Mud Sweat and Gears

Mud, Sweat and Gears 2012 Dates!

2011-10-24T09:58:00.001+01:00

Its with great pleasure that I can announce the dates for Mud Sweat and Gears 2012. We have a slightly shorter, compact season this year as we have the Summer Enduro and National XC Series round 5 in July with the Olympics arriving in August!

Mud, Sweat and Gears 2012

1st April - Venue TBC
29th April - Hylands House, Chelmsford, Essex
13th May - Thetford Forest - Incorporating Regional Championships
3rd June - Venue TBC
17th June - Venue TBC

Please note that dates and venues are subject to change.

Summer Enduro

Saturday 30th June - Thetford Forest, Thetford MTB Racing.

British Cycling National XC Series

Round 5 - 15th July - Langdon Hills, Essex

Please keep an eye on the blog for exciting news about the MSG Series and Summer Enduro and a new look website coming in the New Year.

Looking forward to seeing you all in 2012!!

MSG Team

An Introduction and an Invitation

2011-10-05T09:24:00.000+01:00

Dear Riders

An Introduction

As many of you are aware I have now taken over the fantastic work that Alistair has done in establishing MSG as one of the best regional series in the country. As someone who has been involved with competitive cycling for many years its with great excitement and enthusiasm that I'm looking forward to 2012 and the anticipation that the series is going to grow even further!

I would welcome any feedback from you on this years series so that if necessary we can make changes for 2012. Please feel free to email me on matt.ewings@essex.gov.uk.

An Invitation

After discussions with the Essex Legacy Team, MSG would like to extend an invitation to you to attend a guided walking tour of the Olympic Mountain Bike Venue at Hadleigh Farm.

The tour will take place on Saturday 22nd October at 10am and last approximately 1 hour. Please note that this is a walking tour only and no bikes will be allowed on site, therefore appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn.

Meeting place will be in Hadleigh Country Park at the end of Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, SS7 2PP. Parking available. There are 30 spaces available on a first come, first served basis.

To book your place on this free tour please email me on matt.ewings@essex.gov.uk.

I look forward to hearing form you all soon

Matt Ewings and the MSG Team.

Mission Complete for 2011. Plans for 2012...

2011-09-20T10:04:00.000+01:00

Dear Riders,

What a season...

With Mud Sweat and Gears complete for another year, I would like to thank you all for you support and enthusium. With the warm up series, the eastern region mtb series,

weekday rides, schools events, and the all new summer enduro complete - its been a busy one with over 2500 participants taking part.

Looking forward...

Plans for 2012 are already in full swing with dates being confirmed as we speak for the Eastern Region MTB Series and the Summer Enduro. We are also very excited about hosting a round of the British Cross Country Nationals at Langdon Hills, Essex - which will mean that the Eastern Region will be hosting regional, national and with the Olympics at Hadleigh, Benfleet - international mountain bike races next year! Not bad for a region with no mountains...

Onto a personal note, with sadness but excitment for the future, this years series will be my last as i am emigrating to Australia in a few weeks. As mentioned however, Mud Sweat and Gears will continue to get bigger and better next year with Matt Ewings leading on the series. As many of you may know, Matt has played a key role in the series this year - leading on the courses at Hylands, Danbury, and stepping in at last miniute to run the Tunstall event. With this change in management and the series in full planning mode for 2012, Matt is really keen to hear from you via matt.ewings@essex.gov.uk on your feedback from this year and your thoughts for next year.

Special thanks...

With my departure - i would like to pay special thanks to those organisations and people who have supported me and helped grow MSG from its one off event in 2008, to what many regard as the largest regional MTB series in England: sportessex, Essex Outdoors, Danbury Outdoors, Essex 2012 Legacy, Essex County Council, Chelmsford Borough Council (Antony and Matt), British Cycling (Mark, Keely, Brian, Rachel and Sara) Adam Johnson, Graham Elliot, Phils Bike Company (Phil), Chelmer Cycles (Jon and Andy), Herogate Cycles (Dave), Moore and Large, Helath Muscle and Fitness (Ant), Trailnet (Geoff), Timelaps (Matt and Martin), Army Cadets, TROGs, Thetford MTB Racing (Paul, Mike and Debs), Codam Park (Sharron, Jason, Josh, Ben and Pete), , Roger Powell, Tony Williams, Gino Howe, James Price, Craig and Ross, Linzi Wood and Linzi Carlton.

Winter events...

Mud Sweat and Gears will be back in April - but in the mean time please check out the below events happening this winter:

Dust til Dawn with Thetford MTB Racing

MTB Winter Series with Thetford MTB Racing

Off Road Duathlon with Waldon Tri

Rough Stuff with Norfolk Cycling

Many thanks again. Wooop Wooop...

Alistair

alistair.russell@essex.gov.uk - until Friday 23rd September 2011

alyrussell@hotmail.com - there after

Langdon Hills Post Event Info

2011-09-19T16:18:00.001+01:00

Thank you for supporting the sixth and final round of the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series. Please see the below links for results and photos!

Results
http://www.timelaps.co.uk/results.aspx

Photos
http://www.flyingtigers.co.uk/page2.html

Series Standings
Updated on 20/09/11. Please click back on the www.mudsweatgears.co.uk homepage and click on series standings under Eastern Region MTB Series Any questions alistair.russell@essex.gov.uk

MSG Team

MSG Eastern: Langdon Hills Pre Event Info

2011-09-14T08:06:00.004+01:00

Online registration is now closed for MSG Eastern Region MTB Series: Langdon Hills (Sunday 18th September 2011). We have received over 220 pre entries, however there is still space for a few more on the day. Payment will be by cash only.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you on Sunday,

MSG Team

Eastern Exposure at UK School Games

2011-09-12T09:48:00.004+01:00

By Graham Elliot

So what’s this got to do with MSG? Well from the outset the objective with MSG has been multifaceted, but giving youth talent an opportunity was very definitely part of the deal. Ambitious riders might also like to consider that selection for regional and national teams are based on British Cycling membership and participation in BC sanctioned events……….like MSG for instance!

All of the boys team have come into the sport via MSG. Imogen Buick captain of the girls has also graced the series. Hopefully we will also soon be seeing one Ellie Bushell appearing in the challenger category as a potential star of the future. So that’s ¾’s of the Eastern team benefiting from MSG. How cool is that???.

Anyway the team are now back from the games tired, battered, but definitely not beaten.

The story is very much split into differing male and female experiences. With that in mind in real terms our girls were 5^th overall, and were just shaded out of two podium places individually. Not bad for somewhere so vertically challenged. And the boys? Well they weren’t last, and they certainly didn’t disgrace themselves. Given that not one of them has more than 2 years racing experience, and most of them no more than a year, that fact is extremely creditable. Overall we came 9^th out of 14 regions.

However, that is not the full story. From the outset the overall purpose of the games is to give talented athletes a learning experience. So over this weekend I am proud to report that I have overseen a group of youngsters which have developed exponentially not just as athletes, but as people. If for that reason alone it has been a major success.

If you want to view the results you can find them here: http://www.ukschoolgames.com/2011/results/cycling/index.php

You might also like to view the show reel of the weekends event that will give you a flavour of the whole event. The Eastern Region riders are in Royal blue skinsuits…. (Its amazing what buying a cameraman a coffee can do for you nowdays!)

http://www.ukschoolgames.com/aboutus_video.php

Graham Elliott

British Cycling Eastern Region Board MTB Representative

The Dream Team!!!!

