A new mountain bike race series is gearing up to scale fresh heights in North Yorkshire.

The SIMBA 2001 race series, devised and organised by riders Steve Imeson and Sue Burton, is believed to be the only one of its kind in the county.

Staged at Adderstone in the heart of Dalby Forest, near Pickering, the series involves six race days over six months, starting in May and finishing in October.

The course will be the same on every race day but over one or two laps depending on the category entered.

The races are designed to appeal to all cross-country riders, with a technical single track, a very steep downhill section, gradual climbs and fast roads all in one lap.

Riders will do one, two or three laps depending on their category.

Categories include under-12 years, under-16 years, Juniors (16-18 years), Fun, Ladies Open, Senior Open (19-29 years), Masters (30-39 years), Veterans (40-49 years) and Veterans Plus (50-years and over).

The first ten finishers in each category will receive points with prizes, including free entry into next year's competition for the overall series winner, up for grabs.

The route is fully marshalled with radios, and a St John Ambulance crew will be present.

The organisers have full land access at present for all the race dates but because of the foot and mouth crisis riders should contact the organisers before each race date.

The race dates are May 6, June 10, July 1, August 5, September 2 and October 21. Each raceday starts at 11am with the under-12s race. Fees for entries received before racedays are are £8 (under-12s and youths) and £13 for all other categories. There is a £2 surcharge for raceday entries.

For further details and entry forms, contact Imeson or Burton on 07718 108460/313346.

Updated: 12:25 Tuesday, April 24, 2001