Beautiful scenery and some fast-paced sections make the Dairi-Pak Mountain Bike Challenge a must for any keen mountain bike enthusiast.

So the Advertizer, as official media partner, thought it would be good to put a pedal power pair of our own out onto the 22-mile course to give it a test before the big day on Saturday, May 11.

Father and son, Tony and Chris Lloyd, from Gobowen, had a taste of the testing uphills, the thrill of the downhill sections, and, of course, the stunning surroundings of the borderland area which becomes home to the challenge every year.

Chris said: “We come up this way to mountain bike quite often and there are some great trails to test you and your bike.

“But to have the opportunity to ride along some sections which I usually closed off to the general public was a real treat.”

Tony added: “I can see why it’s so popular with mountain bikers. It’s a great ride and all for a good cause too.”

The annual Dairi-Pak Mountain Bike Challenge is organised by the Borderland Rotary Club and sponsored by Dairi-Pak.

There is no entry fee, but riders make a donation of £30 which goes towards the Midlands Air Ambulance, and those taking part can also fundraise for their own charities if they wish.

The course begins and ends at Rhiwlas Village Hall and winds its way around the Ceiriog Valley just touching Springhill, Glyn Ceiriog, and Treceiriog.

But of course, the event would not be possible without the generosity of landowners who open what is usually private land for the challenge – and we would also like to thank them for allowing us to complete our tour at the weekend.

For anyone who wants a flavour of the route visit www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk later this week for a riders’ eye-view video.

And there is still time to enter this year’s challenge by visiting www.borderlandrotary.co.uk/bikeride.php