Glen and Sam McIntosh will be returning this year after competing together last year.

To be staged this Saturday, this year will mark the 10th anniversary of this exciting mountain bike event to be held at Wollombi.

Event organiser Paul Humphreys of local sports event company H Events said the event is being held to promote mountain bike riding, health and fitness and the community of Wollombi.

“It’s really the perfect event for the venue with outstanding scenery, safe but challenging tracks/trails and most of all, a welcoming community,” he said.

“We are also proud to welcome local mining industry heavy weights Quarry Mining as naming rights sponsors. Quarry Mining managing director Kari Armitage is a regular on the mountain bike scene, with the company using the day as an opportunity to promote healthy work lifestyles and team building during the event.”.

Quarry Mining will have a large contingent of staff, clients and family at the event.

The event has a solid field across the three course distances designed for novice to experienced riders.

The 13.5km course is designed to attract the novice and family riders who are after a bit of healthy fun. The course is mostly flat with some interesting trails.

The 30km course is for a more regular rider who has the fitness to climb up some difficult terrain and also navigate some rougher tracks and trails.

The 60km course is intended for riders who have trained for the event and have some experience in long distance mountain bike riding.

A range of event categories will be on offer with medals awarded and local produce up for grabs from local businesses.

Local Hunter bike shop, Ted’s Bike Shop is giving a $900 mountain bike away on event day, in a random draw of participants.

Staged from the back paddock of the home of the famous Dr Jurds Jungle Juice, The Wollombi Tavern, the post event activities will be as interesting as the ride.

H Events will be staging FitROK, where competitors are given the opportunity to belt out some tunes or play an instrument in a low key ‘open mic’ type forum.

Organisers are sure that there are plenty of people who enjoy keeping fit and also play music.

“Moutain bike riding is good for your heart and music is good for your soul, we want to encourage both.” Humphreys said.

The event compound will be behind the Wollombi Tavern, with the 60km event starting at 8.30am. Event information and on line entries are available at www.wollombiwildride.net