I'm not sure if this applies to other NSW parks, but while out riding this morning noticed that this weekend (15/16 Nov) is NPWS Fee Free in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

The toll booths are closed and there's a sign up stating no fees for entry this weekend.

If you enter the park on a bike this doesn't make any difference of course

... however, beginners who baulk at the entry fee (come on though!) and for whom the ride up to somewhere like Bairne Track, Towlers Bay, etc. is a little far could take this as a chance to try out those locations.

Bairne Track is great for beginners for example. Towlers Bay maybe a little less so (just be careful on the way down and aware of the killer climb out).

Or use this as an excuse to take your non-cycling buddies out to some of the places we all love and enjoy.

Racing often takes a bit of a back seat here. We're a community site, mainly here to have fun, but recognition of some sporting feats in the world of MTB really have to be congratulated.

Over the weekend Jason English became the Solo 24 Hour World Champion... for the 5th time! For much of the race Jason was out front but victory was sealed a couple of hours from the end when he put in a two blistering laps, destroying all hope of a catch the second place rider may have been holding onto. Boom!

Special mention to Brett Bellchambers too, for taking out the SS category.

There are many new recreational riders online here, so for those that don't know, this event works as so: Midday on Saturday one steps onto a MTB. They ride round a circuit (this year in Fort William, Scotland) until midday Sunday. Non-stop. Solo. The rider to finish the most laps in the shortest time before that Sunday cut-off wins. Yes - 24 hours without a break - Insane!

IMBA will celebrate its eleventh-annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day (#TKMBD) on Saturday, October 4, 2014. This is a great opportunity for you to share your passion for pedaling with kids!

Details here: https://www.imba.com/kids

Of course this isn't restricted to North America though. Why not arrange your own kids ride? Don't forget to post it up in the caldendar.

Many thanks to all the keen competitors from last weekend's Convict 100 race who took the time to blog about the event and share their stories. There were indeed some fantastic efforts and great yarns.

It's not fair to single anyone out - every participant makes an event - but is always good to share a photo so here's Tristan riding the infamous bridge. Have a look at Cycologically Challenged! to hear how he went.

Great to see so many riders keen to share like this, and so many comments of appreciation, encouragement and congratulations. This is what MTB is about to many - a huge challenge out in the (relative) wilds with mates and strangers alike. Strangers who, after a ride along the Woomerah Range, somehow you will have a special connection with forever. If you've been there, done that you know exactly what I'm talking about!

For those not sure about trying an event like this, take a look at the blogs on the Convict 100 2014 page. Just don't be put off too much. Remember: nothing worth doing in life is ever easy!

Also remember that blogs like this build into a handy reference of event results in a tab on your profile and you don't have to write an essay to do that.