WITH dark evenings, wet and windy weather, is it time to put the bike away for the winter? Not down at Gawton Gravity Hub, at their Maddacleace Woodlands site near Tavistock.

Woodland Riders Racing Winter Race Series is on again over the winter months. This five race series takes place on tight, technical tracks on the steep sides of the Tamar Valley.

The series has gained a reputation for well organised, chilled out racing.

Entry is £25, with £1.50 going to Cancer Research and Devon Air Ambulance. All races carry British Cycling points.

This year's series saw the return after two years of 'The Scotman' for the first race, which claimed plenty of victims.

Even elite riders Ryan Tunnel and Ben Deakin were hitting the mud. More than 100 hundred riders enjoyed two runs as they pinballed down the tight, twisty track.

Those who managed a clean run saw some good positions in the overall rankings, with Zak Hurrell taking the fastest time of the day at 1 minute 04 seconds — a superb result in the conditions. Roger Vierra claimed the podium in the elite class and another victory for the local rising star, Maya Atkinson, aged just 14, leading the charge in the women's category.

The organisers thank its series sponsors, Lazer and Buff, and all of the racers, spectators, marshals, medics and RJ Catering for making the event happen.

Riders can practice on the Saturday for £5, before on Sunday. Woodland Riders Racing is run on a totally not for profit, voluntary basis by Chaz Lamley. All the money goes back into the racing and tracks!

Full details of dates, race entry and rules can be found at http://www.woodlandriders-racing.co.uk">www.woodlandriders-racing.co.uk. To find out more about Gawton Gravity Hub go to http://www.gawtongravityhub.co.uk">www.gawtongravityhub.co.uk