Black Mountains 3 Day

It seems like the UK, like the U.S., is getting more and more endurance events and stage races. This summer's Black Mountains 3 Day race looks to be a super cool new one. If you're from the UK or Europe, this looks like it could be damn cool. Hell, it even looks like it might be a cool adventure if you're from this side of the pond, have some extra dough in the piggy, a taste for epic racing and some bangers and mash.

The trip to the Brecon Beacons alone would be worth it! Now if I could just get that damn Supergrass song out of my head, it would be all good!

Below is some info that I got from my UK based XXC Mag Operative- Paul (International Man of Mystery and kick ass endurance racer).

How does three days of testing yourself in the saddle with rocky descents, huge climbs and Welsh forest riding sound? Well it’s going to exceed all expectations, so clear some space in your summer diary for the Black Mountains 3 Day.

Black Mountains 3 Day is a 3 day mountain bike stage endurance event running from 30 July – 1 August 2010. Set in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park of South Wales, it will be a tough but rewarding ride through unforgiving terrains and tough technical trails.

To reward all your hard work during the day everything else is going to be as comfortable as possible. The Black Mountains 3 Day is a fully serviced event providing hot showers, massages, tailored nutrition and lovely tented villages to rest your exhausted body. There will also be mechanics and bike wash facilities on hand so your bike's as well cared for as you.

Brecon Beacons National Park is renowned for its incredible scenery and amazing sense of remoteness and it's popular with walkers and riders. Over the 3 days you'll be experiencing all the best aspects of riding in the National Park, and will be passing through a number of friendly local communities.

So get involved with this incredible experience, whether you are riding alone or with a buddy and whether you are a seasoned stage racer or a first timer. We've also got packages for family and friends to come along and support the riders, so you don't have to suffer alone.

Official registration is now open on a first come first served basis and you can register HERE.

Be part of a mountain biking event that is bound to become legendary. Visit blackmountains3day.co.uk for more information. Or check out the Bearded Man blog for updated news about routes, suppliers and the website.

General information about the event

• Day 1 - 101kms, Day 2 - 91kms and Day 3 - 88kms

• More than 8,000 metres climbing over the three days!

• Very challenging terrain in the dry – if its wet then quadruple the challenge (Yikes! -Edit)

• Expect to carry your bike up very steep ascents and unbelievably on a descent or two

• Expect a mix of single track, jeep track, fire road, natural tracks and a tiny bit of farm road (this is needed to link sections together)

• All routes will be marked and signed. There will also be .GPX files available a week before the event.

• All routes will be marshaled and there will be full medical support pre, during and post each day's ride

• Feed stations stocking Torq products will be available on each stage

General information about the tented village

• Tents will be supplied and erected by Bearded Man on a shared basis (3 man tents for 2 people) – there is a single supplement available

• Food (breakfasts and dinners) will be supplied by the legendary Drop Off Café. Lunches will be available to buy at the tented village after the day's riding. Lunch will be supplied by the local communities and will include food such as BBQ, sandwiches, cakes etc.

• Optional extras will be available including massages and there will be a bike maintenance team that charge standard rates to fix bikes.

• To get the most out of the day 2 route, the tented village will remain in the same place for the second and third evening.