I am new To Mountain Biking Events
Welcome, here’s a guide to help you become part of a fantastic sport.
What are your choices?
Cross Country Racing (XC)
Based on a 4 to 5 mile course, riders choose how many laps they want to race. There are age and ability related categories that you may choose from. Riders new to racing are strongly advised to enter the Beginner category (age 12+) where you do 1 lap in a small field or the Fun category (age 12+) where you do 2 laps in a much larger field. This will give you a feel for the events and, in time, you will be able to move on up to another category. Most riders will move to the Open category where men ride 3 laps and women 2 laps before entering a much more competitive ability category.
Children may enter age related categories and race on a shorter course. The Under 10s category is from their 8th birthday until they are 10 or the Under 12s category from their 10th birthday until they are 12. An adult is welcome to ride behind them, but should take care not to get in the way or otherwise impede the other riders.
Gorrick Spring Series Races run from January to April and there are five rounds held at different venues.
There are just two Gorrick Autumn Classic Races in October and November.
After your race relax, socialise and enjoy the full facilities.
Enduros
An MTB enduro event is more a test of your stamina and is typically regarded as lasting greater than 2hrs. We appreciate that for newcomers that may sound an awfully long time! So to give you a flavour of riding on a longer course try the 1hr or 1 lap categories.
The Gorrick 100 Enduro is based on a 10 mile course and you choose how many laps you want to ride from 1 (for newcomers) to 7 which takes all day.
The Gorrick 12:12 Torq in your Sleep Enduro is a Bank Holiday weekend enduro and is great fun for the whole family whether riding or spectating. It runs for 12hrs from noon on the Sunday until midnight. The 8 mile long course is similar to that used in the XC races, but not quite as technical. You can take part in a team of 3 or 4 rider, pairs, or even solo.
The Brass Monkeys Enduro Series takes place over the winter months. Courses are 7 to 8 miles long and you can opt to ride for 1 hour (newcomers), 2 hours or 4 hours with riders age categories either under or over 40. Only riders over 12 years old may compete in these events.
When you have finished relax, socialise and enjoy the full facilities and prizegivings.
TrailTrax Navigation
These events are orienteering on a mountain bike and attract riders of all ages and abilities. You can ride alone or as part of a pair or a family group and the aim is to visit as many checkpoints (marked on a map that you are given) as you can in either 2 hours or 3 hours. After the events everyone relaxes and enjoys the catering and prizegiving together.
Swinley Forest Cyling
Swinley Forest (also commonly known as The Lookout) is the most amazing place to ride. It is owned by the Crown Estate and is situated in Bracknell, Berkshire. Gorrick are licensed by the Crown Estate to maintain the trails and administer the Permit Scheme which gives you permission to ride there. There are trails for every standard of rider; children, families, xc, freeride and even jumps.
Test Valley Tour Off Road Challenges
These non-competitive events (known as The Test Valley Tour) offer you a choice of marked route rides of varying distances through some of the most beautiful countryside in Hampshire. You can ride alone or as part of a group if you wish at your own pace. The routes are well marked and well thought out and you can then relax and enjoy the catering at the end.
Mountain Bike Skills Training
Once you get into mountain biking quite often you will realise that you need and want to improve your skills and techniques. Gorrick has fully qualified, friendly training instructors, who offer a wide variety of courses for individuals and groups.
XC RACING
ENDURO RACING
TRAILTRAX
SWINLEY FOREST
TEST VALLEY TOURS
MTB SKILLS TRAINING