The Ex Enduro

02/10/2024

The ‘dust’ has started to settle, and we are still looking back with a big smile on our faces at this year’s slightly more testing MERIDA BIKES / Merida Bicycles UK EX, presented by Shimano-MTB.

Once again, the team from Shimano did a sterling job keeping things going and helping immensely to make our event happen. THANKS!!!

We can’t wait to do it all over again in 2025.

More news about that soon.

24/09/2024

Another great write-up of our event, this time from the hands of the team at Mountainbike Rider Magazine.

See why MBR contributor and MERIDA BIKES / Merida Bicycles UK EX, presented by Shimano-MTB Grand Vets winner Mick Kirkman loved the three rather challenging days in the rain so much and why he generally thinks that THE EX should be on everybody's events list.

The Merida EX Enduro presented by Shimano is one of Britain’s most notorious three-day events. And as if the total of 24 stages and 4,600 metres of descending wasn’t enough, it was one of the wettest on record. That didn’t stop 80 entrants from enjoying some private trails and plenty of hospit...

18/09/2024

Always lovely to see our small event being featured on Pinkbike.

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/video-and-race-report-the-2024-merida-ex-multi-day-enduro-race.html

Check out the little race and event report from this year's MERIDA BIKES / Merida Bicycles UK EX, presented by Shimano-MTB and add it to your bucket list for next year.

Three days of riding, a total of 24 stages and over 4,600m of descending on trails that are little known and often not open to the public.

12/09/2024

If you want to re-live some fond memories/see what you missed, the full video from THE Merida Bicycles UK EX presented by Shimano-MTB is now live on YouTube - follow our link in bio to give it a watch!

Big thanks to you all for turning up and keeping the smiles going, plus huge thanks to the people who make this happen, namely our marshal crew and event sponsors:

MERIDA BIKES
Shimano-MTB
Silverfish UK
Race Face Performance Products
Bontrager
National Trust
Bristol Beer Factory

Is it too soon to think about next year? 🧐

09/09/2024

Day two at THE Merida Bicycles UK EX presented by Shimano-MTB was a big one! With 10 stages of sinuous singletrack to get stuck into, the riders had to rise early for their big breakfast - and coffee, lots of coffee. Luckily the weather was on their side, though trail conditions definitely posed a bit of a challenge with some slipping and sliding. That provided plenty of thrills and the odd spill as they headed up a stout 1,600m of climbing, with the morning uplift boosting the descending time to a chunky 1,850m.

Tired legs deserved a proper treat for Saturday evening, so the riders had a sit-down dinner, complete with white shirt table service. It was then time for them to have some special lactic acid laden entertainment, with some roller racing. Happily, no dinners were seen again, though there was plenty of sweat! That was followed up with some live music and maybe the odd hydrating sports beer thanks to Bristol Beer Factory

📹 Joey Millward

MERIDA BIKES

09/09/2024

What a weekend that was! It was quite possibly the soggiest edition of THE Merida Bicycles UK EX presented by Shimano-MTB on record, but it didn’t get in the way of a good time!

We’ll have a full report soon, but here are the overall winners in case you were wondering - though everyone that got to the end is a winner in our eyes 🤩

Open Female
🥇Rachael Gurney
🥈Amy Jones
🥉Natasha Litherland

Open Male
🥇Luke Teare
🥈Nick Horsley
🥉Luke Paterson

Vets Male
🥇Guy Chandler
🥈David Valler
🥉Stuart Brereton

Grand Vets Male
🥇Mick Kirkman
🥈Graham Sheldon
🥉Ian Sanders

E-Bike
🥇Sam Shucksmith
🥈Simon Wakely
🥉Liam Mason

You can find the full results by following the link in our bio.

MERIDA BIKES

09/09/2024

Day one at THE Merida Bicycles UK EX presented by Shimano-MTB is done and dusted! There may have been a bit of humidity in the air, but our 80 intrepid racers got stuck into our signature mix of technical woodland trails and flat out blasting regardless of what the weather was doing. After almost 1,100m of descending, the fun wasn’t over as the sun set - it was time for some more night racing courtesy of Exposure Lights Night Stages. It got pretty wild, but the reward of a big BBQ and maybe the odd Bristol Beer Factory refreshment at the end helped our riders power through!

📹. Joey Millward

MERIDA BIKES

04/09/2024

Even a perfectly prepared bike can go awry during the three days of rugged riding and racing at THE Merida Bicycles UK EX, which is why we're very pleased that Shimano-MTB are on board once again as a title sponsor. As well as helping to make the event happen, they'll be around to help if you've got any pressing technical questions or queries about Shimano products, plus showing off some of their latest kit such as the updated EP801 drive unit. If you've got yourself and your bike in a mechanical pickle, they'll also be at the event village every day to try and help get you rolling again too!

MERIDA BIKES

01/09/2024

And so it begins. (Marking that is)

31/08/2024

In just under a week's time, we will get ready for the much-loved Exposure Lights night stages at THE MERIDA BIKES / Merida Bicycles UK EX presented by Shimano-MTB when, once again, the riders will be tackling 3 stages and finish the day with the superb after ride BBQ at Horner Farm, just meters from the finish line of the final stage...as far as we are concerned, night riding perfection. A big shout-out to Exposure Lights for their continued support - we can't wait to get things going next Friday.