British XC 2012 is going East Side!

2011-09-12T09:19:00.002+01:00

The Mud Sweat and Gears team are proud to announce that they will be hosting in partnership with British Cycling the fifth round of the British XC Nationals at Langdon Hills, Essex on Sunday 15th July 2012. The team are really excited by this opportunity and look forward to welcoming riders from all over the UK/the World to the East of England!

For more information please click on the below link:

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/mtb/article/mtb20110819-2012-British-XC-Series-0

Hadleigh Farm Mountain Bike Venue - have your say on its future...

2011-09-12T08:27:00.004+01:00

As you may be aware, Essex County Council will be starting the initial consultation on how the Hadleigh Farm Mountain Bike Venue should be used after 2012 with a view to bringing forward Legacy proposals later in the year.

At this stage ECC are taking initial general views on the priorities for wide range of uses of both the venue area and the neighbouring Hadleigh Country Park to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to input into proposals. ECC would be very grateful if you could spare a few minutes to complete the survey and forward this on to other that may be interested.

Once the responses have been received and collated ECC will conduct further consultation including with a selection of specific groups who express an interest, so please ensure you include contact details and indicate if you would like to be involved in future consultations or to be kept informed. Initial proposals will be shared through the below website and local drop in sessions later in the year.

The survey is online by clicking here

Rough stuff for October...

2011-09-05T21:17:00.002+01:00

Our friends at Norfolk Cycling are putting on a event on 16th October called CTC Rough Stuff

Please click below for more info

http://www.norfolkcycling.co.uk/Ruffstuff.html

MSG Eastern Series Standings Updated

2011-08-15T10:30:00.002+01:00

Hi guys,

Eastern Region MTB Series has now been updated. Please log onto the home page and click on the series standings link. Any problems please e-mail alistair.russell@essex.gov.uk

See you in September for the last round,

Alistair

MSG Eastern: Codham Post Event Info

2011-08-08T09:07:00.000+01:00

Thank you for supporting the fifth round of the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series. Please see the below links for results and photos! Look forward to seeing you in September for the final round of the 2011 series at Langdon Hills, Essex.

Results
http://www.timelaps.co.uk/results.aspx

Photos
http://www.flyingtigers.co.uk/page2.html

Series Standings
We are working on it... hopefully by the end of the week.

MSG Team

MSG Easterm: Codham Park Pre Event Info

2011-08-03T10:22:00.004+01:00

Online registration is now closed for MSG Eastern Region MTB Series: Codham Park (Sunday 7th August 2011). We have received over 200 pre entries, however there is still space for a few more on the day. Payment will be by cash only.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you on Sunday,

MSG Team

Eastern Series Standings Updated

2011-07-27T17:22:00.000+01:00

Please click back to the homepage and click on the updated link.

Any problems please e-mail alistair.russell@essex.gov.uk

See you on the 7th August!

MSG Eastern Danbury: Post Event Info

2011-07-25T18:18:00.001+01:00

Thank you for supporting the forth round of the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series. Please see the below links for results and photos! Look forward to seeing you in two weeks for the fifth round at Codham Park, Braintree, Essex.

Results
http://www.timelaps.co.uk/assets/uploads/EventReport.aspx?eventID=153DanburyOutdoorsChelmsford24/07/2011

Photos
http://www.flyingtigers.co.uk/page2.html

Series Standings
We are working on it... hopefully by the end of the week.

All the best - MSG Team

MSG Eastern: Danbury Pre Event Info

2011-07-20T11:33:00.002+01:00

Online registration is now closed for MSG Eastern Region MTB Series: Danbury Outdoors (Sunday 24th July 2011). We have received over 200 pre entries, however there is still space for a few more on the day. Payment will be by cash only.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

MSG Team

Summer Enduro - Post Event Info

2011-07-11T17:21:00.001+01:00

Many thanks to all those that supported the inaugural Summer Enduro - we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! Please see the below post event info:

Results - please click here

Race reports - please click here

Photos - please click here and here and here

Many thanks again and look forward to seeing you at Danbury, Chelmsford in a couple of weeks.

Alistair, Paul and the team

MSG Summer Enduro: Pre Event Info

2011-07-06T12:01:00.010+01:00

Online registration is now closed for MSG Summer Enduro: Thetford Forest (Saturday 9th July 2011). With over 250 riders pre registered for this brand new event its gonna be an epic weekend of racing. We do however have capacity to register more on the day - cash only (please click on the below pre event pack for more info).

Click here to see check your entry and see who else is racing

Click here to access the pre event information

Many thanks for your support and look forward to seeing you either on Friday for camping or on Saturday for the big race.

MSG and Thetford MTB Racing

Eastern Series Standings Updated

2011-06-27T14:39:00.000+01:00

Due to injury there has been a delay in updating the series standing - however they have now been updated and can be accessed via the mud sweat and gears homepage.

Thanks for your patience and support

Any issues please e-mail alistair.russell@essex.gov.uk

MSG Eastern: Tunstall Report

2011-06-06T17:31:00.002+01:00

Many thanks to all riders who supported the third round of the Eastern Region MTB Series. At last we have had a dry Tunstall race! Please see the below link for the race report.

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/mtb/article/mtb20110606--MTB--Eastern-XC-R3-0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YFfXZjnVoE

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59052475@N06/sets/
See you in July for the all new Summer Enduro!

MSG Team

MSG Eastern: Tunstall Pre Event Info

2011-06-01T07:37:00.003+01:00

Online registration is now closed for MSG Eastern Region MTB Series: Tunstall Forest (Sunday 5th June 2011). We have received over 200 pre entries, however there is still space for a few more on the day. Payment will be by cash only.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday,

MSG Team

PS - if your keen to check out the new look tunstall course please come along to the weekday blast tonight from 6 pm. Please phone Matt for more info on 07879117437

MSG Eastern: Tunstall!

2011-05-26T14:45:00.003+01:00

The new look Tunstall course is shaping up well. The course is running in the opposite direction to last year and thanks to the TROGs and Just 42 has a series on new sections - which will provide a fantastic setting for the third round of the Eastern Region MTB Series.

Following on from our 350+ riders at Thetford - Tunstall entries are looking just as good and we strongly suggest you register online as soon as possible as on the day entries can never be guaranteed.

For all those that are keen to see the new look course before the big day - please register for the weekday blast next Wednesday.

Look forward to seeing you next weekend,

Alistair and the MSG Team

Series Standings

2011-05-26T14:36:00.000+01:00

With two rounds complete - please check out the currently series standings by clicking here.

Any questions please e-mail alistair.russell@essex.gov.uk

MSG Eastern: Thetford Post Event Info

2011-05-09T08:14:00.002+01:00

Many thanks for supporting Round 2 of the Eastern Region MTB Series at Thetford Forest. It truly was an epic day of racing with over our largest field to date.

Results: please click here

Photos: Please click here and click here

Race report: click here

Many thanks again and look forward to seeing you again at Round 3 at Tunstall Forest - Suffolk (5th June). Please do register online asap for the next round as we were close to capacity at Thetford and there is a strong chance we will not be able to offer on the day for all races at Tunstall.

Alistair and the MSG Team

MSG Eastern: Thetford Pre Event Info

2011-05-04T08:40:00.007+01:00

Online registration is now closed for MSG Eastern Region MTB Series: Thetford Forest (Sunday 8th May 2011). We have receive a record amount of pre entries with 320 riders, however there is still space for a few more on the day. Payment will be by cash only.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday,

MSG Team

All things thetford...

