The Mash-Uppers write…
Round 1: 13th June 2009
Round 2: 5th December 2009
The Kona Mash-Up 2009– the concept:
For the Kona Mash-Up we will be using the Whites Level and the July Trail (part of the Skyline trail) at the Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre near Part Talbot, Wales. On the two trails we will have a combination of chip-activated timed and manually-timed sections set up. Most of these are on the much loved single track and downhill sections, plus one on the uphill section of the Whites Level trail. Riders will go through these sections as fast as they can with their accumulated time determining their position within the event. Besides going for the fastest overall time, riders will also compete against all other riders (no matter what category) for the fastest time in individual sections – so an XC rider who entered the Enduro Category (see below) might be hot on the heels of the local downhill specialist on some of the single track sections. The in-between sections can be ridden at ease, or even walked if you prefer – no rush!
A little more detail – the categories:
— Enduro — you have to ride the Whites Level loop (excluding the black run) plus the July trail (total riding distance approx. 40km) and your time will be taken on all the timed sections. So you will be timed on a climb and the several single track and downhill sections.
— Technical — you have to ride the Whites Level loop (including the black run – which will have fibre optics supported ‘live timing’) but your time will only be taken on the single track sections and the downhill sections. You are still riding (or pushing) up the climb but the time that takes you is completely irrelevant for your overall time.
New for 2009:
After technical problems in 2008 we have spent the winter looking into the short comings of the timing in 2008, and have come up with techniques and equipment that will offer 1st class timing to the riders. The Black Run on the Whites Level trail will have fibre optic supported ‘live timing’ with instant results being available at the ‘on course’ event village, and hopefully via mobile internet link at the Drop Off café at the same time.
Besides that, we have added a user-friendly online entry system so that you now have two ways of entering the event – online and the standard downloadable entry form.
The supporters:
Kona Bicycles is once again the title sponsor for this original event. ‘Last year’s event, even with the hick-ups we had, was one of the best events we have been involved in’ says Ben Gaby from Kona Bicycles. He continues ‘The Mash-Up has a relaxed format which gives racers and riders the chance to put the effort in when necessary, and to enjoy the trails leisurely in-between’.
The venue:
Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre is regarded by many as the best trail centre in the UK. Just a short drive up from Port Talbot (M4, Junction 40) the trail rich Afan Forest Park (of which Glyncorrwg is at the northern tip) offers trails of any technical level and of a variety of distances. 4 trails with sheer endless variations start only a stones throw away from each other, and can be easily combined for a ‘full on’ biking weekend. The Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre is the starting point of the White’s Level and the Skyline Trail, and with showers, toilets, parking, camping and, not to mention one of the best Mountain Bike Cafés the UK has to offer, all in one spot, it is the ideal location for the Kona Mash-Up.
The weekends:
The event weekends will kick off on Saturday (13th June / 5th December 2009) morning and will run throughout the day. There will be a broad range of companies showing off their products and services, and will have test products available for the day. Once the riding comes to an end, the finishing party will be held at the Drop Off Café, and the prize presentation will get going till late into the night.
All the details and entry facilities:
The details for the event with further explanations, directions to the venue, time tables, course details, FAQ’s, downloadable entry form and our new online entry can be found on the event website – http://www.konaworld.uk.com/mash-up/
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Count me in! They better not screw up any timing this time!