BEMBA & BC British National Enduro Champs at Ae Forest – Rider Briefing

Not only is the the first ever BC / UCI Sanctioned British National Enduro Champs, a piece of history I (Kev) have been working on since 2018; but it is also, probably, the last Hope PMBA Enduro.

I wish to take the opportunity to thank the sponsors & volunteers for the support over the past decade. Hope Technology have been supporting my racing since 1990, when I was actually a fast Youth/Junior and have in this last decade supported every event we have run since that first “Escape to Gisburn” Enduro with Escape Bike Shop in 2013. An event so successful it spawned a whole series from 2014 onwards. Special thanks to Orange Bikes who came in in 2016 and have been a massive supporter of the events since then. Vittoria Tyres  may have been a newer addition to the roster joining in 2018 but have again put in a massive amount to the series since then. Another sponsor who has been with the events since that first 2013 enduro is Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery and we even got our own signature ale “Enbeero” for many years. Ride Slovenia  and Mudhugger  have been sponsors of the series since 2014 as well and its been great to work with such consistent sponsorship, especially connecting with my favourite place to ride in Slovenia and while riding in the UK a Mudhugger is just about as essential kit as you can get . That just leaves thanks to Saxx Underwear  who since joining to help us deliver the first BEMBA Enduro champs in 2017 have carried on supporting the series, and supporting my balls, we have given away hundreds of Saxx since then so many of you will have had your balls tucked comfortably away in a pouch too.

I must reflect on the immense amount of trail work, and venues, the series has supported, it was named the PMBA Enduro series to support the local volunteer trail building groups that were under the  PMBA umbrella, and although the PMBA volunteers organisation did fizzle away it did a lot of good when it was active. The Series has however directly built many trails and many of which got huge use outside of events too. At Gisburn for that first event we built an off piste trail, its evolved a bit since then into “Uncle Bulgaria” but 2nd half with the 2 bog crossings we had to make a causeway & boardwalk over are still there and in use with a newer upper section. As well as Hopeline, LoaMUDageddon and DH/Enduro line repairs, extensions and maintenance over the years for event use, I was able to have enough time to volunteer and repair / maintain many of the trail centre sections. I take pride in the fact Snake, Over the Hill, Circle, Rocky Road, Home baked, Whelpstone, Hully Gully, Long Way Down, Bottoms, Swoopy, Park Wood Wetlands & 27 Berms have all indirectly significantly benefitted from the series enabling me to volunteer so many hours at my local trail centre
The original Grizedale Carron-to-black trail may no longer be there, but the likes of supersteep/goldenshower will remain in enduro lore for a long time, and over the years we put lots of effort into building & keeping wild trails open and repaired such as Viking, Sat DH, Sculpture trail, Blind Mice, The Black, Bluebells & Loose lips/Bogle
The Lee Quarry Enduro’s not only allowed us to help fund Havok bike park in its early years, but also put in a new line at Lee Quarry, as well as a moorland descent but also to legitimise and improve a locals track over in Facit woods.
I was very stoked to take racing back to Llangollen after a few years with no events and a combative council. Again left a legacy in the building of “Einherjar” on the hill, and the successful events also encouraged DH races and other enduro’s back to the venue; and that momentum is still building for One Giant Leap Llangollen , great to see that venue recovery and trajectory.
Graythwaite was a venue on its own, private land and the trails just for PMBA Enduro use. This was a highlight for me, not only living so much of every year on site, but creating some of the best trails and events. Well into double figures of trails created but alas no legacy left for others to enjoy as at other venues with its private nature. However these will be some of my fondest memories.
While the trails at Kirroughtree were much more local lead, they did use the Enduro’s for an excuse and motivation to produce some absolute bangers, and more than I can recall with new stages every year we went, and this year finishing with the biggest of them all – the 1000ft trail, from a trail ridden by maybe 6 people once a year to the biggest, meanest trail in the forest.
In covid with no events, and no Forestry volunteering I even managed to do a month of trail repairing at Healey Nab, one of the PMBA volunteer sites, if not an enduro race site, owned by Lancs CC and they were able to give me permission to do what I like to do, park my camper in a forest and tinker with trails 🙂

Thank you all for supporting the events and allowing us to leave a legacy of trails wherever we raced – this was always a major aim of the series, despite some not seeing the big picture when I look back I see a huge legacy of trail work.

I will for sure miss the lifestyle, if not the stress, but it was last in 2019 that the series was able to fund this lifestyle and while it was easy to think “things will get better” after 20/21 it has in fact just got financially harder every year since.  I just cant continue.  I’ve put a lot of work behind the scenes at BEMBA, getting the BNES going but that was always collaborative with all the other organisers to try and progress Enduro; and hope that will still all happen without me leading it now its all established. Maybe if next year the cost of living crisis ends and I can get the finances in order there could be a 2026 return but its a very outside chance.

