Many club members enjoy cross country mountain bike racing, taking part in local and national events such as the Southern XC Cross Country Series, Mountain Mayhem and Sleepless In The Saddle 24 hour races. We are very lucky in that there are about 6 race course venues within a 10 mile radius of Crowthorne used by Gorrick and West Drayton. There are many categories to enter, from Fun through to Elite, age based, male or female.

Courses are very well marked out to make the most of the excellent technical singletrack descents and climbs at most venues. A typical lap is 4 to 5 miles long lasting for 20 to 40 minutes depending on your speed and stamina to complete 1 to 5 laps.

If you've never raced before, don't worry, just turn up with your usual riding gear and enter the Fun race. Most riders will sprint off the line to get a good position into the first singletrack, but take your time and enjoy riding a course that may teach you a thing or two about bike handling. Though the most important tip of all is to keep smiling and have fun.

The club caravan is present at most races parked up near the start line. It's a great place to spend the day in, just chilling out and watching the racing in warmth and comfort.

The highlight of our year is a special one lap Sprint / Handicap race for club members only. Starting just after the Sport category at ~2pm at selected Gorrick races. Riders are set-off at intervals; slowest first - fastest last with the aim being that everyone should cross the finish line near enough together. In 2004 over 25 riders started.

Gorrick events »