MBR Big Weekend

race date:1st June 2008

series information: Margam Park May 31/June 1 is the venue for the 2008 MBR Big Weekend. With a choice of rides and other bike-related activites for serious riders and families alike, it promises to be the 'must do' event of the summer. Pre entries close Wednesday before each event or when entries are full...whichever is the earlier. (entries for the 100k Marathon Champs close for licence holders on May 21 to ensure all riders eligibility can be checked)

race details: From the schedule below you'll see that Saturday is when you begin to register for your chosen event and then have a choice of following a guided ride, watching the Dragon XC Series action, enjoying one of the RJ Ride Guide demos, take one of the Trek/Gary Fisher demo fleet for a spin or enjoy the scenic surroundings. The evening finishes with a party, including live entertainment, a selection of food, and a few beers with the MBR team.

The main ride programme begins on Sunday, with riders competing in the Trek British Marathon Champiosnhips in the 100km, 50km and 25km events. All these events will be timed, but that doesn't mean they're going to all be packed with head-down pro racers - the emphasis is on fun and the challenge is you against the course! So depending how hard or easy you want to push yourself, choose a distance to suit.

The 25k course at Margam will have enough interest to appeal to experienced riders, yet still be accessible enough for novices or families. Feed stations will be spaced around the course, so you'll be able to top up water and energy bar supplies, and the entire event will be fully marshalled and manned by qualified first-aiders. At the end you will even be able to get a post ride massage from the Cotswold Academy team.

What's more all riders get access to the attractions on-site. So non-riders will find something to keep them entertained. Expo stands and bike displays will run throughout the the two days, so why not bring the whole family and make a weekend of it? Camping is on site at Margam with toilets, showers, refreshments and trade stands all available. Once entered for the weekend you will eligible to bring your family/friends with you who will have free camping and event access.

Schedule
Friday
1200 Camping opens
Saturday
0900 Registration opens
1000 Led rides begin
1200 Dragon XC Series Races
1300 Arena Entertainment
1400 Led Rides second block
1730 Free under 12s races
1800 Short Track Racing
1900 Pasta party with live music

Sunday
0800 Final Registration
1000 Marathon Start for all distances
1600 Prize presentation all categories
1630 Course Closes

Venue Postcode for Sat Nav is SA13 2TJ. Once near the park follow the event signs and do not enter tha main Margam Park entrance.

entry details: To enter download the entry form or enter the British Marathon Champs online in the xcracer.com online entry section. This year we have added a non weekend price package for those just turning up on Sunday morning - this is available by postal entry only. Your weekend entry fee will include camping for your family, pasta party and saturday entertainment. For an up to date list of entries go here http://www.xcracer.com/jn_raceentry/viewevent.php?event_id=27

What makes the MBR Big Weekend different from other 'Marathon' type events.

1 No Road:
These events are entirely off road on private land, no cars, no tarmac, no road signs, just beautiful off road trails.

2. Race if you want to:
Some race, some just ride - it's your choice, take part for the fun or push yourself and beat your best time, personal targets, top half of the field, or just to finish. Compare your times with the best Marathon racers in the UK. There's a competitive spirit in many of us and these events offer the balance of competition and the elusive big race atmosphere whilst it's pretty friendly mid pack and near the tail as well.

3: Beautiful Surroundings:
The BIG weekend takes place in beautiful surroundings. Offering something unique for a weekend away and plenty for the non riders to see and do.

4 Proper timing:
Choose the full Marathon, the Half or the entry level family marathon. Your time will be recorded for each lap you compete, giving you a chance to compare your times and progress, set new goals and beat your best times. Also when you get to work on Monday morning you can tell people what you did and show them the results to proove it.

5 Led rides and free demos:
Saturday is warm up day for many so you can choose to ride with the MBR crew as part of their led ride programme or choose from the extensive demo fleet and take one or lots of them for a free trial. Main sponsor Trek will be there with their full fleet.

6. OK we said five but there's the goodie bag, party, bike demos, race action to watch, spot prizes, entertainment, finishers memento, great venue, trade stands - 5 just wasn't enough.