Only 6 more sleeps!

23/08/2024

With just two weeks to go, it was time to send out the rider update. Anyone who has successfully registered for the event should have received the update (via email) this morning. If you have not, please contact [email protected] or check the news section of the event website (www.the-ex.co.uk).

Can't wait to see you all in Allerford.

22/08/2024

We know that a lot of you come back to the Merida Bicycles UK EX powered by Shimano-MTB year after year, but if you're fresh to the world of enduro racing, we've got a few tips that will make the event much more pleasurable!

1. Get your bike in shape!
We know the lovely lot at Shimano-MTB are on hand to help with neutral support at the event, but making sure your bike is in tip top condition before you turn up is much better than suddenly remembering you need a new chain/brake pads/fork service the night before. Do your fettling in advance and don't go sticking on untried and tested kit for race day...

2. Pace yourself!
There are some big old days at the event - three of them to be precise! Unless you're in absolute physical peak condition, it's better to go steady on the climbs to save yourself for the timed stages - and the following day. Make sure you keep fuelled up - our vintage tea stop is the ideal place to do this - and stay well hydrated - not just with what Bristol Beer Factory are bringing.

3. Look up!
We don't do practise stages here at the EX and the first time you'll be seeing the stage is when you're racing it - so called 'blind' enduro racing. It's easy to start looking at your front wheel whenn you're tired, but looking up and well ahead will mean you can anticipate where you need to brake, change gear - or use your timing dibber at the end of a stage!

4. Have fun!
The Ex isn't about winning or losing - it's about having a good time, riding your bike on great trails with like minded people then eating and drinking - and then repeating that for a couple more days. It's easy for race-stress to get the best of you, but nine times out of ten, you'll ride faster when you're more relaxed and you'll definitely enjoy it more...

16/08/2024

We've got a winner for our MERIDA BIKES Factory Experience! Congratulations and welcome to the team Pete Hennessey - you'll be riding the event in style on a freshly fettled eONE-SIXTY 875. With the latest Shimano-MTB EP801 drive unit, huge 750Wh battery and slick Linkglide drivetrain, it should make short work of Exmoor's hills and descents. No pressure Pete!

He'll also get to enjoy a load of goodies from Silverfish UK and Exposure Lights and with a mechanic on hand to tend to his every whim*, it'll make the Merida Bicycles UK EX powered by Shimano an even more luxurious affair...



* every bike setup-related whim at least...

08/08/2024

We know you lot can really drum up a thirst after a day's racing, which is why we have a selection of Bristol Beer Factory brews* on hand post-ride.

Our legendary hospitality is what helps make the event what is it - and while we know a few of you will be sat around the campfire til way past your bedtime, a big hit over the past couple of years has definitely been their Clear Head alcohol-free 0.5% IPA. It definitely beats electrolyte mixes hands down when it comes to a refeshing post-ride drink! We'll also have plenty of other options on cask or can so whatever you choose, we'll have you covered...

* plus some cider too, this is the South West after all 🍏

06/08/2024

The Merida Bicycles UK EX Enduro powered by Shimano-MTB has always been about grassroots racing fun, but for 2024, we're offering one lucky entrant the chance to have the pro rider experience thanks to title sponsor MERIDA BIKES. The winner will get to borrow a shiny, high-end eONE-SIXTY e-bike or a ONE-SIXTY enduro bike to race on, plus we'll supply a whole load of other goodies courtesy of our sponsors Silverfish UK and Exposure Lights.

We'll get you set up and fully dialled in before the race starts, then each morning and evening we'll make sure your bike is running perfectly, so you can just get on with the racing.

Just drop us a comment below (or email [email protected]) with your bike size plus whether you'd prefer an e-bike or normal bike and we'll pick a winner at random!

Please note: This is only open to pre-existing entrants of the race, so if you're not already confirmed then sorry - there's always next year...

07/06/2024

Time really does fly. Our gear from last year's event has just dried, and we are now only 3 months away from this year's MERIDA BIKES / Merida Bicycles UK EX Enduro, powered by Shimano-MTB. In fact, in just three months’ time, people will be having their first breakfast and coming to the registration desk to pick up their dibbers, start numbers and jerseys.

We look forward to welcoming you all back and will do our best to get all our trails ready, the BBQ perfectly stocked, the beers nicely chilled, and the Saturday night party nicely laid out.

See you all in 3 months.

THE EX Team

THE 2024 MERIDA EX presented by Shimano is made possible by:


Shimano-MTB
Exposure Lights
National Trust
Race Face Performance Products
Silverfish UK
Bontrager
RideGuard
Bristol Beer Factory

04/04/2024

Spring is slowly taking shape here in Exmoor, and while this year’s event is still a few months away, we wanted to get the word out and see if we can recruit some marshals for this year’s MERIDA BIKES / Merida Bicycles UK EX Enduro, powered by Shimano-MTB.