One last legacy mention before we get on with the rider briefing, and that on the Ambassadors, and kids racing. This was never really a personal aim to individually help racers, I just wanted to put out the races for everyone. However Mike persuaded me to support the Wet Lettuce duo of Callum and Jim, and then seeing Martha win a U21 World Enduro Champs after doing her first enduro at “Escape to Gisburn” and moving to enduro the following year I also became invested in these personal stories of progression and how the events helped these kids to excel. I therefore did more of it, some “hits” some misses but a massive sense of achievement watching the progression. Katy Kaos won our first U10’s free enduro back in 2019, getting her an entry in to the Hope Women’s a month later and has just not looked back on her ride to stardom – that alone justifies that ambassador program, the free U10s events and the work with Hope Women on those novice focussed events. Its also been great to see older women do their first enduro’s with us at the Hope Women events, and go onto doing more racing, some even to race and podium at the BNES.

I am not the only organiser who is struggling, so can I ask that you do your best to enter events early, and understand how tight the margins are. If you want events to continue then support them. We have all seen various events be cancelled this year with lack of entries. I suspect 2025 you will have a lot less choice of where to race, and the race scene will need your (early) entries to have confidence and budget to invest; its in your hands as the enduro racing community.  I’ll try and do a few myself, I may even go and race the BNES final on my E-Bike in September!

We have got the big flat fields right in the very centre of the Ae Forest trail head, Showers are at the trail head as are flush toilets. Portable loos also in the camping/HQ field
Ae Village, Parkgate, Dumfries DG1 1QB
Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/fqdYW8vTzzRdwxnF9

SECURE YOUR BIKES
We have had bikes taken from Gisburn and Graythwaite rounds last year (2023). Security is not a lock to your van, its inside the van – do not leave bikes outside.

Friday
Event field open for camping/overnight stays, as per all PMBA Enduro events camping is Friday midday till Monday midday.
Saturday 
Hope Academy and Women racing on 3 trail centre stages
Hope Academy U10s racing
Practice on 6 off piste stages for the Champs Event

Sunday
Race day – all the stages in order, 1 run per stage. Select your start wave on Saturday at sign on.
Live Streaming of all day on PMBA’s Facebook and YouTube
LIVE STREAMING – This our first try of this, so your friends and family can watch from home. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel 
Stream will also be on Facebook.

Monday
Leave the camping area by midday

Wave Selection is for the earliest time you can collect your timing chip on Sunday
You will be asked to self-seed when selecting a wave.

You collect your timing chip at your wave slot and set off immediately
8.30am – 1st wave – all ebikes – you will have a set time to complete the lap
8:45am – Womens group (women may still self-seed in other groups)
9.00am – Self seed – slowest first – this also means you wont be in the way of podium hunters
10.00am onwards if you think you wont be in the bottom half of your class/overall (Nobody competing for the BC Jersey)
10.30am onwards if you are going for a podium, plus ALL BC MEMBERS should mean you have no traffic on stages.
11.30am last rider out

FREE Under 10s racing.
https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=12588
Entries open now.
Balance bikes will do a laid out course close to the HQ
Pedal bikes will do stage 2 of the Hope Academy 3 stage enduro (ride out via green grade trail)

 

I’ve made a small clarification to the self sufficiency rules for 2023, and confirmed they do apply to U16s too.

Self Sufficiency : No outside assistance is allowed and no racers riding as domestiques. However helping a fellow competitor is actively encouraged, just not one team member carrying a huge backpack of spares while others race without. Only those registered to race the E-bike classes can use an ebike for either practice or racing. No on-road shuttling is allowed for practice or racing, you must pedal from the race arena to the stages and back. While E-bike batteries are not limited, you can only swap then in the HQ/Camp Area, and no additional batteries may be carried by a racer. (fixed and in use bike mounted only, not in a backpack or taped to the frame)

Self Sufficiency for Under 16s

To clarify this –  the rules for under 16s are the same as for over 16s – you must be self sufficient, and we will be at out strictest for the National Champs.
Your chaperone is not your domestique! They are not to carry kit for you, they are not to physically help you get round, if your chaperone even carries a tow-rope this will be considered cheating and you will be DQ’d.  If your chaperone is seen pushing you (eg) along a fire track you could be DQ’d.  Chaperones carrying all racer kit/water/food the suggested penalty is 1 min per stage, reducing as per what is carried. Chaperones carrying full-face helmets for racers is 100% OK but please remember all racers/chaperones need to always wear a helmet when riding. This exception is designed to encourage kids to race in full face helmets.
Leniency at “Academy events” – I will be a little more lenient at academy events, where we have kids as young as 8 racing. Towing, or even carrying a tow strap will still be an instant DQ. However chaperones carrying kit will be tolerated – this will be VERY changeable and the legality or punishment will be entirely on  Kev’s whim. The smaller the kid, the more lenient, the more adverse the weather the more lenient, the slower the kid the more lenient.  Leniency will not be showed if Kev determines the primary reason for chaperone help is to improve competitiveness of the racer, we will only be lenient on help if it’s to improve the chances of the racer finishing the event, or for safety reasons eg kid has finished their carried drink.  Always be prepared for a time penalty if you are pushing the self sufficiency rules and relying on Kev’s Leniency, it is not assumed.

