Latest News and Press - 2026 2nd.Quarter

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V    Reported 11.5.26

Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge just got bigger

Over 100 riders rose to the challenge of this years’ charity ride, which saw some changes to the normal format of the event and a mass start saw all the riders start at the same time and power into the hills just west of Oswestry, Shropshire on the twenty-two-mile challenge. The event, which raises much needed funds for Midlands Air Ambulance and other local good causes, attracted riders from all parts of the UK. The event is attracting a strong following within MTB circles and last-minute signups swelled the number of riders well above last years’ total.

Tim Gray, Owner of Dairi-Pak Ltd, and long-time sponsor of the event said, “This is the largest turnout for some years, and the changes we have made to the event seem to have been well received - reducing the cost of entry, the mass start, having coffee from the Mean Bean Coffee van, delicious food from Shropshire Supports Ukraine and music from the Ravers2Runners crew were all a big hit. The St John’s Ambulance team were there in force to ensure riders were safe and well cared for in the event of injury - the whole event had a fresh and a fun festival atmosphere. My father Brian Gray came up with the idea of the event way back in the early ‘90s and it’s stood the test of time and grown into a much-anticipated date on the MTB calendar. With the invaluable assistance of James Davies from Mule Cycles of Oswestry, we are making changes to ensure the future of the event and swell numbers to 200 riders in the very near future. I thoroughly enjoy taking part in the event and am now responsible for riding at the back of the field as ‘sweeper’ or ‘tail-end Charlie’ to ensure there is assistance for those struggling with their bikes or their fitness and checking that all riders are accounted for at the end of the event”.

The event is organised by Borderland Rotary Club, and Jonathan Jones, who heads up the team said, “It was a great event this year and everyone seemed to have a really good day, but we mustn't forget that what we're trying to do is raise money for good causes like Midlands Air Ambulance and local groups. I’d also like to thank all the landowners, for letting us use this route, Rhiwlas Village Hall, Raynet communication, everyone who helped setup and run the show but most of all, I want to thank all the riders who came from near and far to make it such a success. See you all next year, the Saturday after the May Bank Holiday – put it in your diaries now, please!”

Tim Gray - Sponsor and "Sweeper" on the Challenge

V    Reported 1.5.26

Help Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge celebrate Air Ambulance’s 35th birthday

As Air Ambulance celebrates its 35th birthday, this is your chance to give them a present by entering the Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge as there are still some spaces left for the event on Saturday 9th May at Rhiwlas Village Hall, SY10 7JH, and you can make a real difference and help to keep this fantastic service operating.
James Davies, who runs Mule Cycles in Oswestry said, “I have been entering this fantastic event for many years now – long before my company, Mule Cycles became a sponsor – and I still have the same enthusiasm for it as I did on my first ride. It’s great to know that lots of the money we raise goes to Air Ambulance as it’s a cause close to every cyclist’s heart”.
Borderland Rotary, who organise the event, have been making regular donations since the early 1990s, and the figure now stands at over £190,000.
Just go to www.borderland-mtb-challenge.org and sign up.

V    Reported 22.4.26

Oswestry Christmas Parade needs YOU 

Borderland Rotary have organised the Oswestry Christmas Parade for as long as anyone can remember and it’s created many memories and raised lots of money for local good causes over the years. Jonathan Jones, who organises the event said, “The parade has become part of the Oswestry year and is seen by many as the start of Christmas but, time goes by, and the event now needs new input from younger groups and individuals so that this wonderful, locally run, extravaganza can continue, long into the futures. So, if you are a member of a group or just someone who’d like to step up and do something for the community, why not get in touch”.  
The parade means a lot to lots of people and one of them, Dave Roberts from Morda said, “I first came to the parade with my mum, dad and grandma and last year, there were four generations here, and I still think it’s like the first day of Christmas – proper. It’s really important to keep it going, so I’m in, where do I sign”. 
 

Contact: borderlandrotary@gmail.com

Porth-y-Waen silver band has always been a feature at the front of the Christmas Parade and here is Jonathan Jones, from Borderland Rotary Club presenting a £300 donation from money raised at the event.