A new mountain bike “enduro” will kick off the week-long  Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival, taking place from May4 -11, 2013. The Highland Perthshire Enduro will see riders of all abilities cycle 49km off-road on a host of fantastic trails surrounding the village of Dunkeld.

The event includes muscle zapping climbs and smile-inducing technical descents, laid back singletrack, fast fire road and stunning views. In true Enduro style, there will be at least four special timed stages that include a singletrack loop, a fun switchback descent and a challenging downhill section, with the winner accumulating the lowest combined time over these sections.

Because the festival organisers are keen for all types of riders to take part in the Enduro, there will be chicken runs and easy lines for those who are less confident.

Kat Brown, of Highland Perthshire Cycling, said: “It’s very exciting to have our own enduro in Highland Perthshire.   We love to get out on our bikes as much as possible and the route we have chosen takes in the great trails we ride all the time.”

Endurance event organisers No Fuss Events, from Fort William, will be working in partnership with the team at Highland Perthshire Cycling to deliver this new flagship event for the Festival. Frazer Coupland, of No Fuss, said: “It’s an exciting time in mountain biking and there is a real buzz about Enduro riding.   There is no doubt that Highland Perthshire has a fantastic mix of trails to create an iconic event. Just to be a part of the Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival is amazing and we are all looking forward to it.”

Enduro entries are now open via No Fuss Events The price is £40.  Riders must be 16 or over to take part.

To find out more about what is going on during the whole  Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival see the website.