Here is the rider and spectator information, we are aware there is a lot of information but please do not use this as an excuse for not reading it thoroughly, and knowing what you need to do and what rules to follow. More information will be added as we approach the event.

Danger ! Racing mountain bikes is a dangerous sport. You should ensure you’re familiar with the warning signs and a track should not be hit at race speed until you are comfortable with your ability on that stage.

As always we rely on volunteer marshals to make these events a success, if you know somebody who would be interested please ask them to fill in the form on this page, or email pmbaenduroseries@gmail.com

Single use Plastic reduction – keep your number board for the year

Since 2021 as part of our plastics reduction schedule, and you will be allocated a number & number board for the year, you must bring this to all rounds you are racing or a replacement will cost you a £5.  You will have environmentally sustainable hemp string to attach it to your bike.  Our number board media is recycled and recyclable polyester (plastic bottles), please remember your Gisburn number plate if you raced round 1.

We also will continue hemp barrier tape, biodegradable plastic tape and tape reduction in our goal to reduce single use plastics.

You can view the full guide and rules here 

 

 

DATE: 17 – 18 August 2024

ORGANISER: Kev Duckworth

PMBA Enduro

pmbaenduroseries@gmail.com

07979 911337

BRITISH CYCLING CONTACT: Rick Clarkson

richardclarkson@britishcycling.org.uk

07834 098191

National Cycling Centre

Stuart Street

Manchester

M11 4DQ

EVENT LOCATION: Forest of Ae,

Dumfries & Galloway,

Scotland

DG1 1QB

DIRECTIONS: From the South:

Start on the M6: Heading north on the M6 motorway.

Continue on the A74(M): As you cross the border into Scotland, the M6 will become the A74(M). Keep following this road.

Take the A701 exit: Exit the A74(M) at junction 15, following signs for the A701 towards Dumfries.

Follow the A701: Continue on the A701, passing through villages such as Beattock and Moffat.

Turn left onto the B7020: After passing through Moffat, turn left onto the B7020, which will be signposted for Ae Village and Forest.

Continue on the B7020: Follow the B7020 for several miles. You will drive through Ae Village before reaching the forest.

From the North:

Start on the M74: Head south on the M74 motorway.

Continue on the A74(M): The M74 will merge into the A74(M). Keep following this road.

Take the A701 exit: Exit the A74(M) at junction 15, following signs for the A701 towards Dumfries.

Follow the A701: Continue on the A701, passing through villages such as Beattock and Moffat.

Turn left onto the B7020: After passing through Moffat, turn left onto the B7020, which will be signposted for Ae Village and Forest.

Continue on the B7020: Follow the B7020 for several miles. You will drive through Ae Village before reaching the forest.

CLASS OF EVENT: National Championships (CN)

REGISTRATION: Entry for this event is via SiEntries. The closing date for entries is WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST.

ENTRY FEE: £95.00

REFUNDS: Please see the refund policy HERE

CANCELLATIONS: Please see the refund and cancellation policy HERE

TIMING AND RESULTS: SPORTident UK will provide chip timing and the results. Results will be published on the British Cycling Website as well as the UCI website for the Elite categories

NUMBER BOARDS: Number boards will be issued at registration.

COMMISSAIRE PANEL: Adrian Walls Chief Commissaire.

Andrea Lochart Member of the Commissaire Panel.

Alastair Mackinlay Member of the Commissaire Panel.

Digby Sim Member of the commissaire Panel.

Kelvin Hoy Member of the Commissaire Panel.

MEDICAL PROVISION: Medical cover for the event will be provided by:

MEDIA | PRESS: All media personnel should contact the organiser prior to arriving onsite. We ask that the rules and regulations are adhered to at all times and that you make yourself aware of exclusion zones.

Official media will be required to present their public liability insurance certificate before being issued with a media vest, which must be worn at all times.

Photographers are to respect the course at all times and having a media vest does not allow additional access to areas defined as a “Safety Zone” or “B-Zones”.

Photographers are not permitted in any exclusions zones and may be asked to leave if this is not adhered to.

LICENCE REQUIREMENTS: A British Cycling licence is not required to enter this event, however, to be eligible for a Championship result, a full racing licence is necessary.

