RRP Midlands XC Series 2011 - Eastridge Woods - Round 4

What would be your dream Midlands XC venue? That was the question. And the overwhelming response? Eastridge Woods. Host to Student Champs, National Champs and European Champs in years gone past, for 2011 its back and this time it's hosting the RapidRacerProducts Midlands XC Series Finale on Sunday 4th September.

The Forestry Commission and Eastridge Trail Partnership (ETP) have been working hard to resurrect the venue and we're sure you'll appreciate their efforts. The venue is also the local training ground for Torq Fitness, so we are very pleased to announce that for the first time ever, Torq will be in attendance at a Midlands XC race! Online entry closes this Wednesday (saves you money and the organisers time). Entry on the day will be available. This will be the last MXC race by the current organising team so show your support and finish the season on a high.

The racing: With series standings decided on riders best 3 results, there's still everything to play for with many categories still wide open - in particular the Juvenille, Youth and Vets will see racing going down to the wire before the winners will be decided. For Jason Bouttell (Revel Outdoors), Ian Wright (Raleigh RT) and Lee Westwood (Raleigh RT) it's a different challenge as they are the only riders left with an unbeaten record in 2011. Custom series trophies from BETD/Goldtec will be presented on the day, so get ready for lots of clapping with all the podium presentations that will be taking place!

The course: ETP describe the trails as singletrack designed by downhillers, so get ready to get loose! Fear not though, this is a regional race, so we won't be sending you down any of the new triple arrow black graded downhill runs. From the start, the only way is up and then up some more with a long climb all the way to the top of the course on a mixture of fireroad and singletrack. After you've wiped away your tears of joy at the summit, it's time to reap the rewards with a heady mix of contouring singletrack, high speed descents and multi-line tech sections all the way down to the finish. The terrain is a mix of rocks, roots and dirt. The climb is do-able on a 1x9, if you can clear it on a singlespeed you'll get a prize! We'll leave the tyre choice down to you, just don't turn up with a pair of Furious Freds! The latest updates from the course and highly insightful prose will be found here and blogged about here.

Directions: Eastridge is part of The Shropshire Marches and the woods are in between Habberley and Snailbeach. Nearest postcode is: SY5 0TS, but there's no postbox in the woods so pleased follow the bright yellow MXC signs!

From Shrewsbury take the A488 to Minsterley. In Minsterley turn left onto Callow lane just before the pub. Continue to the T junction in Habberley and turn right, bear right when the road forks and take the first turning on the right up a narrow lane to the venue. OS Grid Reference: SJ392028

Nearest train station is Church Stretton (7.5 miles away), but Shrewsbury is only a mile further away and the better option.

Notes: Camping will be available on the Saturday night for a small fee. We will be collecting donations for Macmillan Cancer Support at registration. Under 12's racing takes place at 13.00, enter on the day. Don't forget your number board if you've already raced this season! Can't race but don't want to miss out? We still require more marshals, so please get in touch at midlands_xc AT hotmail.co.uk

Enter online here

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