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What are the courses like? Anyone got any pics?
1/2 to 2/3 of the course older people ride. They miss out the tech bits. Still tough though imo. Climbs etc.
Might work the boys up to doing it next year, need to get them riding bit more regularly first.
About 3/4 of a full adult lap. Had an A/B line too, so some course practise is a good idea. They are good, but the field spreads out more so a bit more of an undertaking than multiple laps of a shorter course. Hence the min age 8 I imagine. The benefit of them is that they are on adult courses so they more or less get to ride the same as you and there is less of a jump up when they progress to racing full adult laps.
The kevin sheldrake website has some pics from sunday.
My daughter's got no chance then đŸ™‚
Maybe pop over to Crowthorne and ride it -should be fresh on the ground or get a gpx from strava and see how she gets on with the course. Or another option would be the upcoming Southern xcs. They are multiple laps of a much shorter course and easier overall. They have a good spread of ability so are a very encouraging environment. Lots of support all round the course too as parents can easily access the whole course.
My sons just turned 8 and he done his first one yesterday, personally I think the course is too hard for the younger ones (I followed him round as my practice lap) and much prefer the short multiple laps of the Southern XC for the kids. If they are strong riders then they should be fine but there is generally a fair amount of climbing which can be a bit demoralising as they have to dismount a fair bit. Also as the lap is basically the adults course, they don't get much support from parents unless you ride behind them..
Although saying that he says he may want to do the next one, so we will wait and see..
The Southern XC on 29th April at Checkenden would be great one to start at as it's flat and there is plenty of parents supporting each time they come round
The Southern XC on 29th April at Checkenden would be great one to start at as it’s flat and there is plenty of parents supporting each time they come round
This in SPADES... the Southern XC course for nippers at Checkendon is absolutely brilliant for many reasons, both in it's technical layout, in it's viewing, spectating etc.. Just brilliant.
I'm a bit gutted by lad went back to Footie after thinking about this LOL.
I'll likely do XC adult racing at Checkendon that weekend.
My son used to race them, I think parents used to be able to go round with the younger ones.
Lots of patience and encouragement is required,
but not always evident......................
It's supposed to be fun....