CATEGORIES – PMBA ENDURO: Open: U15, U18, U21, Senior, Master 30, Master 40, Master 50.

Women: U16, U21, Senior, Master 35.

CATEGORIES – PMBA E-ENDURO: Open: U40, 40+

Women: All

CATEGORIES – CHAMPIONSHIP: Open: Juvenile, Youth, Junior, Senior, Master 30, Master 40, Master 50.

Women: Juvenile, Youth, Junior, Senior, Master 30, Master 40, Master 50.

E-MTB: Open U40, Open 40+ | Women U40, Women 40+

NEAREST HOSPITAL: Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary

Cargenbridge,

Dumfries

DG2 8RX,

United Kingdom

Phone: +44 1387 246246

The hospital is located approximately 12 miles (19 kilometers) southwest of Ae Forest. It offers a range of medical services, including an emergency department. To reach the hospital from Ae Forest, you can follow these general directions:

1. Head west on B7020: Exit Ae Forest and follow the B7020 road.

2. Take the A701 south: Turn onto the A701 southbound towards Dumfries.

3. Merge onto the A75: Continue on the A75, following signs for the hospital.

4. Arrive at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary: Follow signs to the hospital’s main entrance and parking areas.

TECHNICAL REGULATIONS: This event is run under the technical regulations of the UCI and British Cycling, along with the supplementary Enduro regulations in appendix 1.

SPECTATOR INFORMATION: Spectator safety is of paramount importance at the National Enduro Championships.

Watching a live Mountain Bike event is a thrilling experience and there are very few sports where you as a spectator can get this close to the action. British Cycling and the organiser strive to keep all spectators safe from harm but all spectators are responsible for their own personal safety.

Here are some pointers to help spectators stay safe while watching a live event:

• Be responsible and keep your own safety in mind.

• Always follow and obey marshal’s instructions – they are there to keep you safe and not to spoil your fun.

• Observe and follow all event signs.

• Do not cross or enter taped areas.

• Stay within the designated spectator areas.

• Do not enter any restricted areas. If you are unsure, please ask a marshal.

• Keep off the track and always pay attention.

• Keep dogs on a lead at all times.

• Do not alter, move or disturb any part of the course.

• Children to be accompanied at all times.

• Never stand on the outside of a corner or berm.

• Stand above the track, rather than below.

• Do not abuse alcohol or consume any illegal drugs.

• Take you litter home.

• Expect the unexpected.

Remember:

• Riders may run wide on corners.

• Riders may take lines close to the tape.

• Riders may overshoot jumps and drops.

• Riders occasionally over-estimate their ability and things go wrong.

• Bikes throw up dirt and stones.

• Mechanical issues may force a rider to leave the course.

APPENDIX 1 – REGULATIONS

1. CYCLES

   1. Save for E-Mountain Bike specific Events, all cycles used in Mountain Bike Events held under the technical regulations must operate wholly through the motive power of its rider.

1. 2. An E-Mountain Bike is a bike operated with two energy sources; human pedal power and an electric engine, which only provides assistance when the rider is pedalling. Only Pedelecs are permitted in events.

1. 3. E-Mountain Bike Events must be organised in accordance with the following bike and Pedelec standards:

1. 4. Engine with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts, and only activated by pedalling. Walk function is permitted but only in factory settings.

1. 5. Engine assistance up to 25km/h as per EU standard EN15194.

1. 6. E-Mountain Bikes must conform to EU law and not be chipped, modified, or derestricted.

1. 7. E-Mountain Bikes must be commercially available.

2. EQUIPMENT

   1. For Enduro, riders must always wear a helmet during competition, including transition stages. An Event Organiser can specify in the series or Event regulations that competitors must wear a full-face helmet. In respect of the National Championships, a full-face is not required.

3. OFFICIALS

   1. For Enduro, commissaires and marshals can move between stages, or roam.

1. 2. For Enduro, the Chief Commissaire can consider a rule violation that has not been witnessed by a race official if it has been reported by at least two riders who are not part of the same team or same category.

4. SPECIFIC COMPETITION PROVISIONS – ENDURO

   1. An Enduro course comprises varied off-road terrain. The course should be a mixture of narrow and wide, slow, and fast sections, over a mixture of surfaces which will test the riders technical and physical ability.

1. 2. Each timed stage must be predominantly downhill, but short pedalling or uphill sections are permitted.

1. 3. Liaison stages can include either mechanical means (trailer / chairlift), pedal powered or a mixture of both.

1. 4. Fixed start times may be issued for the timed stages. A time penalty or disqualification may be issued for late arrival at the start.

1. 5. The times achieved in all timed stages will be accumulated to an overall, General Classification (GC).

1. 6. A minimum of 3 stages must be raced.

