The British weather has been very unpredictable lately, this past week has seen wide spread flooding and disruption with as much as a month's rain, falling within one day. In fact June in the UK has been the wettest since records began! The race director is praying for better weather than last year which nearly saw Glencoe mountain being blown away with gale force winds.
How bad was it last year? Fast forward to 3mins 40secs and the flying table incident and that was in the car park.
Some say we are insane to organise another UK National at Glencoe, especially after last year's event was cancelled on the Sunday morning after 100mph wind gusts hit the top of the track. It's not table tennis we play and fighting everything mother nature can throw at us is all part of mountain biking, isn't it? If the weather is kind to us and it should, considering we are in the middle of summer, then the gamble will pay off. There is no way can you turn down a UK venue with a chairlift and an amazing course to match. Lets just hope you are not scared of heights.
Course Description: The track at Glencoe is rated as one of the toughest in the U.K. The top section is fast and flowing before you enter the steep and exposed rock sections before you plummet into the boarded switchbacks and straighter, rockier lines down below. All of which without a tree insight, meaning spectacular views for all.
-The start is 740 meters above sea level.
-The finish is 320 meters above sea level.
-420 meters is the total vertical drop and the track is 1.25 kms long.
Glencoe from the road.
200 of the finest and fastest UK racers have signed up for this one, so not everybody has been prepared to take the gamble of entering and with the track available to ride on the Friday will mean everybody will get more runs than a baseball team.
Halo British Downhill Series Rd 3
Glencoe
Saturday and Sunday 7th and 8th July 2012 Event Location:Glencoe Mountain Ltd
Kingshouse
Glencoe
Argyll
PH49 4HZ
Scotland
Telephone 01855 851 226
admin@glencoemountain.co.uk
www.glencoemountain.co.uk O/S Co-Ordinates are Grid Reference NN266524
Fort William is the nearest major town.
By Road: Glencoe is situated on the A82, 26 miles south of Fort William and 23 miles north of Crianlarich.
From the north, head down to Fort William and keep following the road south. From the south, take the M74 to Glasgow and from here, follow signs for Dumbarton on the A82. Past Dumbarton, the A82 continues all the way to Glencoe. This very scenic route will take you along the shores of Loch Lomond as you head north to Crianlarich, Tyndrum and finally over Rannoch Moor, from where the ski centre is clearly sign posted.
Alternatively, if you are travelling from the east, there are several routes off the A9 which take you to Crianlarich and north. These include the A84 from Perth, the A85 from Stirling and the A827 from Balinluig.
Glencoe can also be so beautiful.
Parking and spectating is free all weekend at the event.
Accommodation:www.glencoemountain.com/accommodation.html Categories and running order:Juvenile - Leisure Lakes
Youth - Rose Bikes
Veterans - Stendec
Masters - Nukeproof
Women - Monster
Elite Women - Schwalbe
Junior Men - Fox Head
Senior Men - Knox
Expert Men - Descent-Gear.com
Elite Men - Schwalbe
The chair lift is not for the faint hearted.
Saturday
09:30 Open practise for all riders.
18:00 Course Closed.
Sunday.
08:30 Open Practise for all.
10:45 Course Closed.
11:00 Racing.
16:00 Podium.
PA System: A full Public Announcement Facility will be on site with announcements throughout the day. A Notice Board will be also on display in the Race Office/Rider Registration area for displaying information regarding the event.
Toilets: This will also include disabled and urinal facilities. All will be serviced on Saturday evening and restocked throughout the weekend.
Retailers: Descent-Gear.com will be trackside with spares.
Camping: Glencoe has micro lodges, camper/caravan hook up points and a campsite for those who want to be boy scouts in their tents.
The midges can be a nightmare! Make sure you cover yourself in midge repellent. My repellent of choice is Avon Skin So Soft. If it rains, the wind speed is above 5mph or it's hot and sunny they don't come out to play. If they are out make sure you close up everything as they will have a rave / disco in your tent, van, car or motor home. Avon Skin So Soft will be on sale at the event.
Uplift: The chairlift at Glencoe is an open bench chair lift with a safety bar, hopefully you are not afraid of heights.
Catering: Food and refreshments will be provided by Glencoe Resort.
The onsite caterers will be open as follows:
Friday until 21:00
Saturday Food until 21:00, Bar until 23:00
Lets hope we have seen the back of this weather..
Stay Unclipped.
Si Paton..
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