For those who missed out on MM or who haven’t followed one of the many threads (like this one) you won’t know about the catchily titled “Original Source Mountain Mayhem Retrobike Trophy”.

On the showstand over the course of the weekend we held a public vote to find the ‘best’ bike on display. The winner was called on Sunday afternoon and a presentation made in front of the masses.

The winner was Jez with his Pace RC-100. A worthy and iconic winner for sure, well done Jez!

‘Dr’ Steve Peat has somehow found time to plan what is sure to be a mouth-watering 4th annual Wharncliffe Weekender, despite his hectic racing schedule and his new found profession, delivering babies! Little did Sheffield University know last year that the honorary doctorate awarded in 2008 was to pre-empt the delivery of son number 2. All this when the UCI Downhill World Cup is now in full swing with Steve having a blistering start and leading the points series with 2 wins and a podium in the 3 rounds so far. His win in Andorra has now established the Sheffield born rider as the most successful of all time with 17 World Cup wins. He’s somehow finding time for the return of the ever popular event ……

The annual cross country mountain bike meeting, held in Sheffield is, again, receiving global interest and last year saw riders from across the UK & Ireland as well as further afield from the Canary Islands and even New Zealand! The charity event, which raises money for the Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity has been extremely successful over the past 3 years. The amount raised to date is £28,500 with last year’s funds being specifically donated to the Teenage Cancer Unit at the hospital.

A visit by the Wharncliffe Weekender events team to the Teenage unit has strengthened their resolve to continue what is now becoming one of the most enjoyable MTB events in the calendar.

Steve Peat said ‘We’re stoked with the amount of money we’ve raised so far and can’t believe the distance some of the riders travel to take part. We all say this event is easy to organize because we have so much fun. We’re tweaking the plans for this year with the emphasis being solely on riding and old school MTB fun. We’ve even built a dual slalom fun track in the event field for people to play on. It’s gonna be awesome so come along and help us raise loads of money!’

The event comprises of 2 categories. Firstly a fun race for children or the less discerning riders, almost all of whom will be in fancy dress and will this year incorporate a team event. Secondly, a senior event which is for the more serious rider. In addition to the actual riding, there will be camping, food all-day and many other fund-raising stalls and activities. In the evening, things will slow down with old school ‘chill & chat’.

There are still plenty of places available for interested riders and people who may just wish to spectate or enjoy the other activities are gratefully welcome. The dates for the event are 4th & 5th July.

You will be able to download entry and sponsorship forms from the following website and get all the latest info on the race running up to the event.

www.wharncliffeweekender.com

(more…)

Ready To Ride

Mayhem is over for another year, but what a great year it was! With over 30 riders and a massive stand this was by far the biggest year ever for Retrobike. Check the threads in the forum here and here for a flavour of what happened along with more pictures.

Follow retrobike on twitter – http://twitter.com/retrobike.
Will do a few updates from MM over the weekend!

Once again Retrobike will be at this weekend’s OS Mountain Mayhem 2009 at Eastnor - this will be our biggest and best year ever! Our new and improved show stand will be located in the heart of the MM arena and features some of your favourite and most significant MTBs from the dawn of the sport, along with a fine selection of vintage road and bmx bikes. Over the course of the weekend we’ll be holding a vote for the ‘Mountain Mayhem Retrobike Trophy’ – so make sure you drop by the stand, check out all the bikes and cast your vote! Those of you racing this year should watch out for our retro-themed trackside tent of crazy supporters, listen out for those classic old schools tunes and party whilst you pedal! At Retrobike we don’t only party hard – we have over 30 riders in various teams and solo classes, making us one of the largest club entries in the event! All Retrobike riders will be on old school machinery and some still in their vintage race strips! So be sure to support the Retrobike riders out on course!

August 15th sees the return of the fantastic singletrack trails of Stanmer Park in the shape of a fresh and new 6 hour enduro for solos and teams: It’s called: “The Brighton Big Dog.” The event offers a dedicated pre-95 retro-category sponsored by Retrobike and a pre race retrobike show – winner takes the Retrobike BigDog Trophy home!

Local riders have come together to put on a rider organised, not for profit, summer classic at the Stanmer venue. We’ve taken a course described by many as the best of 2008 and added our own Big Dog flavour. Our dedicated pack have been meticulously combing the park in order to unearth new and hidden gems and we can proudly say that the natural flowing singletrack has been enhanced.

Whilst riders are railing the course those in the venue can enjoy music from our resident Brighton DJ’s, excellent food, retro bike parade, fresh from the barrel Harvey’s ale, a host of tea and cakes and most importantly a general top ranking vibe.

We reckon that for most riders a great ride just isn’t complete without a great night out and what better place than Brighton! Luckily The Big Dog ends not at the finish line but at closing time with any profits from the day being unleashed behind the bar at the post race party venue to make sure that you are properly rehydrated: “old style.”

We have called up all of our friends and also some of the coolest names in the industry to help make the event a reality with contributions and prizes. As such the fund is strong and includes goodies from brands such as Gary Fisher, Cannondale, Exposure Lights, Independent Fabrication, Skins, Apple and Morvelo.

The event offers some further twists with the unique “Onederdog” cat. The “Onederdog” enables anyone; passer by, supporter or those who just want a quick burn to check out the singletrack for one lap at any time. For your £6 you’ll get free tea and cake and also leaderboard status if you so wish.

Aware of spiraling bike costs we’ve tried to keep entry fees reasonably tight – and remember the more entries we get the bigger the bar tab so enter as soon as you can!

Local rider and singlespeed maestro Oli Pepper has put together a stellar website with all the information you could hope for – check it out at www.brightonbigdog.com

Let’s make “The Big Dog” one big memorable day.

Archangel takes the May 2009 BoTM with a very worth winner – Specialized’s finest Stumpjumper Epic Ultimate!