As the title says – Im toying with the idea of organising a XC/Enduro race or an off-road sportive for a charidee..(Actually been thinking about it for a long time but it took a drunk night in the pub to decide to do something about it!)

Any advice much appreciated.

Gracias.

have a chat with Big Bike Bash. he is a nice guy, if he has time im sure he could help

Get in touch with the guys at http://www.morvelo.com

They put on this – http://www.brightonbigdog.com last year and it was a sell out then, and has now sold out (I think) for 2010 too. Ace event.

Looked into this a while ago – amin issues from memory were that you can't race on bridleways (you can however hold a timed 'challenge'), insurance and getting enough people to marshall the event.

Have a look here for more advice http://www.ctc.org.uk/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=3530

Where to begin?

Hit the North was created and run by STW forum members with no experience of staging bike races prior to 2008, although one of us had organised duathlons and cross country running type stuff before.

The most important thing is a sympathetic land owner and local authority. We operate on land owned by United Utilities, The Forestry Commission and Bury Council. All of whom couldn’t be better. Bolton council on the other hand were less than helpful so we moved the course to avoid them! You will need to make contact with rangers, rights of way officers and the police.

How many competitors and what duration for the race?

Little Hit the North is for 200 riders for 2 hours on a 3 mile track and has “no frills”.

Online entry.
Timing.
Marshals.
Footpath closures.
Insurance.
First aid.
Numbers.
PA hire.
Signs and tape.
Various odds n sods

£1600

Big Hit the North for 300+ riders for 8 jours over 7 miles with camping and entertainment.

Online entry.
Timing.
Marshals.
Footpath closures.
Insurance.
First aid.
Numbers.
Campsite.
Electronic timing.
Band.
DJ
Beer tent.
Banners.
Signs and tape.
Straw bales.
Barrier hire.
PA hire.
Various odds n sods.

Not much change from £10,000 and a lot of time to set up and clear away.

You will also need marshals on the day.

If you are serious nave a word with your British Cycling Regional Events Coordinator.

http://www.hitthenorth.net

aren't you in the US ?

(I'd think liability/insurance might be your main priority)

Thanks guys thats all good stuff for me to be going on with – not time to get the ole flipchart out & brainstorm this thing into life!

scaredy Im back in the UK for a while & looking at doing this over here.