Graythwaite EPIC Enduro – Rider Briefing

I’m mentioning this first as its a big change.  We have a new race arena/camp zone, we are no longer in the central parkland of the Estate; we are now on the banks of Windermere at Low Cunsey Farm / Graythwaite Glamping

The glamping site has a showers and toilets at the farm, great views across the lake and enough room for us.

Farm, Ambleside LA22 0LU    Google pin: https://goo.gl/maps/kSfVngiN9bPoe1LfA

The roads are narrow to “Graythwaite Glamping” but the location is worthwhile. Be aware of the steep entrance/turn off the road into the farm.
You can get here in large motorhomes and caravans, but please take care. I’ve got here with my 7.5T camper, and pickup with 3.5T box trailer, so am aware there are some tight bits of road.
Please leave the way in/out clear.
There is no shuttling, no spectator points out on the course so you should not be frequently in/out of the camp area. Please only use the far/lakeside field if you are in for the weekend, if you do have the leave by vehicle once you have arrived, please park/camp near the entry/exit.
There will be portable loos in the far field, however flush loos, showers and water are all at the farm open 24/7

Friday
Event field open for camping/overnight stays, as per all PMBA Enduro events camping is Friday midday till Monday midday.
No course access

Saturday 
Practice day – please note shorter opening for stages 2 & 3 in the main part of Grizedale (also furthest from the arena)

Sunday
Race day – all the stages in order, 1 run per stage. Select your start wave on Saturday at sign on.

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
8.45am – 1st wave – all ebikes – 5 hours to complete the course, back by 2pm
9.00am – Womens group (women may still self-seed in other groups)
9.15am – Self seed – slowest first – this also means you wont be in the way of podium hunters
13 riders every 5 mins
10.00am onwards if you think you wont be in the bottom half your class/overall
11.00am onwards if you are going for a podium, should mean you have no traffic on stages.
11.20am last rider out

I’ve made a small clarification to the self sufficiency rules, as it would seem some thought they did not apply to under 16s – they absolutely do!

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 its 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
Series standing will be available on this LINK

The results link for the day will be

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

What to expect?
All 7 (or 7.5) stages. Still working on clearing an extra half-a-stage of windfell.

3 (and a half) stages within the Graythwaite Estate. Stages 1/5/6/7 & (8)
4 stages within Grizedale Forest 2/3/4/5

33km and 1400m of elevation expected

E-Bikes and battery use : 
Kev (with very little ebike experience) did a lap on a 600wh bike, power level 2 out of 5 (Giant Reign E) finished with 2/5 battery bars – was 3/5 at start of final stage.  However we missed stage 5 on the lap.
Jerry on a 500wh bike, but using lots of boost on the climbs, less fit, more weight (sorry Jerry) – he did the 7 stages I did on one battery, but needed his (carried) 2nd battery for the final transition especially as by then he was “hanging” and cramping.

So you all should be able to do the lap on 1 battery with some mild management.  I (Kev) have to say that despite some pushups in walk mode, the ebike bid make the lap much easier, and much more rideable. I really particularly enjoyed the first half of “Graythwaites big Climb” the climb to stage 1, and Blind lane (into Grizedale for stage 2, and after stage 4 at the other end of blind lane). Great technical climbs on the ebikes as were the technical steep bits of the transitions to stages 6&7 too.  You lot should have fun.

Stage 1 – Charismatic Megafauna

One of Vinny’s creations, now packed with features although I think the “double drop” cliff A-line will be taped off for the event – maybe pushed that a little too much. Please note the early “big drop” wants just rolling in at slow speed – sprint at it and you’ll overshoot the landing and end your day 15 seconds into the event.  3 mins top to bottom, with an epic fast blast through the Oaks at the bottom of the hill.

Stage 2 – Loose Lips (at Bogle Cragg)

Straight out to the far side of the course and to a stage first used in 2019, roots, rocks, fairly blown out in places but very “enduro” this is Grizedale at its finest.