2011-04-20T15:51:00.006+01:00

EASTERN REGION: Next stop - the iconic Thetford Forest - Sunday 8th May!

Sponsored by: Phils Bike Company, Chelmer Cycles, Health Muscle and Fitness and Moore & Large

If round 1 at Hylands Park is anything to go by - round 2 at Thetford Forest is set to be an epic day of racing for all. The guys at Thetford MTB Racing have evolved the course from last year - with its running in reverse and with some exciting new sections - which encapsulates everything from fast open fire roads to tight rooty singletrack!

With over 100 riders already registered - we strongly suggest you register as soon as possible. We were close to capacity at the last round (espeically in the racer race), and with round 2 at such an iconic venue we are expecting our largest field to date! To secure your place please click here

WEEKDAY BLAST: Join us for a weekday ride around the Thetford course

As mentioned, the guys at Thetford MTB Racing have evolved the course from last year and we would like to invite our new and regular riders for a weekday blast around the new look course on Wednesday 4th May from 6pm. The ride will give you an opportunity to check out the course, discuss the elements of the course and the event with the organisers and to socialise with riders.
Unfortuntely, as much as we would like to offer the ride free of charge, due to insurances we have to charge £3 per rider. Please register your place by clicking here.

SUMMER ENDURO: So you think your fit? Here is your chance to prove it!

Sponsored by: Cycle Revolutions and City College Norwich

With 6hr, 8hr and 10hr races available - the all the new Summer Enduro will test your fitness, skills and sense of humour to the max!

Taking place in the imfamous Thetford Forest on Saturday 9th July, the 8 mile summer enduro course (designed and built by the Thetford MTB Racing), promises to serve up the perfect mixture of tight twisty trails, with a number of super-fast fire roads; strategically placed for over taking and dare we say it - a breather! But be warned a multitude of dips and hollows on the forest floor provide further challenges to both new riders and experienced racers alike. Not to mention the inclusion of the endless stream of 'whoops' that litter the single track like a series of speed humps, to ensure both your fitness and skills will be tested to the max!

If the challenge of the race was not enough for you - make a weekend of it with family and friends - with Friday and Saturday night camping, post race BBQ, demos in the latest gear from Cycle Revolutions, sports massage from city college extreme sports unit and guided rides on Sunday morning for anyone that still has any energy!

With over 100 riders already signed up, the Summer Enduro is quickly becoming the 'one to race' in the enduro calendar and to ensure your part of the festival weekender please click here to register

MSG Eastern: Hylands Race Report

2011-04-12T11:18:00.000+01:00

By Sara Flatt - British Cycling

Set in rolling parkland, better known for hosting the Essex end of the annual V Festival, the MSG summer series got off to a fine start under clear blue skies and ideal course conditions.

MSG have extended their event programme this year to include mid week pre-rides of the course and 2 hours of race day Go-Ride coaching and racing for under 12’s. The timing of the Go-Ride events means that parents are free to race the mornings events while their offspring are being entertained and educated by Go Ride coaches. No more excuses then Mum & Dad!

Pre-entries were at their highest level and were boosted on the day by racers tempted out by the fine weather and opportunity to pick up valuable early season points.

The mornings racing covers juvenile, youth and senior fun/sport categories (Warriors). In the Warrior race it was first year senior, Daniel Barford who took the win, having a nervous race knowing that Paul Cooper (Basildon Timber) was never far off his wheel. John Heaney (Flitchbikes) came home in 3^rdwith Victoria Gee 1^st woman.

Hargroves Cycles picked up 1^st places in the Juvenile and Youth boys races with Daniel Tulett and Harry Franklin. Behind Harry, Sean Dunlea (PCA Ciclos Uno) and Liam Cowell (Artic Premier) kept each other honest, finishing just 6 seconds apart. Imogen Buick (Salsa Factory Racing) was 4^th overall and 1^st girl.

The Go-Ride races fitted in neatly after the morning racing had finished. After a 1 lap gridding race the 23 Grommets lined up for a 3 lap blast around a specially laid out circuit. Ben Tulett took the narrowest of wins from Josh Peters, with Ben Clarke in 3^rd. Sisters Gemma and Zoe Whiffen took 1^st and 3^rd in the girls race with Imogen Pitcher grabbing 2^nd.

As the picnic blankets were spread out and families got down to some serious lunch action the Elite and Expert racers got ready to tackle the fast, narrow singletrack course. On the day entries made it possible to run an elite male category and these guys lined up on the front row of the grid with 63 experts packed tightly behind them. The race got away without incident and the starting loop around a grassy meadow ensured that by, the time the field dived into the first section of singletrack, hold ups were kept to a minimum.

Stephen James (AW Cycles), Billy Whenman (Whyte Bikes) and George Budd (Salsa Factory Racing) quickly formed a leading trio and were locked together for the first 4 of the 7 lap race. James and Whenman made Budd suffer on the fastest and tightest section of singletrack towards the end of the lap, with Whenman using his compact stature to good effect leading Budd through some improbably narrow gaps. At the end of lap 5 James and Whenman came through the start together with Budd 12 seconds behind. But on lap 6, a problem with his rear wheel saw Whenman lose a minute and a half on James and get caught and passed by Budd. Two scorching laps by James secured his win, with Budd in second and Whenman 3^rd.

Just off the back of the first 3 elite riders, Jason Boutell (Revel Outdoors) put in a storming 1^st lap to secure his place at the head of the expert field. Although he faded a little toward the end he had done enough to hold off Shaun Aldous (Team CCN) and junior Hugo Robinson (XRT Elmy Cycles) who spent the entire race together, finishing 2^nd and 3^rd respectively.

The women’s elite/expert field saw 6 senior and 4 veteran riders line up. First into the woods was Anna Buick (Salsa Factory Racing) followed by Hollie Bettles (WXC) and Amelia Cambridge (Velo Club Rutland), this order stayed the same until the finish with Buick taking the win by just over 2 minutes after 5 laps. Sue McIntyre (Newdales Giant) lead home the 40+ women.

Andrew Manning (Team CCN) was the early leader in the veterans race but Lloyd Bettles (Numplumz)caught him on lap 5, Bettles lost a little ground again on lap 6 but came back to take the win on the line. Jason Peters (Cycles UK) finished 3^rd.

Dennis Dix (Chelmer Cycles), Philip Buick (Salsa Factory Racing) and Ian Robson (MTS Cyclesport) took the podium positions in the grand veterans race.

Fabulous weather, a great atmosphere, a good venue and a competitive turnout of riders made this a superb start to the 6 race series. Next round is at Thetford Forest on May 8^th – if last years course is anything to go by it’s guaranteed to be another top venue and a top days racing.

MSG Eastern: Hylands Park Post Event Info

2011-04-11T08:25:00.000+01:00

Thank you for supporting the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series!

Results
To find out where you came click here

Photos
Click here to check out the photos from Hylands Park

Look forward to seeing you on Sunday 8th May in Thetford...

MSG Eastern: Hylands Pre Event Info

2011-04-06T14:15:00.005+01:00

Online registration is now closed for MSG Eastern Region MTB Series: Hylands Park (Sunday 10th April 2011). We have receive a record amount of pre entries with over 200 riders, however there is still space for a few more on the day. Payment will be by cash only.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday,

MSG Team

Let the racing begin!

