Race Preview: British National Enduro Series Round 2 - Graythwaite

At the time of writing, we are just two short weeks away from Round 2 of the BEMBA National Enduro Series hosted by the PMBA Enduro series. Last Saturday we were given the opportunity for an exclusive course preview to see what the PMBA Enduro team have in store for your entertainment and we can confirm that this looks to be every bit as amazing as we have been promised! With tickets selling out fast when they went on sale, there is a real air of anticipation.

After a successful start to the series in April, the baton now passes to the PMBA Enduro Series to host round 2 of the BEMBA National Enduro Series. Billed as "The Epic" it's a tough loop with all natural trails, jaw dropping views over the lakes, hosted over the May bank holiday weekend. This event brings together the best parts of mountain biking into one amazing weekend. Free camping, a beer tent, an event centre with trade and sponsor stands (including Trailside Sports Therapy Massage tent for that post ride rub down), and MC Duckworth calling the riders home on race day. A real bike festival vibe.


There is no trail centre here, and no "locals" that know all the tracks, Graythwaite is a family owned 5000 acre private estate which once a year turns into an "Epic" enduro venue. Outside of the event there is no public access to the stages. Parking and camping, both free, are in the parkland overlooked by the 500 year old Graythwaite Hall. Here also is the race arena and the dramatic finish of the final stage, racers literally fly into the finish straight off the "KS Drop". With all this excitement at the heart of the event the atmosphere is always electric.


All the stages and some of the transition climbs have been built by the PMBA Enduro team since the first event here in 2016. This makes for some tough climbs, with half the stages having the final part of the transition as a push up to get to the summits. But once there you are rewarded with fantastic views. Stages 1,6 & 7 have views over Windermere the largest of the Lake Districts waterways, while from stage 2 you can just about see Coniston Old Man to the East; if stood atop the highest of the rocks by the start. However the view to the North is the best here, a vista that is pure lakeland with Helvellyn right in the middle.


2017 saw the first ever BEMBA National Championships and it is fantastic that the BNES series also visits in its first year; with a record entry of 575 riders the word has clearly spread on the joys of Graythwaite's trails.


This year's entry list is fully stacked with all eyes on Matt Stuttard for the win with Leigh Johnson, R1's winner, being absent. Serious pressure is being brought by Wideopen's Chris Gallagher and Whyte's Sam Shucksmith who took 3rd & 4th places last time out. However will a fresh from Maribor lakes local lad, Adam Brayton, throw a spanner in the works?

The Master category is equally close, where Hope's Ian Austermuhle is looking to improve on his second place in R1, having missed out in round 1 by just 3 seconds to Reece Langhorn. Both will be fighting hard for the win here thinking about that overall title.

In the women's race, the absence of Becky Cook opens the door to the fast ladies; KJ Sharp, Kirsty Adam, Abigale Lawton and Alyssa Podesta. Round 1 was a close fought battle so we're hoping for more of the same at Graythwaite.

In the U21 Men's PMBA's own Tom Wilson will be looking to shine after a 2nd place at in round 1 at Afan.

The under 18's race also features Jayden Randell, Tracy's prodigy riding for T-Mo Racing, who took the top step on the podium in the BNES round one, only just fighting off Jack Ackroyd by a mere 8.5 seconds. Could the tables swing to PMBA regular Jack?

As this is an EWS qualification stage and points are up for grabs, we are seeing entries from AUT, HUN, IRL, LTU, NZL & RSA. Will these riders mix up the podiums?

Total lap stats:
8 Stages
15 miles (24km) & 3500ft (1100M) Elevation
5 Hours
20 mins of racing
Approximately 575 riders signed up.

Friday:

Race arena opens, free camping available. Portable loos on site and showers will be open for a bit in the evening, £2/shower donation to North West Air Ambulance please .

Saturday:

Marshal Brief 9:00

Sign on will be open from 9:15
Surf and Turf catering open from the morning – time TBA
Practice starts 09.30 from arena – Stage 1 open 10am
Practice finishes 16.30 – stages closed after this time (and gates on S8 locked)

18.00 – Vittoria Q&As and Airliner Demo – Ask Vittoria or our ambassador Tom absolutely anything! Ask away, he may pass if your question is inappropriate, so ladies keep it clean please.
18.00 – Happy hour at the bar – 3 bottles for £5 (usually £2.50 each)

Sunday:
05:30 - Sunrise
0745 - Marshal brief
0810 - Sign On opens (timing chip collection)
0830 - First riders depart
0900 - Stage one opens
1200 - All racers have departed
1300 - First racers back
1430 - Bottle bar opens (TBC)
1730 - Last racers back
1745 - Final results
1800 - Podiums
1830 - Done and dusted
2054 - Sunset

For a full rundown of all the information you need head over to the rider briefing. There's an awful lot of information here, but it's well worth reading through it all.

Want to see what lies ahead? Check out the 2018 Video!




@dialledinUK look forward to seeing you all there. Come over and give us a shout (we'll be shouting at you on the trails) in the event village, you'll easily find us at the bar, having a beer whilst planning our photography shenanigans.