekend in sunny North Wales (Coed-y-Brenin & nearby). The first problem we encountered was the Welsh midge. I had known about the Scottish midge but had never met them in Wales before. According to a website they love warm & humid... read more.09/06/2008
SET 2 RISE - Results and Photos available NOW!
RESULTS and ALL PHOTOS plus PODIUM ... read more.
18/05/2008
The Chairman and The Quest for the Holy Trail ‘NEW PICs’
Please find below a ride report from the Club outing to the Quantocks on Sunday by Phil Miles. Please note before you read on that neither Phil or any members of the SPAMBiking Committee mean any offence by publishing the below article, and the only person(s) that Phil ... read more.29/04/2008
Red Planet Demo Day – 11th May
Red Planet Bikes at Swindon are having an Off Road Demo Day on Sunday 11th May, starting at 10am. They say all their brands will be available with a fleet of bikes to take for a 40 minute spin near Barbury Castle. They would like people to book (up to 3 bikes per rider)... read more.25/04/2008
SPAM Members 'discover' first Wiltshire Crop CIrcle of 2008!
By Clare Oatley
Now, some of you will know about my connection with a local Crop Circle Group, and some of you may not have done until now, but will avoid me from now on - but imagine mine and Jo's excitement as we approached Avebury early on Saturday morning... read more.
21/04/2008
SHOCK HORROR!! PHIL MILES DELCINES FREE CAKE!!
Saturday afternoon saw Stefano and I heading for Wales for the opening round of the Merida Marathon series in Builth Wells, despite the weather forecast that had put a few people off. We arrived in plenty of time for me to put up my tent, meet up with Mike (a Transalp, ... read more.20/04/2008
Trailquest has surprise Winners
Mark Wadman did the club proud today with an excellent 'Trailquest' type event. 15 club members turned-up at The Churchill (sadly not open) and the sun shone. Teams of 2 (well one team of three) were provided with maps of the northern edge of the plain. 13 ... read more.
13/04/2008
New Members lead ride in terrible weather - where were most of the SPAM members !
Despite the torrential rain and siberian winds, Pippa and I decided that no-one else would be crazy enough to get out of bed and join us so we were prepared to 'go it alone'! Alas, bionic Mark Bayada ... read more.18/03/2008
Set2Rise - Entries now OFFICIALLY OPEN!
Now with confirmed sponsorship from CHARGE BIKES, SPAMBiking in association with TORQ, Gorrick and the Marin Dusk til Dawn, bring you the first 12 hour overnight enduro to hit Salisbury Plain. Saturday 17th May offers a demo day kicking off at midday, organise... read more.04/03/2008
SPAM Donate to CLIC
Following on from the success of the Winter Challenge the Club were able to donate £2000 to the charity CLIC Sargent. This donation will help provide care and support for children with cancer.A big thank you must go out to all those who took part in the event en... read more.
30/01/2008
Riders Wives (!) - From Dusk til Dark
Yeah - it's not what you think - but we thought it would make you look!
After missing out on the Devizes ride last weekend, Jo and I were determined to get out this weekend (new year's resolutions and so on), so we made a date - Saturday after lunch. No... read more.
14/01/2008
The Official Winter Challenge Report! - Clare Oatley
I'm not going to go through the whole course and try and convince you that I have any idea what you riders experienced yesterday (you can read that in Dave Robinson's report 'My Winter Challenge' below), but from an organisers point of view I would just like to say t... read more.
31/12/2007
My Winter Challenge – Dave Robinson
When I first saw the intended route for this years Winter Challenge I was a bit disappointed and started to think that I would marshal and not ride. I fully understood the reasons for the route but thought that with all that tarmac it would not suit me at all. I rode th... read more.31/12/2007
The Damp/Dirty Dozen
The forecast was for gales last week-end and it was certainly wet & windy Saturday morning. So would I get anyone turning up for my advertised 'easy' ride? Julian turned up in his car saying that there was no-one at the village hall and why don't we wait 5 minutes a... read more.10/12/2007
Teaching old dog new tricks?
I recently went on a mountain bike skills day with Helen Powell of www.GetMountainBiking.co.uk and thought I'd better write something about my experience.The first thing Helen did was to check my b... read more.
18/11/2007
Out in the dark
I've become quite a regular night time rider this Autumn and have had some great rides. When people ask what is it about riding in the dark it isn't easy to put into words the attraction. We were blessed this year in having a very dry Autumn and the riding condition in ... read more.18/11/2007
Dusk til Dawn – Pete Williams reports
Dusk til Dawn is my favourite race, its also one of my favourite films but that's got to do with being with a bunch of friends watching what seemed to be a normal Tarantino movie turn into a very over the top vampire fes... read more.
17/10/2007
Three in one – Club ride Exmoor 14th October 2007
Exmoor in October. The norm for this time of year is rain and strong winds, but following this years wet summer we are having a very pleasant Autumn. So last Sunday we 6 club riders had arrived in good time for a 9:30 start (all apart f... read more.15/10/2007
Xtreme Terrain Festival – Hawley Lake Surrey, Saturday 21st September 2007
Having seen a competition to win places at the above event in 220 Triathlon magazine, I thought I might enter. For my sins I actually won one of the seven available places so headed up to Hawley Lake, near Camberley in Surrey, with some trepidation. It wasn't lost on my... read more.09/10/2007
Cheddar Bikefest 2007
Once again a small group (well 12) SPAM riders braved the climbs and descents at Broadway House for the Cheddar Bikefest (to be fair one of our team was an ex-member drafted in to fill a team and arrived cutting the Winter Challenge number board from his bike). The even... read more.09/10/2007
Slippery when wet
You'd have thought that after our damp summer we bikers would be used to slippery conditions, but with September being very dry I suppose we acclimatised quickly back to dry condition too well.Why this preamble? Well I led a ride through the woods at Shearwater/Longleat... read more.04/10/2007
2010