Chilterns Retro-MTB Weekend 29-31 August

[GrahamJohnWallace]

A weekend of classic retro-MTB riding in the Chiltern Hills.

And on the Monday, for those who want to relive the classic mountain bike race events of the 80s and 90s the 'Summit26' retro & modern MTB sportive.

Saturday 29th: Riding in the Chiltern hills led by Geoff Apps.

Sunday: Chiltern hill off-road touring.
Alternatively, Cleland' Landseer prototype testing led by Geoff Apps For practical purposes, this group has to be limited in size; if you’re interested in joining, email geoff@cleland-cycles.co.uk

Monday 31st: 'Summit 26' Chilterns retro mountain bike sportive.
A 26mile sportif from Chenies Manor Hertfordshire including a 'Retro-Bash' trials, slalom and hill-climb section. (Separate results for pre-millennium and more modern bikes.)

As part of the 'Chenies Velo Classique' event, the 'Summit 26' is organised through British Cycling and has a £25.00 entry fee. Though those not competing can enjoy the classic bicycle events at Chenies Manor for free or enter their bikes into the concours d'elegance run for £2.

'Summit 26' website:
http://www.summit26.bike/
https://www.facebook.com/Summit26mtbClassic

Cleland Cycles Website:
https://clelandcycles.wordpress.com/weekend-rides/

'Chenies Velo Classique' website:
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/event ... ique#entry

 

[GrahamJohnWallace]

Here are some pictures of this year's venue, Chenies Manor. It should be a good event to take the whole family along to with lots of old bikes, retro road and off-road riding, bike displays and cycling and food stalls.

 

[GrahamJohnWallace]

Re:

Some pictures from last years event:

 

[GrahamJohnWallace]

Re:

And some pictures of the growing number of retro-bikes owned by members of the local bike club:

 

[doctorstewie]

I am busy that weekend, but it looks excellent.

 

[GrahamJohnWallace]

I am busy that weekend, but it looks excellent.

Yes, it should be a good one!

The local retro bike riders are definitely taking the Sunday time-trial/sportive side of things seriously and have been organising retro rides in order to train up for the event. So anyone wanting to relive the early years of UK mountain bike racing can expect some stiff competition.

 

[GrahamJohnWallace]

Re:

Several riders have expressed an interest in the Bank holiday 26 mile sportive event but do not own a pre-millennium mountain bike.

As as a result the organisers have decided to also allow modern mountain bikes to enter. In order to make it fair there will now be two sets of trophies; One for the pre-2000, pre-disk brake riders, and another for the more modern machines.
http://www.summit26.bike/

 

[GrahamJohnWallace]

Re:

Though the Saturday & Sunday events will take place as planned there will be some changes to the bank holiday Monday itinerary.

The exact nature of these changes is yet to be decided but the tie in with the Chenies Manor 'Velo Clasique' sportive now looks very unlikely.

The current alternative plan consists of a free to enter re-organised Summit26 event. This will revive the format of the original Wendover Bash events that ran from 1984 to 1988.

So this event will now become a 'big chill in the woods'. Imagine recreating that wonderful image of the Wendover Bash with everyone sitting around on the grass and having fun.

Riders wanting to join in with a morning ride should gather in a forest clearing at Lotts Wood on the A413 between Great Missenden and Amersham railway stations around 9:30am. There will be ample car parking at nearby Weedon Hill. Alternatively turn up when you want and either take part in the competition or simply watch the fun.

• From 10am -12:30 their will be a range of guided rides to choose between. From leisurely social rides, to longer more challenging ones. Or if the weather is good you may just chill out at the clearing as the Summit crew set up the course for the afternoon's competitive events.

• Regroup for refreshments and BBQ between 12.30-13.00 back at Lotts Wood

• 14.00 Start the Retro Bash, including a Post 2000 bike category starts with a time -trial lap of a 1 mile loop, with riders going off at 30secs intervals.

• Followed by the Trials, then the slalom before the main event - a hill-climb with riders going off in pairs

• Finish off with prize giving around 5pm

Though this is primarily an event for pre-2000 mountain bike there will also be a post Millennium category for more modern MTBs.

Map of event site here:
http://rides.summitmtb.co.uk/
Watch this space for more info!