Upcoming off-road events – TQ & CX

As the year comes to an end we can look back on an action packed season of off-road racing and non-racing events for riders from aged 4 to those ready for retirement. We have had cross-country racing (XC), downhill (DH), off-road sportives, Fox Hunts, trail quests (TQ) and cyclo-cross (CX). The year ahead is looking very promising with more new trail centres being opened across the country.

Coming up this weekend (Sunday 30 December) we have round 2 of Dromara CC's Trail Quests which takes place from headquarters at Dolly's Brae Inn, Gargarry Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan. These off-road orienteering events are great fun for all levels of cycling ability. Riders can form teams of up to 3 to take on either a 2 hour or 3.5 hour challenge. See DromaraCC website

The following Sunday (6 January) is the New Year's Special Cyclo-cross event which is being hosted by Island Wheelers in Dungannon. This race would be an ideal preparation for the cyclo-cross racers with the National Championship happening on the following Sunday (13 January) in Dundalk. For all, it will be a great way to start the new year after the Christmas indulgence. For the youth riders, this will be the first race of a new season where they will all have moved up an age bracket, some will move up age category while others will be racing for their second year in a particular age category. This will be a test event for this venue but it is hoped that this location will be included in the Ulster Cyclo-cross series which is due to start in October 2013. Pre-registration has opened. For more details of this race and the national cyclo-cross championships see UlsterCycloCross.com

On behalf of the Cycling Ulster Off-road Commission we wish you all a fun, safe, mucky, new year!!

Posted by Martin Grimley