As always, with more than 20 timed stages over the weekend, we need all hands on deck to help with timing, marshalling some key sections, generally helping out and ideally also getting involved in our traditional dinner party. So, if you are interested in being part of the team for the three days (6-8th of September), then please get in touch. We pay £50 per day, feed and water (or beer) you, and provide camping facilities.

Please message us or send an email to [email protected]

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the team.

03/03/2024

It’s another super fast sellout. Thank you so much for your support. We are super humbled that our little event has such a loyal fanbase.

If you haven’t managed to get a place, we suggest getting your name on the waiting list, as we might be able to offer you a place nearer the event if we have cancellations.

To add yourself to the waiting list, please follow the entry link (see www.the-ex.co.uk for details), click ENTER and then click on JOIN THE WAITING LIST on the category you want to enter.

See you all in September.

29/02/2024

We are almost ready for the entries to go live!!!

The email with all the entry details for THE MERIDA BIKES / Merida Bicycles UK EX 2024 powered by Shimano-MTB will go out at 8 am on Friday (1st of March) morning to the email address that was used for the pre-registration.

If you haven’t received anything by lunchtime on Friday (please check your spam filters), then please contact us at [email protected] so that we can forward the details.

The entry link (details on the email mentioned above) will turn live at 9 am on Sunday, the 3rd of March 2024 (UK time).

If you have not already, you can still pre-register before 8 am on Friday morning, by going to: https://the-ex.co.uk/pre-register/

Good luck! 👍👍👍

16/10/2023

Great report from Pete at Wideopenmag on our 'little' event.

Check it out and relive this year's event once again. :-)

Pete reprises his race career and heads a fair old way south and west to see what if the three-day The Merida Ex Enduro lives up to the hype.

25/09/2023

Great to have Anna Cipullo with us at THE MERIDA BIKES / Merida Bicycles UK EX presented by Shimano-MTB, creating her personal vlog on our 3-day enduro event.

Check it out!

Join Anna Cipullo as she sets out to see if a trail bike is capable of taking on The EX Enduro. The Exmoor Enduro is a multi-stage event in England that take...

18/09/2023

THE MERIDA EX, Powered By Shimano. DAY ONE, FRIDAY 🦌

Day 1 kicked off with a gentle start but ended with a real bang.

First, that famous Ex Enduro breakfast, a bit of Yoga and then onto the trails for midday. Then a few stages in the daylight and on to the Exposure USE Night Stages.

Exposure Lights brought the lights and our 80 riders took on 3 stages, starting in the twilight and charging on into the pitch black... Luckily they had those lights!

We toasted a big first day with plenty of Bristol Beer Factory and a BBQ down on the local farm.

WHAT A DAY!

The Merida Ex Presented By Shimano is made possible by:

MERIDA BIKES
Merida Bicycles UK
Shimano-MTB
Exposure Lights
National Trust
Race Face Performance Products Silverfish UK
Bontrager
discobrakes_and_carboncyles
RideGuard
Bristol Beer Factory

📹 Alan Pilkington / Openwide Agency

18/09/2023

"The English are a bit crazy, but they can make great biker fun under any conditions. And they make you tea in a porcelain cup at the refreshment stand 😁"

It was GREAT to have Trail Hunter join us for this year's THE MERIDA BIKES EX, Powered by Shimano-MTB!

Always a privilege to have international riders make the journey to experience our weekend.

17/09/2023

About last night 😍 Jazz funk, lumberjacks, Bristol Beer Factory and Luffy’s EPIC feeds!

This is what THE MERIDA BIKES EX, powered by Shimano-MTB is ALL about. Sure there’s a bike race - but - it’s the good times that’s what keeps them coming back!

The Merida Ex Presented By Shimano is made possible by:

MERIDA BIKES
Merida Bicycles UK
Shimano-MTB
Exposure Lights
National Trust
Race Face Performance Products Silverfish UK
Bontrager
discobrakes_and_carboncyles
RideGuard
Bristol Beer Factory

📸 Paul Box

16/09/2023

… And then when darkness fell, .lights kept the party going 🕺🏻

We’re proud to do things a little differently here at THE MERIDA BIKES EX, powered by Shimano-MTB, and Friday night is our Exposure Lights night.

To end an epic first day, our 80 racers winch up to the clifftops for dusk.

As night draws in, they strap on the Exposure night lights and drop in under cover of darkness.

The trails feel warp-speed. The twists and turns, rocks and roots take on an entirely different feel. Racing, but unlike any other race. All made possible by our friends at Exposure.

And then, the icing on the cake, we drop into our friend’s farm for a music and drinks, heaps of BBQ’d food, music, good times and good vibes.

The perfect end to our first day at THE MERIDA EX.

The Merida Ex Presented By Shimano is made possible by:

MERIDA BIKES
Merida Bicycles UK
Shimano-MTB
Exposure Lights
National Trust
Race Face Performance Products Silverfish UK
Bontrager
discobrakes_and_carboncyles
RideGuard
Bristol Beer Factory

📸 Paul Box