The annual cycling event was originally scheduled for April, but heavy rains in Tathra forced officials to postpone the race until June 7-8.

Organiser Andrew Johnson said the recent run of warm, dry, weather meant the race tracks were now in perfect riding condition when compared  with the trails in late April.

A deluge of 300 millimetres of rain fell on the tracks in the four weeks prior to the event.

Johnson said the event might benefit from the delay as weather is more stable and there will be less competition from other events. 

 “I never like to talk too early about the weather,” Johnson said with a laugh.  

“But June in Tathra is traditionally a more stable time of year weather wise. 

“It’s also a lot warmer than places like Canberra, so racing here can look attractive,” he said. 

The club is hoping to see bigger numbers despite the delay. 

 “The mountain bike race calendar also thins out considerably, so we are hoping that the number of entrants could be higher,” Johnson said.

This year’s Tathra MTB Enduro features a full range of endurance events, and some new participation rides to cater for all levels of rider.

Enduro organisers have added two entry level 10km and 20km MTB events.

However, due to hazard reduction burns in the Mimosa National Park, organisers have removed the Fire-road 50km and reconfigured 100km event.

The King Nelba 100km event, now consists of two laps of the 50km course.

Johnson said it was decided to run “Have-a-go” 10km and 20m races on Saturday to encourage new riders to try single track racing in a low key environment.

The “have-a-go” races are lap races around the 4.5km Bundadung School’s Track, which is a great introductory single track, with only a few hills and obstacle challenges.

These events complement the Enduro’s traditional free Bega Cheese kids events, Tuff 20km, Filthy 50km and King Nelba 100km single track races.

“The good news about the event being postponed was that it gave everyone extra weeks to train and practice,”  Johnson said.

“It’s also meant a few changes to the courses, and for the 100km entrants they get loads more single track in their race. 

“There’s no doubt the King Nelba 100km will be a real endurance test this year,” Johnson said. 

Entries to the  Enduro are open via the event website www.mountainbiking.com.au/ tathraenduro. 

However online entries close on June 5.

After this time cyclists can still enter in person, but will be charged an additional $20.

Numbers for this year’s race are looking healthy, with Johnson anticipating a total field of about 300. 

The Tathra Enduro continues to raise funds for renewable energy projects and local community organisations.

In 2014 money from the event will fund the IMAGINE community solar farm at the Tathra sewer works. 

The solar farm was officially launched on April 12. 

Under the scheme, money from the Enduro will help fund the construction of a solar farm – with the council purchasing the “clean energy” to power its sewage treatment plant. 

Private individuals and organisations can also donate and purchase panels.

The farm will be 50 metres long, 14 metres wide, with the solar panels spelling out the word IMAGINE when viewed from the air. 

The Bega Valley Shire Council has also committed $25,000 to the project.

For full race and entry details for the 2014 Tathra MTB Enduro visit www.mountainbiking.com .au/tathraenduro.