2011-03-30T12:10:00.000+01:00

WARM UP: Have you found your racing groove?

This weekend saw the final round of the warm up series. With over 400 riders competing across three events, I hope you agree that the new series was a great success! The Warm-Up Series Standings are now online and can be access by clicking here

EASTERN REGION MTB SERIES: Two weeks till we get down to business…

Can you believe it - we are already at the start of the race season and less than two weeks off the first round at Hylands Park, Chelmsford Sunday 10th April!

There have been a number of developments of the 2011 series which we have outlined below:

- We have a new look sponsor line up with Phil’s Bike Company, Chelmer Cycles, Health Muscle and Fitness and Today’s Cyclist. All sponsors will be attending each event with stalls packed packed full of merchandise and special event day deals.

- The Grommets entry now includes a 1hr coaching session by professional British Cycling coaches. The coaching session will start at 10am with their race kicking off at 11.30am for everyone to see. Importantly, whilst the grommets are in their coaching session, parents will be available to ride in the Warrior race - meaning that the whole family can now get involved!

- The challenger and warrior race now start at 10am.

- There is now a grand vet (50 + yrs) category in the racer race for male and female riders.

- Event prizes this year will be bespoke mud sweat and gears medals - with snazzy looking trophies for the series winners.

EASTERN: Sign up soon to avoid disappointment!

With the series becoming more and more popular, we have capped the entry per race to ensure a quality race experience. The entry field will be capped as follows - 50 grommets, 50 challengers, 100 warriors and 150 racers. We strongly suggest therefore that you register for your chosen events as soon as possible, as once the event is full - it’s full.

WEEKDAY: Come down a join us for the weekday blast at Hylands Park…

On Wednesday evening before each of the Eastern Region MTB Races you will have the opportunity to make the most of the lighter evenings and have a guided tour of the course. Starting at 6pm and finishing just before sunset, The Weekday Blast will provide you with an opportunity to build your confidence, develop your skills and socialise with friends.

TRIPS: Fancy an action packed trip to the Pyrenees, France? Then get your entry in soon!

Entries to our action packed Pyrenees trip closes on Friday 8th April. At the barging price of £499 including guide, accommodation, food and transport - places are filling up fast - so please book on as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Look forward to seeing you soon,

Alistair and the MSG Team

Brought to you by Essex Outdoors and Essex Legacy

www.mudsweatgears.co.uk

MSG Warm Up: Writtle Post Event

2011-03-29T08:40:00.007+01:00

Thank you for supporting the Mud Sweat and Gears: Warm Up Series R3 at Writtle College! Now you are all warmed up and into your racing groove we look forward to seeing you all at R1 of MSG Eastern Region MTB Series at Hylands Park, Chelmsford on 10th April.

Results
To find out where you came click here
Results analysis by xcenduro.co.uk

Photos
To check you and your mates out in action click here and here

Series Standings
To check out your series standing please click here

MSG Team

MSG Warm Up: Writtle College: Pre Event Info

2011-03-23T07:08:00.002Z

Online registration is now closed for MSG Warm Up: Writtle college (Sunday 27th March 2011). On the day entries will be available however.The price for on the day entries will be: £10 for 20mins and £15 for 40/90mins. Payment will be by cash only.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday,

MSG Team

MSG Warm Up: Danbury Post Event Info

2011-03-14T07:56:00.007Z

Thank you for supporting the Mud Sweat and Gears: Warm Up Series R2 at Danbury Outdoors! We look forward to welcoming you to the final round on Sunday 27th March at Writtle College, Chelmsford.

Results
To find out where you came click here
Results analysis by xcenduro.co.uk

Photos
To check you and your mates out in action click here

Series Standings
To check out your series standing so far please click here

MSG Team

MSG Warm Up: Danbury Pre Event Info

2011-03-09T11:37:00.001Z

Online registration is now closed for MSG Warm Up: Danbury Outdoors (Sunday 13th March 2011). On the day entries will be available, but with a 100 riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £10 for 20mins and £15 for 40/90mins. Payment will be by cash only.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday,

MSG Team

MSG Warm Up: Hylands Post Event Info

2011-03-07T09:05:00.006Z

Thank you for supporting the Mud Sweat and Gears: Warm Up Series R1 at Hylands Park! We look forward to welcoming you to the next round next weekend at Danbury Outdoors, Chelmsford (13/03/2011)!

Results
To find out where you came click here
Results analysis from http://xcenduro.co.uk/

Photos
Click here to check out the photos from Hylands Park
Click here to check out more photos from Hylands Park

Series Standings
We will upload the series stangings after the 2nd round.

See you soon!

MSG Team

MSG Warm Up: Hylands Pre-Event Info

2011-03-02T07:49:00.005Z

Online registration is now closed for MSG Warm Up: Hylands Park (Sunday 6th March 2011). On the day entries will be available, but with over 100 riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £10 for 20mins and £15 for 40/90mins. Payment will be by cash only.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday,

MSG Team

Welcome to Mud Sweat and Gears 2011!

2011-02-01T13:31:00.000Z

I have the pleasure in announcing Mud Sweat and Gears 2011! We hope you are as excited as we are about what we have planned for this year and we look forward to seeing you on the start line at the first Warm-Up event in March,

Warm-Up Series
The warm-up series has been designed to build confidence and fitness before the start of the race season. The courses are shorter and less technical , but will provide you with a fantastic platform to get you into your racing groove!

Eastern Region MTB Series
Eastern Region MTB Series offers riders of all abilities the chance to test their fitness, nerve and bike handling skills at six great courses throughout Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. The series brings together established venues such as Thetford Forest and Langdon Hills alongside an exciting newer courses, so whether you like free flowing trails or a tighter, more technical circuit, there is something for everyone.

Summer Enduro
For those riders that prefer to go the distance - we have a brand new event for this year! With 6hr, 8hr and 10hr races available, the summer enduro will provide you with ultimate test of endurance.

Weekday Blast
On the Wednesday before each major race you will have the opportunity to have a guided tour of the course. Starting at 6pm and finishing just before sunset, The Weekday Blast will provide you with an opportunity to build your confidence, develop your skills and socialise with friends.

Trips
In addition to offering events, we have also developed a number of fully inclusive action-packed MTB trips to Wales and France.

Alistair, Mud Sweat and Gears

MSG 2010 Series Standings

2010-10-13T09:01:00.000+01:00

Click here to download the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series 2010 Series Standings

Any questions please e-mail alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

Message of thanks...

2010-10-12T09:03:00.002+01:00

wow what a season - I hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have! Thanks to your support and enthusiasm, Mud Sweat and Gears has grown from a one off event in 2008 to a six stage series which spans across the Eastern Region with an average of 270 riders per event! This growth is tremendously exciting and we cannot wait to get stuck into next year to offer you even more.

In particular I would like to pay special thanks to our partners TROGs, Thetford MTB Racing, Essex Outdoors, Codham Park, Trailnet, sportessex, Chelmsford Borough Council, British Cycling and Timelaps. I was also like to thank our sponsors Phil's Bike Company, Bike Art, Danbury Cycles, Chelmer Cycles, Herongate Cycles and Chelmer Village Opticians for their support!

