Hillingdon Slipstreamers are hosting an afternoon of MTB Cross Country (XC) Go-Ride racing at Hillingdon Cycle Circuit on Saturday 14th November 2015. This event is open to ALL children from ages 5 – 16, and you do not need to be a Slipstreamers Member to take part. The focus for the afternoon is to give novices to racing an opportunity to try it out, and also to get a sense of how much fun mountain biking can be in a safe and friendly environment!
Hillingdon Slipstreamers are known for putting on a FABULOUS event [click here to read our 2014 MTB Club Champs report, here to read all about the show we put on for Nationals, or here for other events we’ve hosted!]; and we would encourage you to spread the word to your friends and families to bring their children along for a great afternoon out.
Go-Ride mountain biking at Slipstreamers
Interested? Read on to find out more…
Do I need a Race Licence to Take Part?
NO! You don’t have to be a British Cycling member to take part, you don’t need to belong to a cycling club, and you certainly don’t need to have ever raced before to take part. This event is aimed at riders looking for an introduction into racing, or any XC riders out there who would simply like to get in some practice.
But I’m not an expert rider and have had no formal cycling training – can I still race?
YES! You can be an absolute beginner to cycling and racing and still take part. If you are a roadie and never tried out XC, then give it a go. In fact, if you can balance on your bike and cycle, you qualify. Our main intention is to get kids racing in a safe environment to promote some healthy competition, and to give novices an introduction as to how much fun the world of MTB XC actually is!
Ok but how technical and challenging will the XC course be?
The races will use a suitable off-road and non-technical circuit around the cycle circuit and surrounding grounds, intended to be challenging and fun. There will be a few technical challenges to test those skills out, but don’t worry as these will be age group specific and nothing will be too daunting! The 10 and under categories will race for about 20 minutes on a short course; and the 11 and older categories will be racing for about 30 minutes on a longer course!
Do I need a fancy mountain bike to take part?
Definitely not! All riders need is their own mountain bike, with bar ends, that must be in a good working order. You don’t need a fancy whizzy bike to race! Equally, cyclo-cross and road bikes are not permitted – just a good old-fashioned mountain bike will do!
What about cycling kit?
Suitable clothing for riding a bike should be worn, but that doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy lycra and expensive race kit. Wear comfortable clothes that won’t get stuck in your pedals or anywhere else, shoes you can pedal fast in, and don’t forget your gloves and a safety helmet – these last two being mandatory to race in. Check out our rider resources for tips on dressing for cycling.
Will I win anything?
Everyone will receive a Certificate of Completion, a Go-Ride wrist band, and of course there will be themed medals for age group winners. We may even have a few extra goodies to give out! Plus, you get that warm and happy feeling from just being on a mountain bike and having fun – priceless!
I’m in! How do I enter?
We would love to ensure we have a good idea of rider numbers to expect in advance (imagine not having enough refreshments, prizes or medals!) so please click here to register online as soon as possible. You will also be able to register on the day, so don’t worry if you forget to do so beforehand – although we would prefer you to do this online! Please do make sure you double check your email address before you submit the online form as you will be emailed a PDF “ticket” of your booking for your records.
How much will it cost to race?
This will be a grand total of £2 – please bring this along to sign-on as we won’t be taking online payments.
Do I need parental / guardian permission to enter?
Absolutely. Before any child is allowed to race parental/ guardian consent will need to be given. If you are booking online, you will be asked to provide this during the process. Alternatively, you will be asked to complete a paper consent form when you arrive at sign on if you don’t register in advance.
What do I need to do when I arrive?
Once your adults have parked safely and in the marked bays, do make your way up to the main clubhouse, where there will be signs and people directing you to the sign on desk. All riders – no matter their age – will be asked to sign on themselves, so please ensure you are present to do so. Once payment is received, each rider will be issued a number board with cable ties to go on the front of your mountain bike. If you have pre-registered, these will be named and ready for you to collect at sign-on. You will then be directed to the location you need to go for warm up and reconnaissance of the course.
What facilities are there at the circuit?
We are very fortunate to call the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit our home, and share this facility with our guests. You will have access to the main clubhouse where there is a canteen to purchase refreshments, sit and hang out with your family, and of course access to toilets and changing facilities. Further details about the circuit can be found here.
What is the running order for the afternoon?
The schedule is as per the table below. Please note your race time, and make sure you arrive in good time (at least 30 minutes) to sign on, warm up and do the reconnaissance before your race. It’s so much more fun when you have time to catch up with fellow racers, familiarise yourself with the course, and not rush before your event!
Time |
Activity |
Location |
Race 1: Boys aged 10 and Under |
||
| 12:30 – 12:50 | Sign-on | In the main club house |
| 12:30 – 12:55 | Reconnaissance lap of short course | Basin area – Meet at Mechanics’ Hut |
| 13:00 | Race – 3 laps of short course | Basin area |
Race 2: Girls aged 10 and Under |
||
| 12:30 – 13:20 | Sign-on | In the main club house |
| 12:30 – 13:20 | Reconnaissance lap of short course | Basin area – Meet at Mechanics’ Hut |
| 13:30 | Race – 3 laps | Basin area |
Race 3: Girls aged 11-16 Years
|
||
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Sign-on | In the main club house |
| 13:20 – 13:50 | Reconnaissance lap of long course | Meet at Judges’ Hut |
| 14:00 | Race: 3 Laps | Meet at Judges’ Hut |
Race 4: Boys aged 11-16 Years
|
||
| 12:30 – 14:15 | Sign-on | In the main club house |
| 14:00 – 14:30 | Reconnaissance lap of long course | Meet at Judges’ Hut |
| 14:45 | Race: 3 Laps | Meet at Judges’ Hut |
Finally…
None of this can happen without a team of willing Volunteers, so if you would like to help us make sure the day is a success, please make yourself known to us in advance or on the day – all help welcome!
It promises to be an fantastic event and we very much look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful facility on race day! In the interim, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us via the website contact page.