   7. There is no minimum or maximum duration for each stage, however, the total race time should be a minimum of 5 minutes, with the optimum being 10 minutes or more for the fastest rider.

1. 8. A minimum of 2 different courses for the timed stages must be used. In unforeseen and exceptional circumstances (e.g. weather) the Chief Commissaire may, after consulting the organiser, cancel a stage or remove it from the General Classification.

1. 9. Each rider takes an individual start. The start interval between riders will be a minimum of 10 seconds. The Chief commissaire may determine start intervals.

1. 10. Training and access to all timed stages must be provided before racing starts. It is the responsibility of the rider to ensure they have practiced all stages sufficiently.

1. 11. The stage result of any rider delayed due to voluntary assisting another rider will be determined by the Chief Commissaire.

1. 12. A technical assistance zone can be provided or designated by the organiser. Outside technical assistance is only allowed in this area.

1. 13. Riders are allowed to stop en-route to access water and food at neutral stops.

1. 14. Only one bicycle can be used during an event, including transition stages. Competitors must start and finish on the same bike.

1. 15. During the race, riders are not permitted to have outside assistance to transition between stages by means of towing or private vehicle. Any rider found to be shuttling will be subject to a penalty or disqualification.

1. 16. Course Design Parameters

1. 17. The start and finish of each timed stage must be clearly marked.

1. 18. The entire course (timed stage) must be marked and protected with safe and visible course markers that present no safety risks to riders.

1. 19. In fast and / or potentially hazardous sections, the course must have security zones installed to protect the public and riders. (M8.20.)

1. 20. Extra care should be taken to ensure that the course is marked in a way that prevents the possibility of riders taking shortcuts or cutting the course. (M8.11.)

1. 21. Course tape can be used on opposite sides of the course to create a gate which riders must pass between. Gates can also be used to clearly mark sections of the course that a rider must pass through.

1. 22. Missing, crossing, or passing the tape or gate on the wrong side will be deemed as cutting the course. Any rider found to be deliberately taking shortcuts on course to gain an advantage will be disqualified.

1. 23. Liaison stages must be clearly marked to direct riders to the next timed stage.

1. 24. Where the liaison stages use public highways, signs must be displayed to warn vehicles and pedestrians of an event in progress.

1. 25. Course Signals

1. 26. Course Marshals shall be equipped with yellow and red flags and a whistle in order to indicate race incidents.

1. 27. Each Marshal shall signal the arrival of riders with a short blast on a whistle.

1. 28. In official training, Marshals shall wave a yellow flag and sound the whistle to indicate a potential hazard on the course. Riders observing a yellow flag must reduce speed and proceed with caution.

1. 29. In official training and racing, Marshals shall wave a red flag and sound the whistle to indicate a serious incident on the course which warrants the stopping of the Stage. Riders observing a red flag must stop immediately and await instructions from an Official.

1. 30. Rider Equipment

1. 31. Each rider must be self-sufficient during the entire duration of the race. Personal responsibility and self-sufficiency are a large part of the spirit of Enduro racing, and riders are encouraged to carry adequate equipment for operating in mountainous environments. Each rider should remember that they are solely responsible for themselves but are urged to help other competitors on course.

1. 32. Only one bicycle can be used during an event, including transition stages. Competitors must start and finish on the same bike.

1. 33. Only one frame, one fork and one pair of wheels can be used by a competitor during competition. Frame, fork and wheels will be individually marked by the officials before the start of the race and checked at the finish. On approval for the Chief commissaire, Frames, forks and wheels can be replaced in the designated technical areas but riders will be subject to a 5 minute penalty.

1. 34. It is strongly recommended that all competitors carry the following:

• Backpack or waist pack.

• Waterproof jacket.

• Emergency blanket.

• Inner tube, puncture repair kit.

• Multi tool.

• Basic first aid kit.

• Map.

• Food and drink.

• Eye protection.

• Mobile phone.

1. 35. SPECIFIC COMPETITION PROVISIONS – E-MOUNTAIN BIKE

1. 36. E-Mountain Bike Events will be organised in the Cross-Country and Enduro formats only.

1. 37. The use of E-Mountain bikes in Downhill events is permitted in their own category.

1. 38. Bicycles will be subject to scrutineering checks at any point during the Event. This can be done by Marshal’s, Commissaires or Event staff and riders must allow it at the exact time of the request. Refusal to allow this process will result in instant disqualification.

1. 39. The Chief Commissaire or Event Organiser must be notified if a rider is suspected of using illegal equipment such as modified or chipped bikes.

1. 40. Battery changes are permitted in designated technical zones. Riders are not permitted to carry spare batteries on their person.

1. 41. ENVIRONMENTAL

1. 42. The use of disposable goggle tear offs is strictly prohibited.