Stage 3 – The Black & Bluebells

This is the only trail centre stage, and has the big pedal sprint as well.  We are introducing a “Vittoria Sprint Challenge”  may as well while we monitor ebikes for not having speed limiters on this sprint. Ebikers be warned, this is the most obvious test that your motor switches off above 15.5mph – anyone using a motorbike (chipped or derestricted ebike) will be not just be DQ’s but will be banned from the series and their details shared with all other BEMBA organisers.  You will have seen we are all determined to make sure only legal ebikes are used.
Finishing with “Bluebells” a lovely short bit of tech, made even harder when your eyes are blurred and your heart pounding from a big fireroad sprint.  And yes, Kev is evil but the Enduro handbook does state “multiple special stages which are designed to challenge the rider’s technical ability and physical capacity”

Cafe stop – Cafe Ambio at Grizedale visitor centre is open 10-5 each day. There is a free water fountain/tap by the kiddies play area in the centre of the visitor centre to top up your water. You can check out the full menu here – https://cafeambio.co.uk/location/grizedale/  but a cold can or coffee is about £3

Stage 4 – Sat Track

25 year old locals trail has been an enduro stage many times in the last 9 years, pure fun with a rooty start.  Many thanks for Grizedale Forestry allowing us to run a public dig day on this stage last month. Refreshed berms and filled ruts mean this trail is running prime.

Stage 5 – Deerhunter

Short and fast with a big rock garden in the middle, tight through the deer gate fences (gates removed for the event of course) – maybe pop a little extra air in your tyres for this one, or run an awesome Vittoria Air Liner for extra protection through the rock garden.

Stage 6 – Chelicerae
Completely reworked “Scorpion” to avoid the windfell we are now really only using the start of this classic track – hence the namechange to Chelicerae (mouth of Scorpion). This will be the much talked about stage, probably too many features, chutes and A/B lines as much trials as enduro its very technical and feature filled. Even the final section in the oak woodland has been “Vinnied” with features and berms.

Stage 7 – Happy Ending

The Original ending to “Scorpion” a lovely half-a-stage in the beautiful oaks and flowing single track.  Using it as we are there, and its our last time at Graythwaite. Will also remind you that you can ride after the technical onslaught of Stage 6 you’ll have done a few mins before.

Stage 8 – Nicks Party Line

The classic Graythwaite ridgeline start with EPIC lakeland views is our final stage, a good solid stage that wont leave you in quite the state stage 6 did, and a nice pedal/sprint to the finish after the stream crossing to reward those with a little left in the tank for the final stage.

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, Whinlatter bikes will be on site selling Vittoria tyres with a special racer deal of free fitting and tyres sealant at the Vittoria stand.

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.

Whinlatter bikes – Technical Support, Spares & Repairs.
Vittoria Tyres – Tyre Technical support and display

Orange bikes – Support and Display

Hope Technology – Hope Women, Hope Academy  & Tech support
Bar and Bean – Hot drinks, cold drinks, snacks and Alcoholic drinks.  PORRIDGE Breakfast, Pulled Pork Butties & Veggie/Bean Chilli/Nacho’s in late afternoon/early evening
Oak and Peel – wood fired pizza Sat/Sun afternoon/early evening
Ice cream van & Donut van – calling by the arena in the afternoon
Sport Ident – Timing and results screens
Loaded bikes – Display and sales
PMBA Enduro Merchandise

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 – stages are not open to the public outside events, 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.

Practice day

08.30 : Marshal Brief
09.00 : Sign on opens
09:45 : Stages 1,6 & 8 Open (Graythwaite)
10:00:  Cafe at Grizedale opens (its on the route after after S3)
10.15 : Stages 2,3,4,5 open (Grizedale)
12:00: Stage 7 opens for practice
14:45 : Stage 2 closes (Grizedale, Bogle Cragg)
15:30 : Stage 3 closes (Grizedale, Black run)
16:30 : Stages 4 & 5 Close (Grizedale)
17:00 : Cafe at Grizedale closes (its on the route after after S3)
17:00 : ALL Stages closes

Sunday.

08:00 : marshal brief

08:45 : Ebike Sign On opens (timing chips – Ebikes)

09:00 : Stage 1 Opens

09:00 Sign on opens (timing chips – women’s group – then as per wave times selected Saturday)

10:00:  Cafe at Grizedale opens (its on the route after after S3)

11.20: Last rider leaves HQ
17:00 Cafe at Grizedale closes (its on the route after after S3)

1715 : Sunday Podiums

1730 done and dusted

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

The Venue: Low Cunsey Farm, Ambleside LA22 0LU – https://goo.gl/maps/kSfVngiN9bPoe1LfA
Organisation:  SMK for PMBA Enduro

Race Director: Kev Duckworth email: pmbaenduroseries@gmail.com mobile: 07979 911337
Chief Marshals: Stuart Taylor
Medics : Remote Medical Services – http://www.remotemedicalservices.co.uk/

Medical
RMS 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.

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 small 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 its 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 cant 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 too 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