As ENDURO Magazine grows globally, there have also been some exciting developments in the UK too. In 2015 we will have some new faces joining the editorial and test team; so to welcome the new team members we set up a 2015 planning meeting in the UK’s spiritual enduro homeland, the Tweed Valley, Scotland. Reflecting the global expansion of the magazine, the UK Team is growing too, and includes riders from all corners of the UK. The dedicated crew now includes elite racers, qualified mountain guides, engineers, scientists, ‘old school’ legends and top female racers, all united by a passionate love for riding

Team UK, (from left to right) Jim Buchanan, Robin Schmitt, Trev Worsey, Andrew Cooper, Cat Smith, James Knowles and Rachael Gurney
Team UK, (from left to right) Jim Buchanan, Robin Schmitt, Trev Worsey, Andrew Cooper, Cat Smith, James Knowles and Rachael Gurney

This meeting was a great opportunity to discuss exciting new plans for 2015; not only will ENDURO Magazine be reaching out on a global level but we will also be connecting more with the local scenes across the UK too. We want to show the world where you ride and why the riding culture in the UK is so strong; so if you think you have a good thing going on in your area and want to show off your trails, contact us and we will come and check it out.

We will continue to bring you the latest news from every race series in the UK (partnering up with the leading series to bring you exclusive content); and continue to bring UK focussed adventure stories and relevant kit reviews.

While in Scotland it was the perfect opportunity to run a mud tyre group test
While in Scotland it was the perfect opportunity to run a mud tyre group test on the steep trails of Innerleithen

After the plans had been made and many coffee’s had been drunk, it was time to get to business, muddy business! With the new team all together, it was the perfect time to run a comprehensive mud tyre group test, and what better location could there be than Scotland in November? For one weekend our four test riders carried out back to back testing on four of the leading mud tyres. Using accurate freelap timing we recorded over 60 runs on varied terrain, collecting a huge amount of data on grip, rolling speed, clearing, cornering control and feel; and the jury was unanimous. You will have to wait for Issue #014 to find out which tyre came out on top, but until then here are a few teasers.

The UK Team gets stronger with Cat Smith and Rachael Gurney joining the test crew
The UK Team gets stronger with Cat Smith and Rachael Gurney joining the test crew
We are also joined by Elite Racer James Knowles on a longterm Nukeproof Mega 27.5
We are also joined by Elite Racer James Knowles on a longterm Nukeproof Mega 27.5
and also UKGE Elite Racer Andrew Cooper
and also UKGE Elite Racer Andrew Cooper
With freelap timing, and over 60 runs, we tested each mud tyre to the limit
With freelap timing, and over 60 runs, we tested each mud tyre to the limit
Scotland put on quite a show
Scotland put on quite a show
Team UK, coming to a trail near you soon!
Team UK, coming to a trail near you soon!

The team will also be travelling throughout the UK delivering the ‘ENDURO Magazine Top 100 UK Bike Shop’ program, visiting the best independent bike shops and awarding those that show exemplary levels of service and knowledge with the prestigious award.

We will also be putting six bikes through their paces on the long term test timeline, riding, racing and exploring through the worst of the infamous British weather.

We will also start visiting the best local bike shops in 2015, rolling out our Top 100 UK Bike shop program
We will also start visiting the best local bike shops in 2015, rolling out our Top100 UK Bike shop program

We all are super excited about the many new projects we will be rolling out in 2015; be sure to pop over and say “Hi” if you see the team at your local trail!

Words: Trev Worsey Photos: Trev Worsey and Robin Schmitt


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