1. 43. The disposal of food packaging on the trails is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.

Results & Series standings
PMBA Enduro Series results will be available on this LINK

BNES National Enduro Series standings will be available on this LINK the Wednesday after the event

What to expect?
U10s – a little different at this one, with pedal bike U10s tackling Stage 2 of the Hope Academy course and balance bike U10s tackling a course near the event HQ

Hope Academy and Womens :  3 trail centre stages.  Granny Green Luv, Colins Folly and the newly refurbished final red descent.  12 miles, 1200ft as a lap. This is a mashup event so you can do multiple runs of the stage and take your best time. We’ll signpost some ways to loop back to the start of the stage – although the map below helps and its a big climb to do the final stage again.
S1 – Granny Green Luv – a flowing short section of red grade trail.
S2 – Colins Folley – a flowing short section of blue grade trail
S3 – Omega man – a freshly reworked steep fast red grade trail – control your speed here, you can easily go too fast!

All 5 BNES stages are off piste trails.  Stages must be raced in order.
S1 – Turn down for Shedder (Shredder – Fire road – Turn down for what)
S2 – Rainbow Road (Cool Runnings, Fireroad, TTTT, Frasers)

S3 – Craigsheilds
S4 – Toddy’s Ticker (Aarons, Toddys Ticker, defibrillator) *  There are options on this stage if its too wet – TBC

S5 – M420 (Trig-DH-Random singletracks-Blue Rum-Finish section)

 

Academy map below – Champs Map added a week before the event.

Tyre Choice

We of course suggest the awesome Vittoria tyres,

With plenty of steep, rooty off camber rawness, but dry weather expected we advise a Mota front and a Mazza rear. Ask at your local bike shop for these tyres.

Every year we have a raffle, every entry into every round is a raffle ticket, HUGE Prize!

 

• A Weeks holiday for 2 in Slovenia with Ride Slovenia!

Race Arena and Technical support.

We are fortunate to have great support for you at the event, please support our sponsors as they support your event.
Hope Technology Tech Support
Vittoria Tyres – Tech Support and free fitting
Velo Tool – sales and display
Sorted Race gear – sales and display

At the main forest trailhead

Ae Bikeshop  Technical Support, Spares & Repairs – over in the onsite bike shop, buy your Vittoria tyres here
Ae Cafe – Hot food all day till 7pm
Showers – till 7pm, £2 tokens from cafe
Bike wash – till 7pm – £2 tokens from bike shop
Flush toilets – at cafe/bikeshop
Potable water tap – back of bike shop, near bike wash.

 

Official Photography

JWDT will be there snapping away for the Official race report and free photo album, but they also very much appreciate the support from Rootsandrain.com purchases. It’s what makes it possible for that team to show up and snap away!! They’ll be doing full res pics from £6.50 and full album sets of individual riders for £15.50 (best value by a mile) sets can be anything from 5 photos to 20+ photos, please try and support us working to give you a great range of shots. Please do remember that these are for personal use, if your sponsors want to use them for commercial use (social post sharing is fine with photographer credit) then please get them to contact Jerry .

Jerry Tatton is  JWDT Photography

Thursday & Friday.

Setup days – if you’re in the forest please be aware that our course marking team may be marking out; so please slow down for their safety.  Camping opens Friday noon.

Saturday.

Hope Academy and Women’s Race Day
BNES Practice day

08.30 : Marshal Brief
09.00 : Sign on opens for Hope Academy and women’s event
09:30 : Sign opens for BNES
09:45 : Stages Open (Not balance bike)
11.00: Sign on opens for U10s
15:00 : Balance bike stage opens
16:00 : Hope Academy & Women’s Stages Close
16:30 : ALL Stages closes

Sunday.

08:00 : marshal brief

8.30am – 1st wave – all ebikes –
8:45am – Womens group (including BC women, women may still self-seed in other groups)
08:45 : Stage 1 opens
LIVE STREAMING on YouTube and Facebook

9.00am – Self seed – slowest first – this also means you wont be in the way of podium hunters

11.30: Last rider leaves HQ
1715 : Sunday Podiums, BC podiums first (Jersey/medals no prizes), then BEMBA podiums with prizes/trophies

1745:  done and dusted

You collect your timing chip at your wave slot and set off immediately
8.30am – 1st wave – all ebikes – 5 (?TBC) hours to complete the course, back by 1.30pm
8:45am – Womens group (women may still self-seed in other groups)
9.00am – Self seed – slowest first – this also means you wont be in the way of podium hunters
10.00am onwards if you think you won’t be in the bottom half of your class/overall
11.00am onwards if you are going for a podium/are a pro, should mean you have no traffic on stages.
11.30am last rider out

Sponsors are: Hope Technology,  Orange Mountain Bikes, Vittoria Tyres, Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery, Mudhugger, Saxx Underwear & Ride Slovenia.

