29 July - 5 August - CTC Kirkpatrick Macmillan Birthday Rides
Each year the CTC organises a major cycle rally somewhere in the UK to celebrate the anniversary of it's founding in 1878 ! (see Social/Family section). In 2006 the rally will be held in Dumfries and Galloway, based at the Technical College at Heathhall, Dumfries .
As you would expect, a major feature of the rally is the cycle rides, supported by a programme of social and other events. Each day attendees have a choice of five or six routes, varying in distance from over seventy miles for expert riders to fewer than twenty miles for new or returning cyclists and families.

For more information see www.ctcscotland.org.uk/br2006/ or phone 0870 873 0061, or write to CTC ( BR2006 ), PO Box 510 , Isleworth , TW7 6WP

1 October - Dalbeattie Hardrock Challenge
The Dalbeattie Hardrock Challenge is a 26 mile Duathlon which takes place entirely in Dalbeattie Forest , about 12 miles west of Dumfries . The course consists of a challenging 10 mile run held on rough forest roads and a 16 mile bike section, the majority of which follows the Red Grade Hardrock Trail. The event start, bike change over and finish will be at the Richorn Trailhead Car Park, part of the 7stanes Mountain Bike Project. This event is run under the auspices of the Dalbeattie Community Initiative, and organised by a group of enthusiastic volunteers and sponsored by a number of local companies.