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?
XC Cross Country Races
These friendly events are lap based over a 4 mile course. You have a range of age and ability categories to choose from, ranging from riding 1 to 5 laps of the course. Riders new to racing are strongly advised to enter the Beginner category (age 12+) where you race 1 lap of the course with just a few riders or the Fun category (age 12+) where you race 2 laps with a larger number of riders. This will give you a feel for the events and test your ability and stamina, and from there you’ll then be able to move on to another suitable category. See the event details for further information on the categories available.
Children may race from age 8 up to age 12, but do so on a shortened lap of the course. You are welcome to ride behind them while they race but should ensure that you don’t get in any rider’s way. There are also categories for riders aged 13 to 17 who race on the main course. Category age bands are listed on the XC Races information page.
When you have finished you can then relax, socialise and enjoy the full Arena facilities and the podium trophy presentations.
Gorrick Spring Classic XC Races run from February to April at different venues.
Gorrick Autumn Classic XC Races take place in October and November at different venues.
XC Endurance Races
These events are time based with a 4-6 mile lap. There are age categories and you have a choice of how long you ride for. These events are more a test of your stamina and typically last at least 2hrs. For riders new to these events, we always say just ride in your 2 hour category and concentrate on finishing rather than speed. The courses are similar to XC Cross Country but with less technical features and more 'resting/fueling' sections. When you have finished relax, socialise and enjoy the full Arena facilities and podium trophy presentations.
The Gorrick 100 Endurance Challenge is very similar to the XC Endurance Races, but is based over a 10 mile course. It is more of a personal challenge as you choose how many laps you want to ride from 1 (for newcomers) to 7 (which takes all day) When you finish you receive a completion medal. You need to be over 12 to take part in this event.
The Gorrick 12:12 Torq in your Sleep Enduro The Gorrick 12:12 Torq in your Sleep Enduro is a Bank Holiday weekend enduro with a great reputation and a friendly vibe. It’s based on an 8 mile, figure of 8 lap and is great fun for the whole family whether riding or spectating. It runs for 12hrs from noon on the Sunday until midnight or for 6 hours from 3pm to 9pm. You can take part in a team of 3 or 4 riders, as part of a pair, or solo. The Arena has a marquee, catering and overnight track side camping. You need to be over 16 to take part.
The Brass Monkeys Endurance Series takes place over the Winter months, so there’s a heated marquee in the Arena for Event Registration and podium trophy presentations. The courses are 4 to 6 miles long and you can choose to ride for either 2 or 4 hours in categories for the under 40s and over 40s. You need to be over 12 to take part.
Gorrick Hot and Cool MTB Challenges
These marked route, fully supported rides are non-competitive events (previously known as Test Valley Tour) which offer you a choice of riding at your own pace on Medium, Long or Epic routes through some stunning Hampshire countryside. You can ride alone, as part of a group of friends or as a family (children under 16s can ride FREE with you). And you’ll find the routes are well planned & fully way marked with energy drink and food stops along the way. When you finish you can collect your award, relax, socialise and enjoy the catering which includes homemade cakes and a bbq. The Event HQ facilities are excellent too and include changing rooms, showers, toilets and a bike wash.
01 Dec 24
26 Jan 25