The Venue: Ae Village, Parkgate, Dumfries DG1 1QB  https://goo.gl/maps/fqdYW8vTzzRdwxnF9
Organisation:  SMK for PMBA Enduro

Race Director: Kev Duckworth email: pmbaenduroseries@gmail.com mobile: 07979 911337
Chief Marshals: Matt Hutchinson (Champs) and Michael Sutton (Hope Academy, Hope Womens)
Medics : MX Medical

Medical
MX Medical will be providing cover over the event. Full Medical Cover will be provided. Multiple 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles will be on hand if needed.

Timing
As per all PMBA Enduro events, we will be using the awesome SI Air+ contactless timing system, also the preferred system of most of the top UK Enduro events and the Enduro World Series.

Categories (main enduro):
Men : U15, U18, U21, Senior, Master/30+, Vet/40+, Grand Vet/50+
Women : U16, U21, Senior , Master/35+
Unisex : Hardtail (additional category)
Categories (E-enduro):
Men : U40, O40
Women : All

Ages are taken as age on 31st December 2024.  Please note that U21 (for example) is not 21 and under, you must be 20 on 31st December 2023

It’s important you have a read of all the info here – It will answer almost any question you could possibly have, there is a lot here but please take the time to look through it…..

Fires – Fires are not permitted.
Do not climb over the fence in the HQ field

If you lose or damage your transponder you have to pay for it – The cost is £50.00

Camping including Caravans, Campervans, vans – all welcome on our field based HQ area – as normal there is no additional cost for overnight stays during the event on our field.

Follow the instructions given by the parking marshals during the weekend.

You will see a number of the rules and regulations require you to do certain things at certain times – Failure to adhere to these rules could result in you having to ride back to the car park, go back down the field or be disqualified – I’ve tried to make it simple and straight forward for everyone, but if you are confused please just ask.

Red Flags & Whistles: During practice Red flags will be in use –  Red Flag means STOP This means what it says – There will be an incident ahead and someone’s safety is at risk if you continue. If this happens during your race run you should make your way back to the start of the stage and go again. Only red flags will be used in mashup format enduro’s – If you are red flagged during racing, you should wait until you are given permission to continue by the Marshal, and then continue safely to the bottom and speak with the marshal who will let you know what you need to do.

Rider Etiquette: During practice and race you may come up on or be caught by another rider: Every rider must act in a polite safe manner at all times and permit any faster rider to overtake without obstructing

Caution: There are many features and varied terrain sections. Watch out for our 2/3 arrow caution/extreme caution signs to warn you of even trickier bits. If you see an Extreme caution sign there will be an easier rollable line which could be a separate taped line or within the main tapes.

 

Self Sufficiency : No outside assistance is allowed and no racers riding as domestiques. However helping a fellow competitor is actively encouraged, just not one team member carrying a huge backpack of spares while others race without. Only those registered to race the E-bike classes can use an ebike for either practice or racing. No on-road shuttling is allowed for practice or racing, you must pedal from the race arena to the stages and back.

Rules for Under 16 Riders
As organisers we have a duty of care to look after all our racers. Any racer that is under 16 years of age on the first day of the event must ride/race accompanied by an adult (Min age 18) support racer/rider. If the support rider does not wish to obtain an entry and race we will issue a wristband with ‘support rider’ and for this there is no charge – In this instance there will be no timings given and no transponder issued. The support rider/racer must accompany the youth rider on the transistions for the duration of the event. We strongly advise you use a pedal bike, as the kids also have to pedal however this is not compulsory.

All PMBA Enduro events are generally available for ages 11+, some special grassroots weekend’s are more inclusive. However for all events we strongly advise that parents entering children under 16 contact us beforehand, so we can advise you of what the event might entail and give you the information you need to make an informed judgement on the suitability of the event for your child.

Self Sufficiency for Under 16s

To clarify this but the rules for under 16s are the same as for over 16s -you must be self sufficient.
Your chaperones is not your domestique! They are not to carry kit for you, they are not to physically help you get round, if your chaperone even carries a tow-rope this will be considered cheating and you will be DQ’d.  If your chaperone is seen pushing you (eg) along a fire track you will be DQ’d.  Chaperones carrying all racer kit/water/food the suggested penalty is 1 min per stage, reducing as per what is carried. Chaperones carrying full-face helmets for racers is 100% OK but please remember all racers/chaperones need to always wear a helmet when riding.
Leniency at “Academy events” – I will be a little more lenient at academy events, where we have kids as young as 8 racing. Towing, or even carrying a tow strap will still be an instant DQ. However chaperones carrying kit will be tolerated – this will be VERY changeable and the legality or punishment will be entirely on  Kev’s whim. The smaller the kid, the more lenient, the more adverse the weather the more lenient, the slower the kid the more lenient.  Leniency will not be showed if Kev determines the primary reason for chaperone help is to improve competitiveness of the racer, we will only be lenient on help if it’s to improve the chances of the racer finishing the event, or for safety reasons eg kid has finished their carried drink.  Always be prepared for a time penalty if you are pushing the self sufficiency rules and relying on Kev’s Leniency, it is not assumed.

