Kirroughtree 2024 Enduro – Rider Briefing

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, and about a month before we’ll collect marshal availability. As always with marshals we never say no to extra, so you can always assume we will want you on the marshal team if you offer, and therefore you can plan anything you need even before we collate the marshal list.

Kids, novice adults and serious racers all welcome at Kirroughtree. We have so many options. FREE Academy event for U10’s (opens nearer the event), Hope academy multi stage for 8+, Hope Women enduro all on the Saturday, Sunday sees the big 40km 8 stage event, but even that has a lite option with half the stages and a mashup format!

FREE event for the Under 10s – just 1 stage down the blue taster loop
ENTER U10s  :  https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=12586

Round Sponsor is Breakpad bike shop

Camping/Parking will be in the star gazing field by the visitor centre “Little wood park”, turn into the field at our sign boards

The normal car park can be used for day parking, please use the ticket machine to pay.

If you want “Glamping” more than camping, at the other end of the forest, and near some of the main enduro stages is “Corwar Dark Sky Glamping” you may see Kev doing media from there in the months before the event and have his camper stationed there. We can obviously recommend it!

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/570052842516770621

Entry’s, Results & Series standings
Main Enduro Entry list is  HERE

Hope Women and Hope Academy Entry list is HERE

Results and series standings will be available on this LINK

What to expect?
MAIN ENDURO : 7 stages, We are going BIG for this one. Full map and stage list close to the event (or maybe after Jerry and Kev’s preview video)
“Lite” version of the main enduro uses ~4 stages in a mashup format, all closer to the arena and not going to the far end of the forest and the big hill!

The 4 Hope Academy & Women’s Stages

Best time on each stage counts for the Hope Academy and Women.
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.

Stage 1 : Blue Descent  Closest to the Arena, can be done first &/or last – closes 2.30pm for the U10s

Stage 2 :  Larg Hill
Backwards down the red XC Climb, and onto a brilliantly fun blue descent – what a great warm up stage

Stage 3 : Doon Hill
A Classic PMBA Enduro stage to introduce you to “off piste”  not too daft at the start, trail centre middle and a slightly steeper off piste finish. The off piste finish has been in many cross country races at Kirroughtree so its good, fun, but not daft.

Stage 4 : Carol Baskin – Was initially the top of Stage 1 but I split it in half and saved you racing up a little connecting hill, you can ride this stage straight into S1 too (if it is not closed for the U10s)
Another off piste start on “The 10 at Kirroughtree” off piste 10 hour XC event trail. If you go to S1 afterwards you also wind down from the highest point above the visitor centre almost all the way back.

The 7 Enduro Stages

Stage 1 :  Doon Hill inc Nutcracker and Squirrel dance.
Also used on the Saturday, and will be not be available for riding on the Saturday

Stage 2 : 1000ft O’Glorious Granite  – We went to the far end of the forest and made the event a 2 dayer just to include this stage. Then the middle bit was clearfelled over winter and we had a big effort to avoid the damage and re-instate this very seldom used “locals only” trail. Maybe 12 people rode it between 2014 and 2023. Kirroughtree like you have never seen it before, big mountain enduro, 1000ft drop over 2km

Stage 3 : Black Crag – The classic Kirroughtree black ridegline. Ebikers get to race the full ridgeline, pedal bikers just the steeper last 1/3rd of the trail

Stage 4 : Sids Dell – A PMBA Enduro Classic, Hissing sid black, sids tail into Rivendell Red.

Stage 5 : Gargle Blaster – New for 23, and revamped for 24

Stage 6 : SnapChat – This will confused locals who know this as “stage 5” as its been stage 5 so often, a true enduro classic stage with plenty of gravity assist.

Stage 7 : MonkeyPox – a long stage to finish, but finishing right into the arena.

34km, 1050M

Sunday “Lite”
Stages 1,5,6,7 as a MASHUP

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/armour 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 in the multistage events, and also events for under 10s. However towing, or even carrying a tow strap will still be an instant DQ, with a busy forest a towing setup is not safe. 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..  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.

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.

Open from ~9am on Saturday and ~8.30am Sunday normally

Parking, camping and race arena

We have again an awesome campsite/HQ area in beautiful surroundings.  Parking and Camping available 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!!

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

Setup days – Kirroughtree Forest open as normal

Friday.

Race arena opens, camping available from midday.

Saturday.

Hope Academy and Women’s Race Day
08.30 : Marshal Brief
9am Cafe opens
09.00 : Sign on opens for Hope Academy and women’s event
09:30 : Stages Open (Not U10s)
14:30 : Stage 1 closes (U10s use lower part of stage)
15:00 : U10s stage opens
16:00 : Hope Academy & Women’s Stages Close
16:30 : ALL Stages closes

Sunday.

06:37 Sunrise

08.00 marshal brief

8.30am Cafe Opens

08.30 Sign On opens – for those not signed on Saturday

09.00 Set off for main enduro – Ebikes first, then (non-compulsory) womens group – then everyone else.  Select your start wave on Saturday at sign on

09.15 Stages open

16:30 Stages close

17.00 podiums

17.30 done and dusted

Sponsors are:  Hope Technology, Orange Mountain Bikes,  Vittoria Tyres,   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 : MX – http://www.mxmedical.co.uk/

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

Nearest A&E

BOOK Hope Academy Skills sessions now on Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pmba-kirroughtree-x-hope-academy-skill-sessions-tickets-806596902047

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. Off ground BBQ’s are allowed, any sign of fire/ash on the ground is not allowed – keep the BBQ’s small, do not turn into fires.

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

Parking/Camping is available 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.

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.
Leniency for 14/15 year olds – change for 2024 – We will have a waiver for 14/15 year olds where the parents can sign to say that the rider is used to riding on their own, is aware of and capable to look after themselves in particular towards abduction from persuasive adults or peer pressure to perform dangerous acts. That the children have previously raced enduro events are familiar with the rules and etiquette of racing, and have enough self discipline to follow them. That they have enough mechanical knowledge to keep their bike going, and will still ride with a group for safety. They MUST carry a charged working phone to be able to call for assistance if required – this is not a requirement for other racers, or even chaperones generally but for this waiver for the 14/15year olds does require this additional safety item.

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)

PMBA E-Bike Enduro Series
Men : U40, 40+
Women : All
Please note legally you must be 14 to ride an ebike – so this event is for ages 14+

Hope Academy (8+)
Men : U11, U15
Women U11, U13

Hope Women Series 
Women : U16, U21, Senior, Master 35+, Grand Master 45+

Ages are taken as age on 31st December 2024.

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 Stuart) 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