With regards to 2011 - we are working hard on securing dates. We hope to advertise provisional dates for 2011 in the next month or so, with the official launch of the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series 2011 in the new year. If you have any thoughts on next year and how we can develop the series please e-mailing me direct on alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

Thank you again for your support and we hope you have had an enjoyable 2010 Series,

All the best for the winter months and good luck for those racing in the Thetford Winter Series!

Alistair

MSG Hylands: Post Event Info

2010-10-11T09:42:00.004+01:00

Thank you for supporting the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series!

Results
To find out where you came click here

Photos
Click here to check out the photos from Hylands Park - more photos to follow soon

Hylands Feedback
Click here to share your thoughts on the event and how we can improve it

MSG Hylands Pre Event Information

2010-10-06T13:13:00.006+01:00

Online registration is now closed for Hylands Park. On the day entries will be available, but with over 180 riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £5 Grommets, £15 for Challengers and £25 for Warriors / Racers. Payment will be by cash or cheque.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

- To check out the current series standings click here

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday,

MSG Team

Calling all Volunteers.

2010-09-24T15:12:00.001+01:00

Would you like to get involved in helping at an event? If so then Chelmsford Borough Council requires volunteers to help at the upcoming final MSG event at Hylands Park on Sunday 10th October. We have a fantastic 6.5km circuit in place but we need people to marshal the course to maintain the safety of the riders and public.

Should you be unable to help on the day but would still like to get involved then help would be more than welcomed in setting up the course on Saturday 9th October. Please see below for times etc.

Details:
- Event: Mud, Sweet and Gears MTB races at Hylands Park
- Venue: Hylands Park
- Date and Time: Sunday 10th October, 9am to 3:30pm
- Responsibilities: To help marshal the event. This may involve being situated on the course warning riders of an upcoming hazard, keeping riders on the course and dealing with any accidents. We will also require some car parking attendants.

If you are interested then please contact Matt Ewings on 01245 606635 or email matthew.ewings@chelmsford.gov.uk.

Series Standings!

2010-09-23T11:39:00.006+01:00

Click here to find out the current series standings!

- A riders best four race results go forward to the series standings.
- Series trophies will be presented to the top three riders in each category at Hylands (10/10/10). Series podiums will follow the Hylands race podiums.
- To be considered for the podium you must have competed in at least four races.
- If two or more riders have the same points in their category then their series position will be based their position at Hylands i.e. rider 'a' and 'b' have the same points/position in the series but rider 'a' beat rider 'b' at Hylands then rider 'a' will be positioned above rider 'b' in the series.

Any questions or issues with the standings please contact alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

MSG Langdon Hills: Post Event Info

2010-09-13T15:52:00.006+01:00

Thank you for supporting the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series! We look forward to welcoming you to the last round in at Hylands Park, Chelmsford in October!

Results
To find out where you came click here

Photos
Click here to check out the photos from Langdon Hills

Series Standings
Coming soon!

Langdon Feedback
Click here to share your thoughts on the event and how we can improve it

MSG Langdon Hills: Pre Event Info

2010-09-13T15:50:00.005+01:00

Online registration is now closed for Langdon Hills. On the day entries will be available, but with over 200 riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £5 Grommets, £15 for Challengers and £25 for Warriors / Racers. Payment will be by cash or cheque.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday,

MSG Team

Langdon 'Hills'

2010-09-07T08:47:00.004+01:00

The penultimate stage of the Mud Sweat and Gears is going old school with Langdon Hills as its host. Langdon Hills has been hosting MTB events since the 1980s and is renowned for its challenging accents and fast flowing docents! Don’t take our word for it though– check out the topology by clicking here. If you would like to ride the course before race day we are running a weekday blast on the wednesday evening before the race (click here for more info) and to secure your entry to the main event please click here.

The Weekday Blast Continues...!

2010-08-25T15:58:00.005+01:00

Make the most of the autumn evenings and join us for a weekday blast around Langdon Hills and Hylands Park!

The Weekday Blast around Codham was so popular that we are going to run one weekday event in the build up to Langdon Hills and two weekday events in the build up to Hylands Park. The Weekday Blast is not a race and you will therefore not be timed, given a number or competing for a podium position – it is simply an opportunity for you to learn the course, practice your skills, develop your fitness and socialise with friends. Riding will begin at 6pm, but do not worry if you miss the start as we will be back at the start point every 20 minutes to guide new people around the course (course closes at 7:30pm, Park gates close at 8pm).

Dates

Weds 15th September 2010 - Langdon Hills

Weds 22nd September 2010 - Hylands Park

Weds 29th September 2010 - Hylands Park

Registration

http://mudsweatgears.sxevents.co.uk/weekday.php

Tour of Britain comes to the Essex!!!

2010-08-20T08:53:00.006+01:00

The Tour of Britain is coming to Essex

On 17 September 100 of the world’s best cyclists will be lining up in Bury St Edmunds for the start of the seventh stage of The Tour of Britain to Colchester.

It’s going to be a great day for Essex as The Tour of Britain, the UK’s biggest professional bike race, weaves its way across the Suffolk & Essex county border; racing through the heartland of Essex and building to an exciting finale in the heart of Colchester.

Spectators are encouraged to get close to the action by lining the route to watch this exhilarating road race and to join in with the finish line festivities at Colchester’s Castle Park.

The race starts in Bury St Edmunds at 10:15 and will finish at East Hill in Colchester at 13:40

For more information about the Bury St Edmunds to Colchester stage of the Tour of Britain, head to: http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/

Series Standings

2010-08-18T08:44:00.001+01:00

Click here to check out the series standings.

Any questions please e-mail alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

Codham Park: Post Event Info

2010-08-16T09:12:00.003+01:00

Thank you for supporting the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series! We look forward to welcoming you to the next round at Langdon Hills, Thurrock in September!

Results
To find out where you came click here

Photos
Click here to check out the photos from Codham

Codham Feedback
Click here to share your thoughts on the event and how we can improve it

MSG Codham: Pre Event Information

2010-08-11T15:15:00.003+01:00

Online registration is now closed for Codham Park. On the day entries will be available, but with over 150 riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £5 Grommets, £15 for Challengers and £25 for Warriors / Racers. Payment will be by cash or cheque.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this weekend,

MSG Team

MTB events for young people new to racing

2010-08-03T16:50:00.002+01:00

During August Chelmsford Borough Council and British Cycling are organizing 3 youth mountain bike races. These races are classed as go-ride races by British Cycling aimed at children that are new to racing or have little racing experience. More information can be found here: http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/gorideracing

Dates and venues:
Tuesday 10th August, Springfield Hall Park, Chelmsford (CM1 7QE).
Tuesday 17th August, Danbury Outdoors, Chelmsford (CM3 4AB).
Tuesday 24th August, Danbury Outdoors, Chelmsford (CM3 4AB).

All races start at 6:30pm (suggest you arrive between 5:30 – 6pm to get registered and warmed-up)

£1 to enter

Age categories are: U16, U14, U12, U10, U8 boys and girls (some categories may be combined).

Remember to bring your bike and a helmet.

Bring the attached entry form along with you on the day, or send to British Cycling, 17 Orchard Road, Melbourn, Royston Herts SG8 6HL.

