Thornes Park, Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF2 8QE
11:00 Youth 30 mins On Day: £5.00

11:45 Under 12 15 mins On Day: £1.00

12:30 Veterans/Women 40 mins On Day: £10.00

13:45 Senior/Junior 01 hr On Day: £10.00

There many riders using mountain bikes (though most will probably have cleats). If you ride with no cleats I'd wear some off-road trainers/fell shoes if you have any.

 

All newbies welcome - cross seems to have captured people's imagination over the last couple of years  (understandable, it's great!).

 

The event is a mass start, on flat grass, and staying like that for a little while (to thin out the field). It then twists and turns round short climbs and bumpy bits, and  between trees, with faster flatter sections.  There is one place where you will dismount to jump, or step, over a tree trunk (not huge), unless you are a consummate trick cyclist.  Depending on your riding ability, there may be a couple of other banks that you might prefer to run/walk up and down (especially if it rains).   There is nothing that is frightening or dangerous - the most that will happen will be that you slide gently onto your bum in the mud (another reason why cross is so good - for the spectators!).  It's fine to run and push your bike, or even walk.  You will be able to ride almost all of the circuit.

 

The circuit will take you about 9/10 minutes (huge variation in times because of huge variations in ability).  You do laps until you hear a bell as you pass the finish line, telling you you have one more lap to go (everyone gets a bell).  The (amazingly) fast riders will do a lot more laps than the slower riders (some extremely slow); in other words you'll get lapped, possibly more than once.

 

That's one of the great things about cross, you're always in the action and never get left behind or exposed.  After half way, only you and the timers will know where you are in the race.

 

You will have chance to have a ride round the course before your race.

 

Cross, whilst incredibly talented and competitive at the sharp end, is totally un-elitist. There are some pretty unathletic looking riders and some who ride round chatting to the supporters.  Everyone gets a cheer and shouted to.  Just watch the tiny riders in the U12s and you'll see  how supportive it all is.

 

In terms of what to wear, it depends on the weather on the day.  Most will be wearing cycling tights, a base layer and a club top.  Everyone will be wearing gloves; almost all full fingered.  You will wear a helmet.  Since it's a relatively short and sharp event, you won't get cold.

 

Parking is readily available at the college, with overspill by the track.  It's very spectator friendly.  Being a short course, and all in a park, it is a safe place.  You can wander round the course and watch in different parts or you can choose a specific place (like the slippy bits!).  I don't know the age of your kids, but you will be able to safely leave them at the start/finish area where people will make sure they're OK.  Make sure they know not to walk on the course.

 

Registration is simply turn up and sign on (oh, and pay your entry fee).  There are changing rooms and we also use the refectory during and after the races where you can get drinks and cakes (contributing to WTC Juniors' funds)