The Outdoors Show, Birmingham NEC, 27th - 29th March

Phew, just back from promoting Visittweedvalley at The Outdoors Show at the NEC in Birmingham where Scotland’s mountain bike display team, ‘The Clan’ who, along with the help of some of the TVTC members built a mini Glentress with a brilliant ‘have-a-go area’ and a fantastic trials show.

The Outdoors Show covers everything from walking, canoeing, golf and fishing to biking and climbing. Upwards of 30,000 people were there to have a go at some of the activities, shop at the many outlets or to find out more about all the outdoor activities and where best to go, The Tweed Valley we hope!!

As part of the bike arena the TVTC setup a fantastic stand to promote the Tweed Valley and display all the excellent activities and accommodation within the valley.

From early on the Friday to late on the Sunday the stand was busy with enthusiasts, families, groups and clubs all wanting to know more about the Tweed Valley and what was on offer and when to visit. From the response on the stand it certainly looks as though lots people are heading this way to enjoy the best of what the Tweed Valley has to offer.

Dishing the Dirt on a Racy Weekend - Dirty Weekend 2008

The UK's first ever multi-sport adventure sports festival hits the Scottish Borders on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July 2008.

Three heart-stopping multi-sport events descend on the Tweed Valley as the ACE Adventure Race, the Polaris Mountain Bike Challenge and The Dirty Dozen, a new 12K Trail run, combine to create an extraordinary adventure sports festival.

The Dirty Dozen is a 12K race with a difference, taking to the woods and forests of the Tweed Valley and providing a superb run on off-road trails; passing through woodland, crossing rivers, traversing rough ground and tackling some major ascents (and descents) along the way.

For a slightly tougher challenge, the ACE Race (Adventure Challenge Endurance) 1 and 2 Day adventure race events will also be hosted alongside the Dirty Dozen. With options over 1 and 2 days, ACE Races are adventure races that combine running, biking and kayaking whilst navigating for checkpoints in challenging terrain.

Third in this triple crown is the Polaris Challenge, a mountain bike navigation event held over two days where competitors have to reach as many checkpoints as possible within the allotted times. Riders are given a list of checkpoints and sent out from the base camp at Traquair where they ride for between 5 and 7 hours before returning to base to receive further instructions.

Choose from adventure racing, mountain biking or trail running with the selection of well established and brand new events, all based from a bustling adventure village in the grounds of a Scottish baronial stately home - Traquair House.

Full details of the Dirty Weekend are available here.