If you’d like anymore information please feel free to contact me.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Kind regards

Matt Ewings
Cycling Development Officer
Chelmsford Borough Council
01245 606635
matthew.ewings@chelmsford.gov.uk

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/cycling

Series Standings

2010-08-03T08:38:00.000+01:00

Please click here to find out the current series standings. Any issues please contact alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

The Weekday Blast: Codham Park

2010-07-26T12:36:00.008+01:00

Make the most of the summer and join us for a weekday blast around Codham Park

Just a quick reminder that ‘The Weekday Blast’ starts this Wednesday (28th July). The Weekday Blast will provide you with an opportunity to ride sections of the Codham Park course prior to the main event on Sunday 15th August. We will also provide you with an opportunity to practise your mass starts at 7pm, but do not worry if you miss the start or would prefer not to start on mass as you can join the course anytime from 19:05 to 20:15 (course closes at 20:30).

For more information and to register please click here.

Below are some pictures of Billy Whenman riding the course / providing feedback back in May...

Look forward to seeing you this Wednesday,

Danbury: Post Event Info...

2010-07-19T08:27:00.005+01:00

Thank you for supporting the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series! The Series is going from strength to strength and we look forward to welcoming you to the next round at Codham Park, Braintree, Essex on Sunday 15th August! If you would like to ride the Codham Park course and join use for a weekday ride please check out 'The Weekday Blast' section on the website. Look forward to seeing you soon...

Danbury Results
To find out where you came click here

Danbury Photos
To check out and purchase photos from Danbury click here

Danbury Feedback
Click here to share your thoughts on the event and how we can improve it

Danbury Outdoors: Pre Event Information

2010-07-14T09:07:00.004+01:00

- Online registration is now closed for Danbury Outdoors. On the day entries will be available, but with over 200 riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £5 Grommets, £15 for Challengers and £25 for Warriors / Racers. Payment will be by cash or cheque.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this weekend,

MSG Team

Danbury Preview

2010-06-28T15:33:00.008+01:00

Mud Sweat and Gears is going back to its roots with Round 3 taking place at Danbury Outdoors, Essex! With some new additions for 2010, this park based course will test your fitness and bike handing skills through some technically challenging sections. Test your bravery as you manoeuvre through the trees and branches and then speed downhill over free flowing grass areas! Also thrown into the mix are some lung bursting tough uphill and off camber slopes.

Check the photos from last years event below...

Series standings so far...

2010-06-28T15:27:00.001+01:00

Please click here to find out the current series standings. Any queries please contact alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

Thetford: Post Event Information

2010-06-14T08:55:00.007+01:00

Wow - what a day of racing! We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. With our highest entry to date (over 300 riders!) the Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series is going from strength to stength - and we thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at the next round at Danbury Outdoors, Chelmsford - Sunday 18th July!

Thetford Results
To find out where you came click here

Thetford Photos
To check out and purchase photos from Tunstall click here

Thetford Feedback
Click here to share your thoughts on the event and how we can improve it

Thetford Race Report
http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/mtb/article/mtb20100617--Report--Eastern-Region-XC-Round-2-0

Series Standings
Coming soon...

Thetford: Pre Event Information

2010-06-09T09:26:00.009+01:00

- Online registration is now closed for Thetford Forest. On the day entries will be available, but with over 200 riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £5 Grommets, £15 for Challengers and £25 for Warriors / Racers. Payment will be by cash or cheque.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To check your entry and find out who has pre-registered click here

Look forward to seeing you this weekend,

MSG Team

Online registrations closing this Wednesday for Thetford!

2010-06-07T14:05:00.003+01:00

If you keen to race this weekend we strongly suggest you register online before 9.00am on Wednesday, as we already have over 200 riders pre-registered and on the day registrations are not guaranteed (and will be significantly more expensive). Pre event information will be sent out to all riders this Wednesday (via email).

We look forward to seeing you this weekend,

MSG Team

MSG: Series Standings

2010-05-07T14:37:00.003+01:00

To find out the current Series standings click here

Remember - the Series is based on your top four results! Any questions please contact alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

Tunstall: Post Event Information

2010-05-04T15:21:00.006+01:00

Thanks to all those that braved the rain and supported the 1st round in the Mud Sweat and Gears Eastern Region MTB Series. We hope you enjoyed it. Check out below for the results, photos and feedback process...

Results
To find out where you came click here

Photos
To check out and purchase photos from Tunstall click here

Feedback
Click here to share your thoughts on the event and how we can improve

Race Report
by Chris Reeves, Loughborough Students Cycling Club

http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/mtb/article/mtb20100505--Report--Eastern-XC-Round-1-0

A very wet Sunday the 2nd of May brought round 1 of the Mud Sweat and Gears Series of races in the East of England. With a selection of races on offer and a large number of pre-entries to the race, the weather didn’t seem to stop people turning up to have a go at racing in the torrential rain and the mud that was brought along with this. The TROGs (Tunstall and Rendalsham Off Road Group) had spent some considerable time sorting out the 4.5 mile race course, and their efforts went well received to the 200 or so riders than turned up.

The first race starting at 10am saw the “Grommets” race for under 12’s with a field of 12 boys and 5 girls racing round a specially shortened course. After 8 laps of a wet course, George Finch claimed victory only 18 seconds in front of 2nd place Josh Peters with the final podium spot taken by Jordon Beighton. Isobel Gordon won the girls under 12 with Jessica Creiske only 14 seconds behind in 2nd place and Rebecca Tyler riding for the local TROGs taking the final podium spot.

The next race starting at 11am saw no easing up of the rain and the course being gradually made more and more muddy as more riders went round the course churning up the mud and making it a very slippery affair. The “Warrior” race for 17+ saw a crowd of well over 50 battling through mud, trying to keep their bike upright for a total of 3 laps. The Youth and Juvenile categories were set off 5 minutes later for a race of 2 laps. Sean Dunlea brought home the win in the Juvenile Male with James Thorpe not far behind in 2nd place and Rebecca Beard won the Juvenile Female race. For the Youth Male, a close battle between Jack Finch and Callum Riley saw Jack Finch win the race and local TROG, Lewis Parker brought in the final podium position. The Warrior racers saw Daniel Collins win the Senior Male Category and another TROG Jodie Cole win the Senior Female Category, the Vets Category was won by Antony Bensley for the men and Jackie Field for the females.

It was 1pm before the finale of racing began, it was still raining and the course was now very muddy and churned up, but all credit to the TROGs, it was still rideable and racing round it reminded me of Mountain Mayhem 2008 mudfest! This race is open to Elite / Expert Men as well as the inexperienced rider, and just about every type of rider lined up for the 7 lap for men or 6 lap for women race. The warm up strategy for me was to stay in the car as long as possible and spend the least amount of time waiting for the start getting wet and cold! The race went off with a bang, I wasn’t very far up the front due to leaving it late to line up, and then off the start line it took me ages to finally clip into my pedals, thereby leaving me halfway back in the crowd, the first bit of singletrack then bottle-necked and saw 50% of people run through cyclocross style in the mud as it was quicker! The race opened up, my strategy was to keep steady as the mud was very energy sapping, but even so I actually needed to use some energy gels round the course for the final couple of laps to keep me going, and the 7th and final lap was murderous. In the end Billy Whenman won the overall race a good 2 minutes in front of second place Glenn Stanford. I personally finished 7th – absolutely dead, no brake pads left and my back in agony, oh and covered in mud; only 20 people out of the 108 people managed to do 7 laps, the course was difficult with all the mud – the trick mostly being to keep the bike upright and not slip over. The Female Senior Winner was Laura Sampson, and for the Vets John McAndrew won with Andrew Manning taking 2nd.

