Mention the Malvern Classic and Chipps goes a bit misty eyed. It was obviously an influential event. A recent ‘were you there, what do you remember?’ thread on his Facebook page elicited a similarly excitable response. And quite a lot of debate – what year was it that such and such happened? It was definitely the same year that Tim learnt to drive, and Paul did a naked mud slide, and Adrian nicked Dave’s DH bike for an XC race. Or was that the year that Brant crashed in the bomb hole?
There’s a whole bunch of hazy memories, blurred by time and probably beer, and perhaps the brain shock of the rave culture clothing that was so prevalent at the original Malvern Classic events. If you want to understand a bit more about what made it so special, you’ll be needing a copy of the Premier Edition of Singletrack Issue 119, in which Chipps covers the history of the event, and also looks forward to the new GT Malverns Classic 2018.
Because, yes, if you weren’t there the first time round, or you want to go and relive those fluoro days, then this year there’s an event for you. The GT Malverns Classic 2018 aims to bring the fun and celebration from the original races to a whole new audience of British mountain bikers.
Eastnoor Deer Park, Malvern, will be filled with all kinds of bike related fun on June 15th to 17th. We’ve been told that the event will be attended by Hans Rey, Wyn Masters, Josh Bryceland and the 50:01 Crew. For the serious, there will be Dual, XC, Enduro, Quad Eliminator and Downhill racing.
For the not so serious, there will be a whole pile of free attractions and facilities:
- Kids zone with bouncy castles, trampolines, merry-go-rounds, kids coaching, loan bikes.
- Jez Avery Stunt Show.
- 2x Pump Tracks.
- Airbag!
- Beer tent, live bands and DJs.
- Catering onsite.
- Lake ride across narrow bridge!
- Every course when not being used for practice or racing is open for everyone to ride.
- Over 80 brands displaying/retailing.
- Camping, parking, showers and toilets onsite.
- 24 Hour security.
If you want to be there – because this might just turn out to be one of those ‘you had to be there’ events – then a weekend ticket, including camping and parking, is £30. Day tickets are £10, including parking. Head over here to book. And then head into the depths of your wardrobe…where’s that early ’90s racing lycra you knew would come in handy one day?
