The Borderland Mountainbike Challenge is back and will be held on Saturday 7th May 2022 starting at Rhiwlas Village Hall. It used to be called the Dairi-Pak Mountainbike Challenge but it’s just got bigger, got a new name and added sponsors.
Borderland Rotary first organised the Mountainbike Challenge back in 1994 and are thrilled to announce that the 2022 event will be sponsored, as usual by Dairi-Pak and Mule Cycles but we are welcoming AICO into the fold as well. The 22-mile challenge, which was cancelled for the last two years, takes the riders over green lanes and farm tracks, up and down the foothills of the Berwyn Mountains and is available to riders of all competence however, it’s not for the faint hearted as there is only about 300 mtrs of tarmac and probably no more than that on level ground. If the pandemic has done one positive thing, it is the explosion in cycling of all types and particularly, the growth in sales of electric mountain bikes so, in response, the challenge will welcome E-bikes from now on.
Jonathan Jones, who organises the event for Borderland said, “I’ve really missed the event the last couple of years and so glad to be back as it’s an important charity fundraiser as well a great, exciting ride. Our main benefactor has always been the Air Ambulance and this year we hope we can top all previous years as the event grows and develops so, if you’ve taken up mountain biking during the pandemic or you’re a journeyman rider, please get involved. Details will be available soon.”
Tim Gray, who is chief executive of Dairi-Pak Packaging, has always been involved in one way or another as his late father, Brian, came up with the idea and launched the first ride in 1994. Tim said, “The lockdown gave me a little time to think about things other than family and business and it occurred to me that the ride could be bigger and better if we made some changes – not to the ride itself or the team at Borderland – but to the way it is supported, sponsored and promoted. I’m thrilled to say that AICO are now involved, and our plans are very exciting.”
AICO needs little introduction for as well as being Europe’s market leader in home life safety products, they are a major local employer and committed to community projects around Oswestry and beyond.
