Kirroughtree 2021 – Rider Briefing

Firstly
If anyone feels for any reason that they do not want to attend you can still sell on your entry .  Normal T&C’s are listed in the FAQ including how to sell on an entry up until the Wednesday before the event. Scotland is now on “level 0” which means no social distancing outside but still wearing of face coverings inside. So please remember to bring them on your trip if you want to pop in the cafe to order food or browse the bike shop.

Here is the rider and spectator information, we are aware there is a lot of information but please read it thoroughly, and know 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, stages should not be hit at race speed until you are comfortable with your ability on each 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, we are a little down for marshal numbers with this being so close to the Llangollen event – please get it touch.

Round Sponsor is Breakpad bike shop

Camping/Parking will be in the star gazing field by the visitor centre “Little wood park”
£5/weekend paid on site
The normal car park can be used for day parking, £3/day into the ticket machine

Entry’s, Results & Series standings
Entry list is  HERE
Results and series standings will be available on this LINK

What to expect?
ENDURO : 5 stages, We are going MASHUP for this one. with a 15 mile lap to do all 5 stages once its a little much to ask you to do twice in the day.  With some groups heading out to S1/2 first, while others head out to S3/4, you can do multiple runs in each area before going to the other. You can also do S5 on the way back from either 1/2 or 3/4 you’ll pass the cafe and camping for a break. But your choice in a mashup – just make sure you do each stage at least once.

Best time on each stage counts.
You can do each stage as many times as you want, in any order.
However, please look at the map, you can work many options and there will be extensive signage to nearby stages.
We suggest doing either:
S1 S2 S1 S2 S5 – lunch – S3 S4 S3 S4 S5
or
S3 S4 S3 S4 S5 – lunch – S1 S2 S1 S2 S5

For S3/S4 then S3 S3 S4 S4 is also no extra transition time/distance
You can go straight to S5, and loop back through the campsite.

The 5 Enduro Stages

Stage 1 :  The big JC (Includes Big Trees)
Also known as “long loamy and steep”, but will certainly test your pedalling.  That classic Kirroughtree loam, plenty of roots and some short but immensely technical or steep bits to keep you on your toes.

Stage 2 : Lost tourist
A whole new top section from even higher up the hill and finishing with the classic “chopper”, this brand new stage amazed me on how well the build team worked the elevation.

Stage 3 : Doon hill
A classic PMBA Enduro stage mixing an off piste start and finish with a mid stage trail centre sprint over iconic bedrock features including Jerry’s favourite photo rock.

Stage 4 : Dragonfly
Another all new stage, fresh Kirroughtree loam no doubt hides some rooty goodness, tight and twisty fun.

Stage 5 : Snap Chat
So well known is our last stage that its probably known better as “Stage 5” than as “Snap Chat”  Well ridden by the locals you’ll need to pace yourself at the start and pick your way through the massive rooty holes in the first 10% of the stage, then off the brakes and let rip. Lower bit is where it gets really steep , hold it together and send the #KSDrop before a few steep turns in a tight rut to the finish.

Tyre Choice

We of course suggest the awesome Vittoria tyres, with superb 2-ply enduro sidewalls as well as grippy rubber compounds in a 4C construction, with graphene 2.0.

With having booked dry weather, and having some trail centre sprints we advise a fast rolling MARTELLO rear, and up front the  MAZZA. Ask at your local bike shop for these tyres.

Catering
On site cafe will be serving for the weekend.  With covid precations in place this is a take-away/ eat outside on the many tables with sun/rain shelter. There are no tables inside the cafe this year.

Parking, camping and race arena

We have again an awesome campsite/HQ area in beautiful surroundings.  Parking and Camping are £5 for the weekend, drinking water and permanent flush toilets available 24hr at the visitor centre (disabled toilet opened overnight outside hours).

Official Photography

JWDT Photography will be there snapping away for the Official race report and free photo album, but they also very much appreciate the support from Rootsandrain purchases. It’s what makes it possible for that team to show up and snap away!!

