XC and downhill champs arrives in Inners

Innerleithen MTB Racing and i-Cycles brought the British National XC Mountain Bike Champs 2009 to Innerleithen.

www.i-cycles.co.uk/

This year it is a combined event, with Descent Gear/MSC Bikes providing the Downhill Champs. Double the fun!

Word on the street (hill, whatever...) is that this is one of the most challenging XC courses for some time, a large section of the lower course used one of the usual downhill course lines so I think that probably says it all.

It was a couple of busy days in Inners. The event fell on the weekend of the local Cleikum ceremony so there was the whole toon' of Inners milling about rubbing muddy shoulders with the competitors and visitors for the downhill and XC races along the road.

Good news is that Innerleithen's Whistlestop Cafe had their arms wide open for the hungry hoardes - they do fantastic illy coffee and full cooked breakfasts. Not to be missed before a big ride out on the hills.

They also provide local and national newspapers for those of us (ahem, my hand might be up) that just want to kick back and relax over a slow lunch.

Just what the doctor ordered for a lazy Saturday.... um, and Sunday.
thinks - * I'm sure I did something energetic to deserve the indulgence though...*

The rumour goes that they will be serving fried green tomatoes at somepoint in the future - I'll probably stick with the baked potatoes and full cooked myself but my curiousity might get the better of me.

Whatever you order or what you're up to, it's a great cafe with a homely feel and some cracking grub.

www.whistlestopcafeinnerleithen.co.uk/

The weekend panned out with a bit of race watching after a big breakfast - XC riders mixing it up with elite riders thrashing past some of the ummm, less technical guys and gals. All good though and great to see such a busy event.


Along the road from Inners event village there was a pretty neat setup with Ben from 'Bikes and Berms' and 'Glentrail' nice guy Richard offering free shots on their hand-built wooden pump track.

It's super skinny,fast (if you know how to do it justice) and endless amounts of fun.

Shame the weather was pretty bad but it didn't stop a good crowd coming along and having a shot.

www.bikesandberms.com

What do you need after a full day of riding, talking it up, eating and drinking?

If you are looking for bike friendly and a certain amount of luxurious lodgings for large groups you could do worse than give Richard and Diedre's place a look.

Woodburning stove and great bike storage.
What more could you ask for?
Comfy beds and hot soapy baths? No problem. Done.

It's in Innerleithen and only five minutes ride to Inners XC and downhill courses and a ten minute drive to Glentress.

www.glentrailhouse.com

There was another reason to stick around on the BIG weekend though......

There was 'The Clan' show being lined up with Danny Macaskill and Duncan Shaw throwing themselves around a 10ft rig and challenging each other to a bunny hop competition in the sloshing rain.

Sketchy?
Aye, but fun for the audience watching. The wet Clan t-shirts were an extra bonus for the ladies in the crowd. :)

MB7's 'The Clan' are planning an epic event later this year:

19th/20th September - 'Endura ‘Stramash’

is a rider-built and operated event that aims to become a solid showpiece for the UK’s premier MTB destination - Glentress and the Tweed Valley.

Entry is now open for both the Monster Slopestyle and Enduro and the first “Lessons in Flight” courses begin in July. To enter or to get the full information on this innovative new event, go to:
www.stramash.com

Phew! Busy!

Don't forget that MB7 are still here in the Tweed Valley offering skills and tuition to improve your riding no matter where your skills are at as a rider.

www.mb7.com/

As we say around here in MB7 land "Don't just upgrade your bike - upgrade your skills" :)

Endura Stramash Freeride Festival hits Glentress in September

Slopestyle - Enduro - September 19th/20th 2009 - Glentress Forest

No rest for the wicked... we've been breaking new ground with MB7 over the past few years and not tired of a risk or two, we're launching ourselves into the world of event production. Endura ‘Stramash’ is a rider-built and operated event that aims to become a solid showpiece for the UK’s premier MTB destination, Glentress Forest A Stramash is a Scottish word for a disturbance, racket, or clash and spectators and participants can expect a loud and lively event that will test every sinew and present a real challenge to competitors.

Slopestyle - Saturday 19th September

The event has also confirmed attendance in the Slopestyle of local hero and YouTube sensation Danny Macaskill, who will be pitting his wits on the specially built features. Also lining up to ride is Lance McDermott, who was recently injured but is confident of a return to form for Stramash.

With classes for youth, women, amateurs and elite riders, the Monster Slopestyle is as much about nurturing Freeride talent as it is about providing an exhibition event for this stunning visual sport. Alongside Macaskill and other top riders who will attend the event to compete in the floodlit finale, the field will also include riders who will have trained in Stramash’s “Lessons in Flight,” with specially arranged Slopestyle courses taking place in August and September 2009.

Enduro - Sunday 20th September

It’s not just about Slopestyle though. The Enduro will give a large cross section of bikers the opportunity get involved too, with the ability to ride the famous Glentress trails in a format that rewards the all-round rider. The idea is to reach the top of Glentress’ famous singletrack descents within your time limit and then race the clock back down in timed special stages. All participants will have all day to set their fastest times and battle for immortality as the fastest rider on the best trails in the country.

With support from Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and sponsorship confirmed from Scotland’s very own biking apparel aficionados Endura plus the Monster crew, the event is shaping up to become an annual fixture within the national biking calendar. Working on a development plan over 5 years, it is envisaged that Stramash will become the signature event for the Tweed Valley and grow into a major festival of Freeride taking inspiration from Whistler’s beloved Crankworx event.

Entry is now open for both the Monster Slopestyle and Enduro and the first “Lessons in Flight” courses begin in August. To enter or to get the full information on this innovative new event, go to WWW.STRAMASH.COM.