TORQ are proudly the new headline sponsor of an event that caught our imagination some years back, perhaps because it wasn’t too serious? There’s a natural synergy between a brand like TORQ and a tough endurance event like this, but the thing is, the last thing the TORQ Roughride feels like is a ‘competition’ and that’s what’s so wonderful about it – pure unadulterated scenic indulgence.

The TORQ Roughride is the most laid back moorland romp of a ride in the UK with stunning views, enthusiastic and capable organisation, great campsite and a free post ride meal. The ride is based from the tiny market town of Kington in Herefordshire, chock full of real ale pubs, hunkered down under the eastern edge of Hergest Ridge. The route boasts considerably less road than any other event in England and Wales. Good relations with local landowners allow the organisers to use miles of tracks not normally open to riders on the moorlands of East Radnorshire, Wales. There are two routes, one of 75km and one of 48km, the longer route having around 7,000ft of climbing.

This is a wilderness long distance ride for around 1,000 riders, on well flagged ancient routes in the Welsh borders. Everyone is out to enjoy themselves, singly and as a group. The achievement is to finish. The marshals are there to help you do just that.

Sorry about all this talk of pubs, but Kington (population 3,000) has the CAMRA county pub of the year, The Tavern, plus seven more and hosts its town festival on the same weekend. The scenic campsite sits on the edge of Hergest Ridge and overlooks the town and surrounding hills.

The entry fee is the same as last year and includes camping, event tee shirt and post ride meal. Oh yes and the date of the event is Sunday 12th June 2011.

Visit www.roughride.co.uk for further details, or go direct to www.roughride.co.uk/postalentryform2011.pdf for a postal entry form.

If you’d like to see some moving pictures, check out this youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdLebDTguqI