Ae Forest – BNES R4 & Hope Academy & Hope Women Enduro Rider Briefing

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 this year.
Gisburn – unlocked in tent, and locked to a sheep fence
Graythwaite – taken 2 bikes + the rack they were locked too

We had additional patrols at Graythwaite, however it didn’t take long to come in via the lakeside footpath and cart the rack and bike off to the lakeside to work on the locks, leave the rack and ride off.  Make sure your bikes are well secured if these events have been targeted this year.
We are evaluating further security measures, which wont be highly publicised so thieves cannot plan around them but the best person to ensure security of your bike is YOU.

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 BNES 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 Stage 2 in the morning on PMBA’s Facebook and YouTube
Live Streaming of Stage 6 in the afternoon 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 – we have less live streaming restrictions with 1000+ subs
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 – 5 (4.5 hours hours to complete the course, back by 1pm – that’s over double kevs “moving time” for 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
11.00am onwards if you are going for a podium, 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=11519
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.

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.
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.
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.

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

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

The results link for the day will be

https://www.sportident.co.uk/results/PMBA/2023/Round2/

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 6 BNES stages are off piste trails – they are arranged in 3 pairs of stages. Stages must be raced in order.
S1 – Quarry Trail 450ft 2 mins
S2 – Scrambled Eggs *LIVE STREAMING – ALL RIDERS* 450ft 2 mins

S3 – Rainbow Road *Contains Sprint* 550ft 2.5mins
S4 – TTTT 550ft 2.5 mins

S5 – Turn Down For What – 650ft 3mins
S6: – M420 – *LIVE STREAMING – mid afternoon onwards* 650ft 3mins

34km and 1100m of elevation expected (and now confirmed)

E-Bikes and battery use : We will try and test the course on a Ebike and feedback on power use. However unlike Graythwaite you are back close by the HQ after almost every stage.
Mondraker hire e-bike, thanks Ae Bikeshop for the loan. Stages 1-5 completed on Turbo, 17% power left – swapped to Eco for final climb to S6, ran out 2/3rd way up. However I did pin it round in under 3 hours for the 6 stages and 3700ft;  with a small amount of management you should be able to get round on 1 battery.  Ebike lap limit set at 4.5hours.

Academy map below – BNES 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, there are just 2 prizes to be won but they are HUGE!

• A £3000 bike voucher from Orange bikes.
• 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.

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.

At our field HQ

Vittoria Tyres – Tyre Technical support and display – FREE fitting and sealant of Vittoria tyres bought at Ae Bikeshop
Hope Technology – Hope Women, Hope Academy  & Tech support
Bar and Bean – Hot drinks, cold drinks, snacks, porridge at Breakfast, pulled pork butties in the after NOTE : No Alcoholic drinks due to Scottish license laws. NO ENBEERO!
Sport Ident – Timing and results screens
PMBA Enduro Merchandise
Portable loos

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 – 4.5 hours to complete the course, back by 1.00pm
8:45am – Womens group (women may still self-seed in other groups)
08:45 : Stage 1 opens
09:00 : Stage 2 opens – LIVE STREAMING on YouTube and Facebook

09:00 Sign on opens BNES Wave 1 – then as per wave times selected Saturday
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

1730 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: Stuart Taylor
Medics : EFAR Scotland

Medical
EFAR 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 2023.  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