Cross Country Mountain Biking

As I was sat on a train to London updating the latest results from the Midlands XC Series I had a sudden realisation that I was in a privileged position.

For the last 2 seasons I have been involved with the series helping out with marshalling duties, race leadouts for the kids races, course set up and clear down and with processing the results. Whilst this may all seem like hard work, especially when you consider that I try and actually race as well, I can assure you it is not.

 
I think we are incredibly lucky to have race series like this to take part in and to be able to say I play a part in making it happen even if only a small one is a genuine privilege. The Midlands XC for those that are unaware is a cross country mountain bike race that caters for Elites right down to under 8s and literally everyone in between, trust me there are a LOT of categories. The wealth of different categories allows everyone to take part and enjoy the challenge of getting round the course in one piece before realising they have another lap to do or the challenge of racing others and fighting for overall finishing positions.

 
The Kids races are take on parts of the adults course so they are challenged whilst getting to have fun and experience some proper off road fun. In some cases they seem to handle the tricky sections better than some adults. When they have finished their race they get to watch the adults race all the way up to elite level. I can’t think of much more you could do to inspire kids to ride a bike.

 
In an age where we are constantly being told that we are a country of obesity and that kids are getting lazy and just sitting in front of tvs or computers all the time here is something that is not only encouraging them to get out there and be active but it is encouraging adults to do the same as well. How many other sports can you name where you get to race along with the guys at the top level of the sport regardless of the level you are at?

 
From a personal point of view the races offer a great way to mix my training up and add in something which I get a huge amount of enjoyment from, I was mountain biking way before I got into triathlon. The nature of the courses means that there are always parts that put you on the limit before you get a slight break before going all out again. Your heart rate is constantly changing and because you have a number on then you will always push that little bit harder than you would if it was just a training ride.

 
If you want to find out more then check out https://midlandsxc.com there is still time to get involved with the last race of the season or use the winter to hone your skills and get ready for next year. It’s an amazingly well run series with a lot of thought and planning involved to make the courses as much fun as possible whilst also being safe for all riders.

 
Thanks James and all his team for making this happen and to all the guys that turn up and race, hopefully I’ll see you on the start line in the future.