MOUNTAIN bikers are getting ready for action as the second annual Falkirk Funduro mountain bike event returns to Callendar Estate, Falkirk, on Saturday 26 November 2016.
Fun-loving event organisers, Muckmedden Events, have once again lined-up a host of day and night mountain bike races for riders of all ages and abilities.
The inaugural event took place in November 2015 and sold out weeks before race day, highlighting the demand for family-friendly events on two wheels within Central Scotland and organisers are anticipating this year’s event will sell out even faster.
All races cater for male and female riders, with a capacity for 450 riders in the main event.
Local not-for-profit organisation, Bespoke Community Development Company, who are in charge of trails maintenance on Callendar Estate all year round, are currently in the process of upgrading existing trails and building brand new trails which will be opened in time for The Funduro, further extending the growing trails network on the estate.
The Funduro kicks off on Saturday morning with toddler bike park races suitable for riders aged three to five.
These races will be followed by a kid’s Mini Funduro for riders aged six – 11.
This will feature up to four timed stages on some of the estate’s easier-going trails. With a strong family focus at all Muckmedden events, parents are encouraged to chaperone younger riders around the trails.
For riders aged 12+, there is the option of Day Only or Day & Night race entry within the main Falkirk Funduro race.
Aaron Gray, of Muckmedden Events, said: “Lots of our entrants bring their families to our events as they know there will always be kid’s races and other activities to keep them amused.
“So many people last year commented on the super-friendly atmosphere at the event and ‘just right’ choice of trails we used for the races. The multi-stage kid’s race went down a storm and as they are not being timed all the way round the course, they really get to make the most of the good bits and have a rest between the stages! The kids loved it!”
For the main Falkirk Funduro race, Muckmedden Events are incorporating fast flowing red graded trails, an all-natural Enduro trail and a bike skills park into the timed multi-stage course that encompasses some of the estate’s more technically and physically demanding trails. It offers exciting riding for young and novice riders with plenty of options for the more seasoned weekend warriors and racing snakes who like a challenge.
The optional night ride aspect of the main race is fairly uncommon in mountain bike Enduro racing unless riders are used to testing their mettle in 24-hour endurance races. The Falkirk Funduro offers a rare and welcome opportunity for riders to familiarise themselves with the trails in daylight before strapping on the lights and thrilling their senses by riding the course again after dark.
Aaron continued: “The trails on Callendar Estate are just perfect for night racing too as they are not too long or too technical and anyone racing at night gets to ride the stages in daylight first. A full lap of the Funduro course should take anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours. It’s a great introduction to night racing and a more laid-back alternative to the 24-hour endurance ‘torture-fests’!”
With an easily-accessible course, the Funduro makes for a great spectator event and family and friends can be on hand to cheer on the riders as they hurtle round the timed stages, or watch in disbelief at the spectacle that is ‘Extreme Balance Bike Racing’ within the event village.
Previous entrant, Ally Mackay, commented: “Muckmedden events are ideal for somebody starting out because the races aren’t insanely technical, but technical enough for seasoned racers to enjoy them. The atmosphere is fun, rather than purely about serious competition and the vibe is very laid back.”
Greenrig Cycles, a well-stocked bike shop which is based at the Greenrig car park on the estate, will be open for spares and repairs in addition to a host of other traders and bike shops offering demo rides, services and discounted gear.
The fully-licenced Canada Wood Kitchen is also on site, meaning you can cosy in and enjoy tray bakes and fresh coffee or maybe something a little stronger whilst muddy riders race past the windows. Or, if you’d prefer to stay outdoors, you can warm your cockles by the campfire with a fresh burrito from local Mexican food specialists, Habaneros.
As is now tradition for Muckmedden Events, a Muckmaiden Ladies Day featuring female-specific coaching and a group night ride will also be held prior to the main event on Saturday 12th November at 4pm on the Callendar Estate trail network to encourage more women to try mountain biking in a female-only environment.
For more information on the Falkirk Funduro and to book go to:
http://www.muckmedden.co.uk/our-events/falkirk-funduro
For images from the 2015 Falkirk Funduro go to :
Kid rider photos – https://1drv.ms/f/s!AumM6AjxKsplp4MiNvyo7whAdeBapA (copyright Peter Smith) free first use
Adult rider photos – https://1drv.ms/f/s!AumM6AjxKsplp4MfrEj6ontyGq6OHQ (copyright Peter Smith) free first use
ENDS
Media contact:
Paddy Cuthbert | Littlehouse Media | E: paddy@littlehousemedia.uk.com
M: +44 (0)7913 951717
Notes to editors:
Falkirk Funduro Entries
Under-six races - £5 entry on the day
Mini Funduro – male and female – age six-11 incl. – £10.00
Falkirk Funduro – Day only
Falkirk Funduro Race entry only – male and female – age 12 – 15 incl. £17.00
Falkirk Funduro Race entry only – male and female – age 16 – 17 incl. £20.00
Falkirk Funduro Race entry only – male and female – age 18+ incl. £32.00
Falkirk Funduro – Day and Night
Falkirk Funduro Race entry only – male and female – age 12 – 15 incl. £22.00
Falkirk Funduro Race entry only – male and female – age 16 – 17 incl. £27.00
Falkirk Funduro Race entry only – Male and Female – age 18+ incl. £39.00
Please note: Chaperones are recommended for riders under 16 years on night stages.
Sponsors, partners and supporters
Hosts:
Muckmedden Events – http://www.muckmedden.co.uk
Callendar Estate – http://www.callendarestate.co.uk
Bespoke Community Development Company – http://www.bespokefalkirk.co.uk
Event organiser:
Muckmedden Events – http://www.muckmedden.co.uk/
Sponsors of Muckmedden:
Alechemy Brewing – http://alechemybrewing.com/
The Cycle Jersey – http://www.thecyclejersey.com/
Venue:
Callendar Estate is a forward-looking modern estate which recognises the importance of the traditional rural estate activities of food and timber production; however, it is equally in tune with the need to satisfy the recreational and leisure activities of the nearby urban communities.
As an estate that is located in Central Scotland, strategically placed between the economic power houses of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Callendar Estate has to be closely in tune with the needs of those that live and work in the communities immediately around it.
The art of balancing the varying needs of rural and urban populations is never an easy one however Callendar Estate grasps these issues and works with all those around to move forward to maximise the use of the estate for the benefit of all.
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Littlehouse Media contact details…
Contact: Paddy Cuthbert
Email: paddy@littlehousemedia.uk.com
Website: http://www.muckmedden.co.uk/our-events/falkirk-funduro/
