Hi guys,
Just got back in biking after a 10month rehab from broken leg and dislocated ankle (thank you Cannock!) and looking to set myself a goal later in the year. Can anyone reccomend a good 'beginners' event or race to take part in. I mostly do trail centre stuff but feel like i need a challenge and definitely something to train for.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions
how about this?
http://www.brightonbigdog.com/
not sure where you are in the UK, but combined with a weekend in sunny brighton, the big dog is hands down the friendliest, funnest mtb event I've done (i'm biased, obviously).
lots of good feedback on here for it.
beer served at the finish line too - works for me!
I reckon the Glentress Seven would be a good first race... Really excellent course, and a bit shorter timewise than a lot of these sort of things.
I love this forum...keep the ideas coming!
Based in Birmingham but happy to travel where the riding is best!
Chris
Anything NoFuss will be an excellent event.. one of the 10s? [url= http://www.nofussevents.co.uk/ ]linky[/url]
I think I'd maybe say avoid 10 Under The Ben, if you think you'll be in the main pack (which obviously, most people are). Reason being that though it's a good route and very well organised, it's a big and busy event, so unless you can gap the masses the descents can be very crowded.
(this video explains it better than I can... The first 4 minutes are a pretty fair representation of my first lap- fireroads, and queueing)
STW Weekender is good fun, worth considering if it's on again this year.
message terrahawk or harry the spider for last minute hit the north action ;o)
Come to www.heavenofthesouth.co.uk - very relaxed and enough scrumpy to kill a mammoth.
crc marathon series - particularly the Selkirk addition. I have a soft spot because it was my first proper event but the course is fantastic.
The Dyfi is always popular but I've never done it.
Or MTFu, go in at the deep end and do the Kielder 100. It won't be as bad as 2011...
Welsh Ride Thing would offer you a different challange to your normal riding. Very laid back (you'll get nowt for being first back, etc) 😉
This year it's over the bank holiday at the start of June. Entries will open at the end of Jan. More details here-
www.bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk
Bristol bike fest in June as various categories to choose from.
wow plenty to choose from then!
Big Bike Bash for a gentle warm up and lots of fun in the summer.
www.brownbacksracing.co.uk
see what it's like here
http://www.youtube.com/user/BrownbacksRacing?feature=watch
two courses if you want to ease yourself in
2012 dates being worked on 😉
CRC marathons are good for beginners. Distances as short as 25km. The Marshbrook event is close to you in Brum. Features lovely natural riding around Church Stretton, including the ace Minton Batch descent.
Try the Red Kite Bike Bash. www.redkite-events.co.uk Really good riding, good food at the feed stations, people even got birthday cakes last year if their birthday was on the day!
www.redkite-events.co.uk