KS – Style it up

Our instagram competition returns, grab some style in front of the photographers on our KS feature #KSStyleItUp and post on Instagram with the hashtag #KSdrop we’ll regram some.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

Setup days – Kirroughtree Forest open as normal

Friday.

Race arena opens, camping available.

Saturday.
No official practice, forest open as normal

Sunday.

06:37 Sunrise

08.00 marshal brief

08.30 Sign On opens – mashup format  (bring your 2021 number board if already issued)

09.00 Set off for practice

09.15 Stages open

16:15 Stages close

17.00 podiums

17.30 done and dusted

19.54 Sunset

Sponsors are:  Hope Technology, Orange Mountain Bikes,  Vittoria Tyres, Sixth Element, Box Components, Sweet Protection,  KS Dropper Seatposts, Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery, Mudhugger, Saxx Underwear & Ride Slovenia.

The Venue:
Kirroughtree Visitors Centre, DG8 7BE Newton Stewart

**Do not follow Sat Nav in the final few miles. Go along the A75 to “Palnure” where you will see a massive brown sign to the forest, then follow the signs, not your Sat Nav. Only the signed route gives you access ***  WATCH FOR THE VERY BIG BUMPS ON THE ROAD IN

Organisation:  SMK for PMBA Enduro

Race Director: Kev Duckworth email: pmbaenduroseries@gmail.com mobile: 07979 911337
Chief Marshal: Stuart Taylor
Medics : EFAR – http://www.efarscotland.co.uk/

Medical
EFAR Scotland will be providing cover over the event. Full Medical Cover will be provided. Multiple Vehicles will be on hand if needed

Nearest A&E

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

Parking/Camping is £5 for the whole weekend Friday-Sunday.

Camping for Caravans, Campervans & Tents – Available

Follow the instructions given by the parking marshals during the weekend

You MUST report to the set off point close to sign-on at your designated time to get your transponder switched on otherwise you will get no times for the stages, you will also receive a briefing before your race lap. Feel free to ask questions.

We will not confirm nor deny that Kev will be doing the rider briefing in briefs to highlight the comfort of the Saxx Underwear.   (Graythwaite 2018 was a one-off)

Red Flags / Yellow flags & Whistles: During practice Red and Yellow flags will be in use – The yellow flag means slow right down, There may be a rider on course or perhaps on the floor but out of the way. 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 – When you arrive back at the finish you will notify the chief timer that you had a re-run and they will calculate your time.

Racing: Only red flags will be used in racing – 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. A reminder that all racers are roving marshals, if you see a rider needing attention you must shout to the next marshal and check with the finish marshal that your message was heard.

Track walk: It’s advised that you walk/inspect the trickier parts of the stages before riding – 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 a Extreme caution sign there will be an easier rollable line which could be a separate taped line or within the main tapes.

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 for the duration of the event.

All PMBA Enduro events are available for ages 11+, however 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.

PMBA Categories (12)
Men : U15, U18, U21, Senior, Master/30+, Vet/40+, Grand Vet/50+
Women : U16, U21, Senior , Master/35+
Unisex : Hardtail (additional category)

Ages are taken as age on 31st December 2019.

Go Pro’s / Action Cameras – We have been able to allow 1 new position for helmet cams this year, in race or practice. That is a factory fitted helmet mount. However we have clarified the rules on 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.

Please remember these are 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.

If you see an injured rider: Please acknowledge you have seen them and continue to the next marshal to report the incident. If your race run is affected you are authorised to have a re-run

Spectators : Spectators are advised to follow marshal instructions, stay out of the taped zone and not to stand in crash areas. 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 area’s. Please note that venues such as Grizedale also require permission sought from the FC themselves also, with risk assessment – you can contact John at Grizedale for details of this.

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 Karen) 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.

Toilets   : Permanent 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 Sunday morning. You will be 100% responsible for ensuring 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

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.

You will see a number of the rules and regulations require you do to 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.

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 also may be 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