The Falkirk Funduro 2017: Mountain Biking Fun with Two Capitals F's
Mountain bikers of all ages are preparing to test their mettle on the trails of the Callendar Estate, Falkirk, as the annual Falkirk Funduro mountain bike event returns to the Central Belt on Saturday 25 November 2017.
The family friendly races are being staged for a third consecutive year on the ever-expanding and increasingly popular network of trails that perfectly complement the walking and horse riding routes already available.
With all of the planned events firmly focused on having fun, the Falkirk Funduro will feature Mountain Bike racing for every age bracket. Toddler specialists Trail Tots will kick off the day with balance bike and pedal bike races and coaching for under 6's in the bike park within the event village. Riders aged 6 to 11 can get their kicks in the "Mini Funduro", a multi-stage race that goes a bit further afield and features timed forest stages (mostly downhill) on flowing green and blue graded trails.
The main Funduro starts early afternoon and is open to riders aged 12 and over. Riders have to tackle four timed stages on the estate's more technical trails, with the option for riders to race after dark if they want to increase the challenge. Night racing is fairly uncommon in mountain biking and almost exclusively limited to super-tough 24hr endurance races, so 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 racing them after dark!
Aaron Gray of Falkirk Funduro organisers Muckmedden Events, said: “Falkirk Funduro just gets better every year! I think the riders love it due to the sheer variety of races for every age combined with the easy-going nature of the trails. The kids just love the Mini Funduro as they're only timed on the good bits and they can take their Mum or Dad along for support; even carrying a big bag of sweets to keep them going! It's great for boosting confidence in both the child and the parent.
There can be a bit of hanging around between all the races, but we just light up the bonfire and the Swedish candles and everyone just hangs out and stays cosy, or watches the other races until it's their turn. It's all very sociable. The atmosphere at the gap jumps last year was incredible, especially after dark. I can't wait to see more of that this year!”
Since 2015, event organisers Muckmedden Events have been working in partnership with Bespoke Community Development Company, who are responsible for maintaining and developing Callendar Estate's mountain bike trail network, to help promote the trails on the estate, including new red and black graded trails and the new bike skills park at Greenrig.
Falkirk Funduro makes for a great spectator event as the course is compact enough to allow family and friends to access some exciting course sections within minutes of the event village, including the new "Jack's Track" black trail. Here they can cheer on/heckle the riders as they negotiate the spectacular new gap jump section.
Greenrig Cycles, which is permanently based in Greenrig, the site of the Funduro event village, will be open for spares and repairs throughout the event. They will also have a variety of demo bikes to try before you buy. A host of other traders will also be offering discounted bikes, services and accessories within the trade village.
Hot food and drink will be on hand all day, until after dark, for riders and spectators to enjoy as they warm their cockles by the bonfire. The fully licensed Canada Wood Kitchen is also situated within the event village to give people the option to cosy in and enjoy a gourmet meal, tray bakes and fresh coffee, or maybe something a little stronger, whilst muddy riders race past the windows.
As is now tradition at Muckmedden Events, a "Muckmaiden" Women's Coaching Day and Night Ride will be held prior to the main event on Saturday 11 November 2017, to give female riders a chance to pre-ride the race stages with other female riders or have professional skills coaching in a female-specific environment.
For more information on the Falkirk Funduro and to enter online go to: www.muckmedden.co.uk
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