PICTURES: Mountain-bikers take part in 24-hour endurance challenge near Minchinhampton

Among them were two teams from Stroud Brewery who were taking part in Mountain Mayhem to raise money for Stroud Valleys Project.

The nine-mile relay race is held annually at Gatcombe Park, Princess Anne’s estate between Minchinhampton and Avening.

Riders navigated a technical, muddy and at times challenging track for the best part of an hour at a time before they passed the baton.

Elite rider Verity Appleyard, from Birmingham, stepped in to join one of the teams at the last minute, and said afterwards: “I was impressed by and loved the team effort both on and off the course. That was a tough course out there.”

Kris Beacham who had never done mountain biking before said: “That was one of the most fun and intense things I’ve ever done.

“I’m grateful to everyone for making it so enjoyable and keeping chipper.”

• Donate to Stroud Valleys Project at bit.ly/1UscUE9

The night before the race began riders, family and friends pitched their tents and gathered for a beer at Stroud Brewery’s tent, where musician Steve Ferbrache was performing. 

Ralph Fletcher psyched to take on the first ride kicking off the event. Entrants had to run to their bikes to start the race

Dave Judd arriving to make the switch, passing on his orange wrist-band to the next rider. While there were many teams which took part in the event some elite riders completed the track solo – with one man lapping the track a total of 29 times

Richard Rider, from Minchinhampton, showing off his Mountain Mayhem medal after he completed the final circuit

Happy riders enjoying the atmosphere and a pint from Stroud Brewery’s tent after the gruelling 24-hour challenge

After the ordeal mountain bikers take some time to wash all the mud off their bikes before taking them home