Mini Downhill Race. Wallace Monument. Sunday 13th May 2012

[Andrew Abbess]

Wallace Mini Downhill Race – Sunday 13th May 2012 for riders aged 8 -16 years.

Wallace Warriors are hosting one of 6 rounds of this year’s Scottish Cycling mini downhill series, the final of which will be held at the World Cup in Fort William on 9th June 2012.  

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/scotland/article/20120405-scottish-cycling-news-Scottish-Cycling-Mini-Downhill-Series-0

The fastest 3 boys and girls in each category will qualify for entry in to Fort William.  The Stirling event will be held on Sunday 13th May in the grounds of  the National Wallace Monument (with thanks to Stirling Council Ranger Service, the Cowane Trust & the National Wallace Monument) with a practice session in the morning followed by timed runs in the afternoon.  

So, what is mini downhill?

 “Downhill mountain biking is a fast and exciting sport, pitting rider and machine against the clock.  Each rider has to ride a set course comprising of jumps, drops, roots, rocks, twists and turns. The aim: to complete the course in the fastest time you can! Mini downhill is just like the real thing but smaller! Shorter courses, smaller bikes and younger riders but all of the passion, excitement and drama of racing! The Mini Downhill Series will provide a pathway for aspiring riders aged between 8 – 16 years of age to get their first taste of Downhill mountain bike racing.” ScottishCycling

The Wallace Monument route is a particular gem and we think it could be one of the best in the series.  Starting from near the top of the Abbey Craig, the route drops down through the woods over roots, mud and the occasional rock (but nothing too scary!).  Riders are timed from their entry onto the course using an electronic timing system and get at least 2 runs with their best time counting.  

Coach Steve says
“The course is really nice and should be within the capabilities of most of the Warriors with a bit of practice.  It’s all about getting the right choice of line and speed to get down the course as smoothly and quickly as possible.  It takes around 2 minutes from top to bottom but it should put a big smile on your face that’ll last longer than that”.

 In order to get the kids into the feel of 'downhilling' the event will be run like a proper downhill race with a course walk through prior to any practice runs. Full face helmets and long fingered gloves must be worn and arms and legs must be covered. If you do not have or can't get hold of a full face helmet, Scottish Cycling will have a few to borrow on the day (first come first served)

So, if you are interested in this, please let the coaches know.  Also, we need parent helpers and course marshalls signed up to help make this event a great success. Information on specific timings and entry details will be available from Scottish Cycling shortly.

Securing this venue has taken careful negotiation so please do not ride the course before race day.

[granty]

Sorry Andrew i'll be away on a mate's stage weekend that week or i'd help out.

Sounds brilliant.

[Grumpy Guru]

Hi,
I was talking to Team Macbob's very own Granty MacHart last night and he was asking:

Are entry details on-line yet*?
He was 16 in Feb - is he allowed to enter this?

No worries if not as he can race the British DH series at Fort Bill that weekend (but is stoked at being able to ride to a race from his hoose).

CHeers!

(*Team Macbob are saving our left over beer kitty money to pay his entry fee!)

[Andrew Abbess]

This will be one of 6 rounds of the Scottish Cycling mini downhill series that Bob Macfarline of Scottish Cycling is organising prior to the World Cup in Fort William on 9th June 2012.  The fastest 3 boys and girls in each category at each event will qualify for entry into the World Cup @ Fort William.

Details & entry is not on the British Cycling web site yet. We will post up when it is.

Based on what Bob said if you are aged: 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,or 16 you can enter  

If team Macbob or any other friends, parents or local cyclists are able to help on the day as marshalls that would be great
thanks  Andrew

[The Allens]

Great for anybody to join in - but just to confirm this is an introduction to downhill racing. If you qualify for the mini downhill at Fort William then that race is probably on a short section of the XC circuit of The Berminator (usually a climb). It will not be on the main DH track.
The course at the Wallace Monument will be suitable for competant riders from age 8.
I am just confirming with Scottish Cycling that the age range 8-16 includes riders that are already 16.

Also, as Andrew says, if you are able to marshal on the day let us know.
 
Will keep you posted.
Rachel

[CraigDow]

Rachel

I can be a marshall.

Craig Dow

[Grumpy Guru]

I was being pestered again last night by young Granty MacHart (it's the only reason he hangs back to chat to me - and I hate to think how fast he'll climb once he fits SPDs?!) - and he was asking when the entries to this will be open ?

Cheer!

 

[Andrew Abbess]

On line entry is now available :

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/79135/Scottish-Cycling-Mini-Downhill---Stirling


What is Mini Downhill?
Downhill mountain biking is a fast and exciting sport, pitting rider (or mini rider!) and machine against the clock.  Each rider has to ride a set course comprising of jumps, drops, roots, rocks, twists and turns.  The aim to complete the course as fast as you can.  

Mini downhill is just like the real thing but miniature! Shorter courses, smaller bikes and younger riders but it has all of the passion, excitement and drama of racing! The Mini Downhill Series will provide a pathway for aspiring young downhill riders aged from 8 to 16 years of ages to get their first taste of downhill mountain bike racing.

What riders need to bring:
•   A Mountain bike which needs to be in full safe working order;
•   All riders must be signed on by a parent or guardian
•   A Full Face helmet (Make sure it fits properly); SC have a small number of helmets that can be given on a first come, first served basis.
•   Appropriate clothing for the weather and for racing; Full finger gloves and arm and leg cover are compulsory and body armour is strongly recommended.

Age Categories.
There will be 4 age categories for the event:
•   Youth A -Under 16 (born 1996/1997)
•   Youth B - Under 14 (born 1998/1999)
•   Youth C - Under 12 (born 2000/2001)
•   Youth D -Under 10 minimum age of 8years* (born 2002/2003)

*Given the nature of the event entrants for the under 10 category will be ‘by application’ Under 10’s will need to name a fully qualified UKCC level2 coach who can confirm their riding ability for the event.


