We are just back from the first Merida mtb marathon of the year at Builth Wells in mid Wales.  Hein, Werner, Abi, Lizzie and David were all there, along with 900 other mountainbikers enjoying the sun and the dry dusty trails.  The route was a new one and featured endless lung-busting ascents, super-fast descents and precipitous natural singletrack – probably the best course in Builth for some time.  It was a great event and fantastic weather and included a 50km night ride on Saturday night and a 65km marathon on Sunday.  We are all looking forward to the next round to be held in Crickhowell on 17 May which will take us deep into the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons.