MOUNTAIN biking enthusiasts are being invited to take part in a 24 hour endurance mountain bike challenge.

The Longest Day, Longest Ride event will start at 12pm on Saturday, June 18 and finish at 12pm on Sunday, June 19.

The event, sponsored by Microgaming, will take place on the South Barrule Mountain Bike Trails.

Individuals and teams of all abilities are welcome to enter with the aim being to ride for as long as possible, clocking up the most number of laps of the course in a 24 hour period.

According to organisers the event will test physical fitness, stamina and mental toughness on a technical but achievable route.

It is being organised by Loaghtan Loaded Mountain Bike Club and all proceeds will be donated to the Isle of Man branch of Muscular Dystrophy.

Gary Cooper, a member of Loaghtan Loaded, said: "This is the second year we have organised the Longest Day, Longest Ride event and are so pleased to have the backing of an organisation like Microgaming.

"The event is a real challenge and could appeal to die hard mountain bikers that want a real tough challenge, riders that are in training for other similar endurance events, or teams that would like to take part as a group and do something different for charity and have fun.

"As the name suggests it will take place over the weekend closest to the longest day of the year, providing optimum daylight hours, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to what will no doubt be one of the most fun challenges on the Isle of Man this year."

Roger Raatgever, the chief executive officer of Microgaming, said: "We are very excited to be involved in the Longest Day, Longest Ride event. We are huge sport fanatics at Microgaming and whenever we hear the word challenge, it certainly gets our attention!

"We can't wait to take part in the Island's only 24 hour mountain bike challenge, especially being associated with such a well respected club such as Loaghtan Loaded, who will also be donating all profits to an Isle of Man charity."

Entry fees for the event are £35 for individuals, £67.50 for a team of two, £99 for a team of three and £120 for a team of four. Riders must raise a minimum amount of sponsorship, equivalent to the entry fee, to take part.

For more information and to register your place visit www.ldlr.im or telephone 07624 453016.