Qualification.
Entry to the mini DH Final taking place at Fort William during the Main Down Hill World Cup will be by qualification at one of the six regional rounds. First, second and third place male and female riders in each of the age categories will qualify for entry to the mini DH  World Cup Final. A total of 24 riders per round.
If a rider has already qualified at a previous round, then the next rider below him/her will then qualify.  

Format of the day.
A morning practice session followed by two timed race runs in the afternoon for each rider. Results will be based on rider’s fastest time.

Provisional Timetable:
0900 Registration & Bike Checks
0910 Marshall & helper briefing
0945 - 1200 Practice on course
1300 - 1500 Timed race runs
1530 Podium presentations
1545 Dismantle course & tidy up time


We would appreciate if a parent (or other relative) of any entrant could help support the race by either offering to marshall, help with sign on, setting up and dismantling the course. Offers of help from club members also very welcome. Many thanks

Helpers & Marshall :
Andrew Abbess
Craig Dow

[Andrew Abbess]

Latest News:
Each rider that enters any Scottish Cycling Mini Downhill Series event will get a FREE ticket to the Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup taking place on 09th & 10th June 2012!
 
so get your entry in
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/79135/Scottish-Cycling-Mini-Downhill---Stirling

We would appreciate if a parent (or other relative) of any entrant could help support the race by either offering to marshall, help with sign on, setting up and dismantling the course. Offers of help from club members also very welcome. Many thanks

Helpers & Marshall :
Andrew Abbess
Craig Dow
Rachel Allen
Tim Allen
Susan Wardrope

[MartinWardrope]

i have just ordered my ticket but am still a bit confused  .

If i come top 3 in the Wallace Monument race does this mean i instantly qualify to be at the mini DH at Fort William on the 9th of June? And if this is correct i get a free ticket for myself and an adult for that day?

Thank You,
Martin

[Andrew Abbess]

Good question Martin.

By entering the mini Down Hill at Wallace Monument you will get a free (spectator) ticket to the World Cup Down Hill at Fort Willaim. Spectators need to pay entry to the World Cup site to enter the "world cup village" and to use the gondellas to get to see the course.
http://fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk/tickets-and-merchandise/ticket-info/

If you come in the top 3 at the Wallace Monument mini DH you will get a place, as a competitor, at the Mini DH competition on 9th June which is taking place at Fort William during the World Cup weekend events.

Hope that helps

[Andrew Abbess]

More goodies for competitors:

The National Wallace Monument will offer a 20% discount on a visit the Wallace Monument to those who are entering the Downhill Race. They will produce vouchers that can be collected by competitors at race sign on for use by them & their families. No you can not take your bikes to the top of the monument and ride down the stairs, although the view is well worth the walk.
 
so get your entry in
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/79135/Scottish-Cycling-Mini-Downhill---Stirling

We would appreciate if a parent (or other relative) of any entrant could help support the race by either offering to marshall, help with sign on, setting up and dismantling the course. Offers of help from club members also very welcome. Many thanks

Helpers & Marshall :
Andrew Abbess
Craig Dow
Gillian Dow
Rachel Allen
Tim Allen
Susan Wardrope
Dave Sherriff

[DaveSherriff]

Not sure if Scott is going to do the race but i will be there to help Marshall etc

Dave

[Andrew Abbess]

Thanks Dave

The other mini DH dates & venues are now here:
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/scotland/article/20120405-scottish-cycling-news-Scottish-Cycling-Mini-Downhill-Series-0

We would appreciate if a parent (or other relative) of any entrant could help support the race by either offering to marshall, help with sign on, setting up and dismantling the course. Offers of help from club members also very welcome. Many thanks

Helpers & Marshall :
Andrew Abbess
Craig Dow
Gillian Dow
Rachel Allen
Tim Allen
Susan Wardrope
Dave Sherriff
Seonaid McNeish

[Andrew Abbess]

Enter here:
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/79135/Scottish-Cycling-Mini-Downhill---Stirling

What riders need to bring:
•   A Mountain bike which needs to be in full safe working order;
•   All riders must be signed on by a parent or guardian
•   A Full Face helmet (Make sure it fits properly); SC have a small number of helmets that can be given on a first come, first served basis.
•   Appropriate clothing for the weather and for racing; Full finger gloves and arm and leg cover are compulsory and body armour is strongly recommended.

Age Categories.
There will be 4 age categories for the event:
•   Youth A -Under 16 (born 1996/1997)
•   Youth B - Under 14 (born 1998/1999)
•   Youth C - Under 12 (born 2000/2001)
•   Youth D -Under 10 minimum age of 8years* (born 2002/2003)

Format of the day.
A morning practice session followed by two timed race runs in the afternoon for each rider. Results will be based on rider’s fastest time.

Provisional Timetable:
0900 Registration & Bike Checks
0910 Marshall & helper briefing
0945 - 1200 Practice on course
1300 - 1500 Timed race runs
1530 Podium presentations
1545 Dismantle course & tidy up time


*Given the nature of the event entrants for the under 10 category will be ‘by application’ Under 10’s will need to name a fully qualified UKCC level2 coach who can confirm their riding ability for the event.

We would appreciate if a parent (or other relative) of any entrant could help support the race by either offering to marshall, help with sign on, setting up and dismantling the course. Offers of help from club members also very welcome. Many thanks

Helpers & Marshall :
Andrew Abbess
Craig Dow
Gillian Dow
Rachel Allen
Tim Allen
Susan Wardrope
Dave Sherriff
Seonaid McNeish