Overall despite the weather being terrible for a summer race series, a lot of riders turned up raced their hardest against other riders and the elements. A big thankyou to SportsEssex, all sponsors involved and the TROGs for organising a course that despite the weather making it stupidly muddy, was still rideable. Let’s hope the weather for round 2 involved some sun!

Riders Comments:

Billy Whenman (Overall Winner)– Yeah, it was a good race. I decided to start at the back of the group to give myself a bit of a challenge, and it took me a lap and half before I was up front. I also had my tyres up rock hard which made it more difficult to control, but it’s all good training for National Points Series next weekend!

Callum Riley (Second Place Youth) – It was really muddy, my tyres uphill would just spin round and round, but I’m happy with second place, it’s only my second race as a sponsored rider and I was quite close to the winner for most of the race.

Look forward to seeing you in June,

MSG Team

Tunstall: Pre Event Information

2010-04-28T14:35:00.003+01:00

- Online registration is now closed for Tunstall Forest. On the day entries will be available, but with 100s of riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen race as a first come first serve will be implemented.The price for on the day entries will be: £5 Grommets, £15 for Challengers and £25 for Warriors / Racers. Payment will be by cash or cheque.

- To find out the specific location and other pre event information click here

- To find out who has pre-registered for Tunstall click here

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday,

MSG Team

Tunstall Camping

2010-04-27T09:19:00.002+01:00

We have been asked by several riders if camping is available. Unfortunately camping is not available on site - however there are several local campsites. We have phone round a few - and they are looking v busy - but there appears to be availability @ Gralyns Caravan Park / 01394 420728

MSG Team

Online registration for Tunstall is closing this Wednesday!

2010-04-26T07:37:00.003+01:00

If you keen to race next weekend we strongly suggest you register online before 9.00am this Wednesday, as we already have over 200 riders pre-registered and on the day registrations are not guaranteed (and will be significantly more expensive).

The specific location of the Tunstall course and further pre event information will be sent out to all riders this Weds also.

We look forward to seeing you this weekend,

MSG Team

Tunstall: Places filling fast...

2010-04-19T10:11:00.002+01:00

Places are filling up fast for the opening round! Please sign up soon to avoid disappointment...

Look forward to seeing you soon,

MSG Team!

Tunstall Forest Preview!

2010-04-12T11:25:00.025+01:00

The wait is nearly over. We are now three weeks away from the start of the new look Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB Series. With the courses set, the sponsors confirmed and riders signing up in their droves – the stage is now set an epic summer of racing! To celebrate the countdown – the TROGs aka 'Tunstall and Rendalsham Off Road Group', have provided us with a sneak preview of their brand new course in Tunstall Forest which will stage Round 1 of the 2010 Series.

Technical Considerations

2010-04-07T08:31:00.002+01:00

First and full most, Mud Sweat and Gears has been designed to be fun for all, and by no means should riders worry themselves with the below information, as it will all be managed on the day by the Race Director and British Cycling. But for those who will be taking their racing seriously, a comprehensive guide has been developed below:

Start

To start each race the officials will call all ‘challenges’, ‘warriors’ or ‘racers’ to the start area. They will then call up each category at a time – gridding (from round 2 onwards) the top 16 series contenders at the front. From there the category will then start the race on mass.

If there are fewer than 5 individuals in any category they may be combined with the alternate male/female category.

Given the fun theme to the grommets race there will be no gridding and both male/female categories will start together on mass.

Laps

Riders will race for a predetermined number of laps (notified on the day) with the winners being those who complete their designated laps in the quickest time. When the first rider has completed all the predetermined laps for their category, all riders of that category will be asked to finish at the end of their current lap.

Series Placings

Series points will be awarded to the top 50 riders in each category for each race. The top three in each category at each event will be awarded shop vouchers. The top three in each category for the Series will receive Mud Sweat and Gears: Eastern Region MTB League trophies. Final series rankings will be based on a rider’s best 4 events.

British Cycling Rankings

As far as our races are concerned we have kept our categories simple. However, we understand that some of you are interested in British Cycling ranking points for your specific BC category and we want to help you get these. All entrants holding a racing licence placing in the top 15 (Regional A level) of their respective BC categories in the Racer race will therefore gain BC ranking points (we send off the results to BC and they do the rest).

For round 4 – Codham Park we have managed to get Regional Championship status thus meaning that ranking points will go down to 40th place and first place will receive 60 points (double that of the other rounds).

A racing licence is not compulsory but is necessary to gain British Cycling ranking points. To see the benefits of becoming a British Cycling member including the option of purchasing a racing licence go to www.britishcycling.org.uk/membership.

Wanted!

2010-03-23T11:32:00.000Z

Wanted!
Venues and Event Partners

Mud Sweat and Gears has evolved from a one off event in 2008, to a three stage Essex series in 2009 and then to a six stage Eastern Region Series in 2010. The organisers are keen to maintain this momentum and are looking for new venues and event partners for 2011 and beyond.

If you know of a great venue, which may be race ready or require some work, please do get in contact with us. In particular we are looking at venues in the East and South East – but we are not closed to suggestions outside of this area.

Alongside this demand for venues, we are also keen to talk to any clubs, organisations and individuals who are keen to take a lead in course design and construction as well as supplying marshals and help with event promotion.

So if you are keen to support MTB racing for all abilities and ages and know of a venue or/and people who would be willing to become part of the MSG team, then please do get in contact Alistair on alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

British Cycling MTB needs you!

2010-02-12T16:10:00.000Z

Do you support more mountain bike racing for all?

Do you spend your weekends watching your husband/wife/son/daughter racing mountain bikes and want to do something different?

Do you want to give something back to your sport?

Then British Cycling MTB needs you!

We are training more race commissaries/judges* to make sure that our events run smoothly and safely as well as being super fun for everyone.
Your local course is taking place on 6th March at Gosling Sports Park, Welwyn Garden City** contact rachelfenton@britishcycling.org.uk Tel: 07940302228

* For more information on commissairing please see www.britishcycling.org.uk click on the site menu and choose ‘Volunteers’.
**Courses are free of charge but we would like attendees to sign up for 2010 events

MTB goes East Side!

2010-02-08T15:46:00.002Z

Building on the success of last year's three race Essex series, the Mud Sweat and Gears organisers have spread their wings and signed up Thetford MTB Racing and the Tunstall and Rendlesham Offroad Group (TROG) as partners for 2010 as well as expanding their relationship with Chelmsford Borough Council to include Hylands Park in Essex. The resulting six races form the first Eastern XC series since 2003.

The expanded series covers Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk and has everything from technically challenging single track, to long open downhills and testing climbs. Each venue promises to provide the rider with a unique challenge.

Alistair Russell, Events Manager for sportessex and Mud Sweat and Gears Series Director:
‘Despite its growth, Mud Sweat and Gears will remain fun for all. We continue to be proud of our youth and grass roots following, but as well as providing a good event for them we are keen to attract more experienced racers and to take on a greater status within the racing calendar. We want each event to be a good day out for all the family whatever level of race you are entering.'

Because of the series grass roots background the race format is subtlety different from any of the other UK regional series. There are four races within each event: 'Grommets' for the under 12s 'Challenger' for the under 16s 'Warrior' for the beginner or fun racer and then in the afternoon the 'Racer' category where BC ranking points will be available.
For more information on this format and other aspects of the racing please see www.mudsweatgears.co.uk.

