How to get into an event?

KeithRann
KeithRann Posts: 50
edited August 2013 in MTB general
I have been a keen rider for many years now and getting a little relaxed with the evening and weekend rides by myself. I would like to enter some events to step up my game, I own a Specialized FSR Stumpjumper Comp Evo with a few additional tweeks.

I enjoy trail riding but don't think I am quite ready for any type of DH/jump tracks, maybe XC/trail events with a good mixture within them.

Can anyone help where I would enter an event or website I could go to for some research. I am based in Berkshire but willing to travel distances to decent events?

I look forward to hearing from everyone.

Comments

  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    The Roots and Rain website has a good event calendar with links to organisers websites. Entry is usually through the British Cycling website which is terrible. There is also a calander on the BC website but its hard work.
    Gravity Enduro races should be good for you. The Forest of Dean winter mini downhill races are also pretty good fun and friendly, the trails are quite easy as well.
  • pesky_jones
    pesky_jones Posts: 2,890
    Rockmonkey - how do you enter the FOD mini downhill?
  • welshkev
    welshkev Posts: 9,690
    Rockmonkey - how do you enter the FOD mini downhill?


    all info is here I do believe

    http://nakedracing.com/category/minidow ... mepagedate
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Naked Racings website is a bit crap as well. Entry for this winters races won't be open yet.
    The NR website will take you to the BC website for entry. Or you could pay a little extra and enter on the day.
  • pesky_jones
    pesky_jones Posts: 2,890
    I'll enter when its available so it makes me do it. I'll forget and put it off if i dont spend money on it
  • pesky_jones
    pesky_jones Posts: 2,890
    Are you going to be racing rockmonkey
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Yes. Look out for the upside down Nukeproof Scalp 20 foot from a broken rider.
  • welshkev
    welshkev Posts: 9,690
    we've been talking about entering the one in December aswell, so may see you there :D
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Its a good, friendly, relaxed event. Just don't expect to win, no one seems to be able to beat the locals.
  • pesky_jones
    pesky_jones Posts: 2,890
    Cool it would be good to meet a couple of you guys. I'll be on a black dartmoor hardtail, or off a black dartmoor hardtail as the case may be.
  • welshkev
    welshkev Posts: 9,690
    Its a good, friendly, relaxed event. Just don't expect to win, no one seems to be able to beat the locals.

    I know, I ride it fairly often, but the local guys fly!!
  • pesky_jones
    pesky_jones Posts: 2,890
    Its a good, friendly, relaxed event. Just don't expect to win, no one seems to be able to beat the locals.

    One of the guys i'll be racing with used to live next to FOD. He'll definitly take that as a challenge lol
  • Kowalski675
    Kowalski675 Posts: 4,412
    Yes. Look out for the upside down Nukeproof Scalp 20 foot from a broken rider.

    :lol:
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Its a good, friendly, relaxed event. Just don't expect to win, no one seems to be able to beat the locals.

    One of the guys i'll be racing with used to live next to FOD. He'll definitly take that as a challenge lol

    He had best be fast then. For a win you will need to be able to get down Sheepskull in under 1 minute 15 seconds. Or Corkscrew in under a minute from the start ramp at the end of the new jump line.
  • stubs
    stubs Posts: 5,001
    How about trying a marathon event like the Schwalbe rides the last one of the series is in Ruthin N Wales this weekend so probably too late but you could spend the winter training up for next season. Good fun well organised free camping and lots to do. http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/index.php
    Fig rolls: proof that god loves cyclists and that she wants us to do another lap
  • welshkev
    welshkev Posts: 9,690
    another good one is bike fest in Bristol:

    http://www.bike-fest.com/bristol/

    Brecon beast:

    http://www.breconbeast.co.uk/

    wentwood enduro:

    http://www.wentwood50.co.uk/

    I've never done any of the gorrick ones but theys ound good and I think they're more local to the OP?

    http://www.gorrick.co.uk/index.php
  • welshkev
    welshkev Posts: 9,690
    Its a good, friendly, relaxed event. Just don't expect to win, no one seems to be able to beat the locals.

    One of the guys i'll be racing with used to live next to FOD. He'll definitly take that as a challenge lol

    He had best be fast then. For a win you will need to be able to get down Sheepskull in under 1 minute 15 seconds. Or Corkscrew in under a minute from the start ramp at the end of the new jump line.

    yeah the last race I watched there the times varied from 53 seconds (iirc) to over 3 minutes!!
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Brecon Beast is great but very tough.
    Bristol Bikefest is a bit sh1t unless you like doing lots of laps of a overcrowded rather boring blue trail.
    You have missed them this year but Exmoor Explorer, Heaven of the South and Earlstoke 12 are all excellent events, worth doing next year.
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    Gorrick Brass Monkeys events are on your doorstep (start in November, there's 4 running over winter), with an option of 2 or 4 hour if you fancy more XC style. Not tough courses, but good fun.