Post by Adrian on Aug 3, 2012 8:36:43 GMT
UXC Round 5 - Garvagh Forest
Carn Wheelers are proud to present Ulster XC Rd.5 - Garvagh Forest 12th August 2012
Carn Wheelers welcome you to Round 5 of the Ulster XC series in Garvagh Forest. With this being the first race in Garvagh for over a decade, the club hope to showcase what we think is one of the best venues for natural xc mountainbiking in Ulster. The course itself has a bit of everything thrown in; fast flowing singletrack sections, tough technical climbs, fireroads for getting the fluids in and "the Fire-Break" to test all levels of mountainbiker. The trails in Garvagh are all natural forest floor trails so expect some mud, roots, rocks and roots! The course itself is about 3.6 miles long and is about 40% fireroad, there are no long sustained climbs but expect some short sharp kickers and a few short steep technical climbs.
From the start finish, racers will have about half a mile of fireroad to get the pack separated then into the first short section of singletrack across another fireroad into the "Pretty Drills". Out of the Pretty Drills its up a sharp fireroad climb and back into singletrack for the climb to "Rabbit Hill" which will test every racer on the day wether its wet or dry! The descent from Rabbit Hill is every bit as challenging as the climb and is known as "The Fire-Break" and once you negotiate the top of the fire-break theres a couple of chances for a wee bit of air time before the berm at the bottom of the hill catches you and sends you out onto the next fire road section.
After this its into the "River Trail" and then the technical climb up to and around Lord Garvaghs Tomb. After a brief technical descent into a section of rooty singletrack its back onto the fireroad before crossing "Bradleys Bridge" and its another brief climb for another short but testing descent. Back onto the walking paths again and its time for one more climb up "Chain Breaker Hill" before dropping down a rooty chute onto the forest road again and back toward the start finish. A course with just the right mix of smooth flowing natural singletrack and fast fireroad here are also technical climbs which are rewarded with flowy and testing descents which will have everone grinning.
The U8s, U10s and U12s will all have their own dedicated junior course which will be just challenging enough for the more capable kids but not overwhelming for them either.
Garvagh Forest is on the on the western side of the main A29 road, between Garvagh High School and the Ballinameen Bridge over the Agivey River. Ample car parking will be provided in the Garvagh High School and access to the forest will be from the High School along the footpath to the forest car park across from the Balinameen Bridge. Car parking for the race is discouraged in the main car park of the forest as Garvagh Forest is a popular forest for walkers and the car park can be busy at the best of times.
There will be portaloos provided for both the car park and the start finish area which will be sign posted from the forest car park.
There will be food provided for everyone after the race.
There can be space provided for gazebos but its best to contact the host club in advance
Check out www.ulsterxc.com for pre registration and more details.