The 10th anniversary Longest Day Longest Ride mountain bike event takes place this weekend at Conrhenny Plantation, alongside the Creg-ny-Baa backroad.

The event has a large number of almost 100 solo riders taking part, including 17 women and nine from off-island.

There are a further 14 pairs and nine teams of riders up to a maximum of six.

In total, 171 individuals are taking part in the 24-hour off-road event.

Organised by Loaghtan Loaded, the first LDLR took place in 2010 at South Barrule Plantation, but after two or three editions there it moved to its present home which has since proved extremely popular and accessible for spectators and supporters.

The course underwent a revamp in areas prior to last year’s race and further improvements have been implemented over the past winter. Mostly on fire roads and well-marked track in the plantation, there are a couple of board-walk stretches requiring a degree of skill and care.

There is a party atmosphere with music, food outlets and a large marquee.

When the weather is inclement the area can be exposed on the southern flanks overlooking the Clypse reservoir area and Onchan. It is a beautiful venue on a nice day.

It all gets underway with a massed start at midday on Saturday when up to 120 riders will be on the course together.

During the hours of darkness, the field does thin out slightly as many of the solo riders take time out for a rest and a bit of a kip, but many continue right through the night.

It all livens up again in the early hours of daylight and comes to a lively and amusing finale with a fancy dress option for the final hour at 11am on Sunday. Some of the costumes are extremely The sharp-end of the individual event should see three-time winner Stephen Kelly of Union Mills as the likely favourite, while regular podium man Adrian Beale is another to be thereabouts again along with the redoubtable Johnny Galbraith who did not have such a good time in 2018.

Others could include former Manx Grand Prix rider Ryan McCay, who recently completed a tough six-day event in South Africa,

Emma Atkinson, riding No.1, has to be the favourite for the women’s title without Fay Holland in the line-up, but Peel teenager Leah Clegg is very strong and well capable of challenging for a top spot if she goes the distance.

A couple of the pairs are from the UK, but all of the teams are local.

Registration takes place on Friday between 4.30 and 7pm at Paragon (HR & Recruitment) Ltd, St George’s Chambers, 1 Hill Street, Douglas. All riders must sign themselves on and cannot sign on for anyone else.

Anyone unable to make sign-on must notify the organisers by email to [email protected] to arrange an alternative.

Motorhomes and tents can be brought up on Thursday and Friday evening by prior arrangement (please contact one of the organisers in advance).

Car parking and camping will again be in the field opposite Conrhenny car park from 8.30am on Saturday. A collection will be taken for charity, organisers ask for a £5 minimum donation for camping and a donation for parking.

Road users are asked to be vigilant when driving on the Creg-ny-Back road from the TT Course towards Axnfell/Laxey as competitors and spectators will be crossing the road on a regular basis.

Strictly no campfires or ground barbecues are permitted in the field or plantation grounds for safety reasons.

A rider briefing will take place at 11am in the main car park for all riders.

All race numbers are required to be on the bike at all times. Live timing will be available throughout the event and will be available on the web via Manx Timing Solutions.

No parking will be permitted on the road.