Urban X Remember the troops

Sunday the 8th of november, a pretty special day for us all with it being remembrance day.

But an even more special day as it was Urban X Remember The Troops downhill race time! Is there a better way to raise some cash for The Royal British Legion? I don't think so!

The day kicked off bright and early at wharncliffe woods with an 8am start where the course was already taped out and ready to go, riders already signed on and practising the track. For what was a totally voluntary run event I was impressed by how smoothly the morning was running and how much effort was already put into the day and it wasn't even gone 9. Practice was open until 9.45 giving riders plenty of time to have a go at the challenging and slippy track.

When it was time for the race runs... the rain decided to arrive! Meaning everyone was out in the wet and cold all day (big up the marshals, photographers and volunteers for standing out in it) however this didn't dampen spirits and everyone stuck it out and go their first timed runs in! The mud was crazy and everyone looked a little bit soggy by this point While race runs were happening everyone had the opportunity to buy some raffle tickets for various items (all proceeds to charity) at the end of the day including an awesome red bull storage box by Dreamcraft Furniture, which sadly... I didn't win!

(grand raffle prize donated by Jennifer Wilson, Dreamcraft Furniture)

Into second runs... the track had really changed and churned up making it a bit sticky and a little rutted, it just became a whole lot more fun to ride! The wharncliffe slip n slide, there was very close racing in the categories meaning the second runs got a little more serious with each rider hunting the other down to beat them to the top spots, especially between Lcpl Andrew murphy and andrew wright as they ended up being 0.01 of a second between each other, placing them first and second in the senior category, close ride guys well done!

By this point when it was rain/wind and mud most people would call it a day and go home, however for this race I think everyone was having way too much fun on the track to give up on that! Even the guys that had a good stack got back up and on it kudos to them! When all the racing was over the event organisers walked to track to collect all tape/race signs and made sure the woods were the way we found them while the rest of us had a tootle to the main car park for the podiums/prizes. Trevor who runs the events was so pleased with the support from the girls racing he had us all some dog tags made the remember the day and they're pretty damn cool!

(five fastest of the day and dog tags)

The podiums were as follows, Open womens, 'Old gets' 45+, master, Junior, The British Army lads own podium and senior. Each podium winner was awarded prizes, trophies and a medal all donated through generous companies for a great cause! Special mentions to Jade limpus who despite being the most nervous rider, got on with it and smashed her first run even when terrified! Becci Skelton gaining first place in the womens and even beating a few of the guys, top pinner award! Not only that, there were also prizes for the five fastest of the day to add to this where they each got a trophy and these cool dog tags!


This event was one of my favourites this year out of the 9 that i have raced, very chilled and fun environment with everyone involved! The trophies alone were awesome . Having such a great turnout on a cold, dark rainy day really shows how generous people are, but also shows that this event was a fantastic success! Champagne for everyone


And finally...... the grand total raised for the Royal British Legion, from a local mini DH race was an awesome £1522.00!


Many thanks goes out to all the support that helped, the prizes donated by Wide Open downhill sheffield, Avit Dirt, MTB Girls Ride, MTB Chix & Trails, FR Crash Crew, Static Clothing, Loose Riders England, 50/01 #allthelads, Halfords and of course Jennifer Wilson of Dreamcraft furniture.


Also to all that stood out and braved the cold! Trevor the main man himself! Karen Rouse, Steven Johnson, David Johnson, Denise Stewart, Timera West, Mckenzie West, Simon Croft, Dave Clarkson, Jody Hartley and Mark Walton because without you guys this wouldn't have happened!