 

 

Go Pro’s / Action Cameras – We allow a factory fitted helmet mount or a peak mounting, this must only be on top of the peak, not below. Please be aware it will be the start marshals call, if they are not sure you will be asked to remove it. If you are, please do not argue, they are doing their job; as always abuse of our marshals will not be tolerated. Stick on mounts may be fitted to your helmet, but not used, however we do advise against using stick on mounts to your helmet at all. Nothing must be attached under your peak, even a camera mounting frame. We had a specific repeat issue last year with “insta go” camera frames being left underneath peaks (no camera) this is not acceptable – please remove the frame too for a clean underside of your peak.

Please remember this is for your safety. Start marshal discretion is final on these rules, if they don’t like a “legal” mount for any reason please respect their judgement. These are in line with current UCI recommendations.

ALLOWED
Bike Mounts – below cockpit level
On top of Peak 
Manufacturer fitted helmet mount

Transitions: It’s compulsory to follow the marked transitions on your race lap, please obey marshals instructions.

Whistles: Every time a rider passes a Marshal they will blow his/her whistle. This lets people around know that there is a rider about and it also lets you know that in the instance of hearing a second whistle as you pass then there is someone right behind you.

Spectators : Spectators are advised to follow marshal instructions, stay out of the taped zone and not to stand in crash area’s. Please be aware of safety signs erected close to the track.

Photographers: A spectator with a camera is not a photographer, actual professional or amateur photographers who can show PLI & attend a safety briefing can get a special wristband and have access almost all areas. 

Respect the officials and helpers & Follow instructions given: Anyone found to be swearing or giving abuse to any of our Event Staff whether that be Marshals, Timers, Helpers, Medics etc will be asked to leave the event. If you have a problem whether you’re racing or perhaps on behalf of your son or daughter then come and talk to any of the core team. (Organiser Kev  or Chief Marshal’s Karen & Stu) or any stage manager or marshal.
Those that know us always find we are reasonable and willing to listen and will help or advise the best we can.

Careful driving to event: Please be advised that when driving to the venue to be cautious while driving. There are narrow roads and you may be required to stop and reverse if 2 vehicles meet going opposite directions.

Toilets  : Semi-Permanent and portable facilities are available.

Litter: Please take your litter home with you. Please if you can check around your car before leaving. Litter includes goggle tear offs, inner tubes and gel wrappers – all these cannot be disposed of onto the floor, even during a race stage.

Race Timing: You will be issued with a timing chip on race morning. You will be 100% responsible for assuring that your transponder stays with you failure to do so will result in your time not being recorded. You will be able to set off 5-30 seconds behind the rider in front or as instructed by the marshal.

Armour: There are no specific armour rules for this event. Only that a helmet is compulsory. Full face helmet is advised. Knee pads & gloves are strongly advised. We can’t advise strongly enough that knee pads, gloves & long sleeves should really be worn. We expect some riders to use full faces helmets on the stages but remind you that unless you are walking with your bike a helmet is 100% compulsory to be worn at all times, correctly fastened

Health & Safety: Anyone wearing headphones whilst riding on course (with a bike) will be disqualified – No second chances. You have been warned! Helmets worn correctly at all times whilst between the tape. No pushing back up the track during practice or racing, no walking the course during race runs. Absolutely no travelling in the wrong direction on the stages at any time. The arrows will lead you to the next stage, or if you wish to session a stage you may need to consult the trail map for a suitable route.

BAR END PLUGS MUST BE FITTED – You will not be allowed to enter the course without them

 

SMK/PMBA Enduro reserves the right to modify or cancel the event if circumstances beyond the control of the organiser should arise. This includes cancellation of event due to extreme weather, acts of God, violence, civil disobedience and war.
If the event is cancelled we will not be liable for costs of travel fares, hotels, or any other expenses that may be incurred.
It is your responsibility to ensure the race is going ahead before travelling. We will do our best to inform you if the race has to be cancelled but we do not accept liability if we are unable to contact you. We strongly advise that you check before making travel and accommodation arrangements.
If the event is cancelled we would endeavour to reschedule if possible. Please be aware that we may be unable to refund or part refund any entry fee. We are also maybe unable to transfer your entry to another event.

See you all at the event; Kev as well as other members of the team will be around on Saturday and Sunday so feel free to ask any questions.

Regards
Kev Duckworth – Series Promoter