Rachel Fenton, Eastern Regional Events Officer for British Cycling:
'BC are proud to be a partner of the new and improved ‘Mud, Sweat and Gears’ Eastern MTB Series. With the Olympic Mountain Biking races being held in Essex in 2012 we hope more people, from all backgrounds will want to give the sport a go and now they will have the opportunity to do just that right here in the East. As an MTBer myself I’m looking forward to being able to go to more events closer to home. The MSG team are doing a tremendous job at providing for grassroots and competitive riders, offering a unique format at a number of incredible MTB venues!

2010 Provisional Dates...

2010-01-14T14:35:00.009Z

Happy New Year!

The MSG team are working hard to confirm dates for the 2010. To give you an idea of what we have planned please check out the provisional dates below.

Sun May 2nd; Tunstall Forest, Suffolk

Sun June 13th; Thetford Forest, Norfolk

Sun July 18th; Danbury Outdoors, Essex

Sun Aug 15th; Codham Park, Essex

Sun Sep 19th; Langdon Hills, Essex

Sun Oct 10th; Hylands Park, Essex

Cheers for now

MSG Update...

2009-10-20T15:14:00.002+01:00

Firstly before we update you on next years events – the event organisers would like to take this opportunity to thank all the riders and their followers for their support over the summer months. The series has gone from strength to strength with over 600 riders completing across all three events. In particular the youth involvement has been amazing and a real testament to the MTB community of Essex.

Despite the success – we appreciate there is plenty of room for improvement and again the event organisers would like to apologies for the timing issues we had at Langdon Hills. We take the matter of timing very seriously and we are already in negotiations with a number of professional timing contractors for next years series.

With regards to next year - it was mentioned at the last event that the event organisers were attempting to pull together a winter series. Unfortunately despite the team’s best efforts this was not possible. However – we are working hard to develop the series for 2010 - with a number of additional courses and formats! So watch this space as all will be revealed in the New Year…

Have a great winter and look forward to seeing you again in 2010!!!

MSG Team

MSG and ERMBL Podiums Pictures!

2009-10-15T12:21:00.001+01:00

Click here to access photos of the MSG Series and ERMBL Podiums!

Eastern Region MTB League Standings!

2009-09-30T18:02:00.002+01:00

Click here to download the Eastern Region MTB League standings... any issues please contact geoff@trailnet.org.uk

MSG Series Standings

2009-09-28T11:15:00.004+01:00

Click here to download the MSG Series Standings... any issues please contact geoff@trailnet.org.uk

An apology

2009-09-22T19:36:00.001+01:00

Further to our apology on Sunday – the race organisers would like to formally apologies to all riders at Langdon Hills for the timing system failure, which meant despite having all the results we were unable to announce the winners of the race, the series and the Eastern Region MTB League. We take your times very seriously and are working hard to rectify the problem.

As it stands – the current situation is this:

Tuesday: Provisional Langdon Hills results published on MSG website and await feedback from riders.

Wednesday: Finalise Langdon Hills results

Thursday - Develop Series / League Standings

Monday: Publish Series and League Standings (we hope to get them online before Monday but we cannot guarantee this as they need to be reviewed by third parties).

With the results announced and finalised the Series Director will coordinate the Langdon Hills, MSG Series and Eastern Region MTB League podium as promised where £400 worth of Herongate Cycles vouchers will be presented to the Langdon Hills winners, £1000 worth of Danbury Cycles vouchers will be presented to the series winners and trophies presented to winners of the Eastern Region MTB League. Photos and press releases from the podiums will also be published on the website.

To reiterate - we take the responsibility of timing very seriously and are working hard to rectify the current situation and taking proactive steps towards ensuring the timing issues riders have faced are not continued at future events. We hope that despite this however– you had a positive riding experience at Langdon Hills and are keen to continue to support the Series.

Langdon Hills: Results and Photos...

2009-09-22T08:34:00.011+01:00

Results can be located on the MSG website by clicking here

Photos can be located on the MSG website by clicking here

Langdon Hills: Pre Event Information

2009-09-17T11:11:00.004+01:00

To help clarify the details for the Langdon Hills the organisers have pulled together a pre-event information pack... which can be accessed by clicking here

Some riders have expressed concern that the 40min, 1hr and 2hr categories will be starting together at 2pm. The event organisers are confident that the course will be able to cope with the mass start and if necessary will stagger the start to prevent congestion. The series contenders will also be brought to the front of the pack.

Please note that there was a small typo in the orginal pre event pack sent out to pre-registered riders. The brieifing for the 1hr race will be at the same time as the 40mins and 2hr @ 1.50pm.

Look forward to seeing you this weekend,

Langdon Hills - much more than a race!

2009-09-11T13:05:00.005+01:00

The MSG Langdon Hills event is incorporated within the Havoc on the Hill. Alongside the MSG event in the afternoon there will be family fun rides, the infamous hill challenge as well as free bike checks, refreshments, massage therapist and fourcross demonstrations throughout the day!
Please see the action packed itinerary below...

10:00 to 12:00 -Family Activity Trail

A family bike ride with a difference. Follow a route through the woods and find the hidden bases where you can attempt a number of creative and challenging tasks set by members of Thameside Sea scouts. Prizes for all children who complete at least one task. Entry fee is £3 per child with accompanying adults taking part for free. All proceeds go to support the Seascouts.

10.00 to close - Four Cross Demonstration / Have a go!

At this years Langdon hills event the Essex mountain bike community will be introduced to the world of Fourcross. This 'ultimate off-road experience' is perfect for anybody who would like nothing more than to throw themselves down steep, muddy tracks on four wheels! Demonstrations and have a go sessions will start from 10am - so get down early and get involved with the 'rough riders'!

11:30 to 12:30 - Hill Climb Challenge.

A chance to tackle the notorious climb to the summit of One Tree Hill. It may be less than 400 yards but the lactate will really kick in after about halfway and it's all pain from there. Have as many attempts as you like at just £1 a go and see if you can win the prize for the most powerful rider.

ESSEX MTB ENDURO: MUD SWEAT AND GEARS

As with every event in the series, Langdon Hills promises to provide you with something different. With a scenic combination of woodland, open fields, forest paths and single track your fitness will be tested by a number of lung busting climbs and fast technical descents. To check out the course please click here...

13.00 - 13.20 - Under 12s Mud Sweat and Gears Event / Podium

14.00 - 16.00 - 40mins, 1hr and 2hr Mud Sweat and Gears Events

16.30 - 17.00 - Podiums

See you on Sunday 20th September!

The MSG series standings...

2009-09-02T16:37:00.004+01:00

Based on results from the Danbury Outdoors and Codham Park races the MSG team have formulated the current series standings. Being the first year of the series we are keen to receive your feedback on our approach via alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

Click here to download the current series standings (Danbury Outdoors and Codham Park).

Look forward to seeing you at Langdon Hills on Sunday 20th Septemer for the last race in the summer series!

Codham Park - Photos!

2009-08-10T11:18:00.002+01:00

Photos can be accessed and purchased from http://www.flashharryphotography.com/ (third party)

Codham Park - Results!

2009-08-10T10:50:00.002+01:00

Results for Codham Park can be located below...

All provisional…

20 min (under 12 yrs)

40 mins (12 – 16 yrs)

1hr (17+ yrs)

2hr (17+ yrs)

Any issues please contact alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

Codham Park pre-event information....

2009-08-05T15:39:00.001+01:00

To help clarify all the details for the Codham Park event the organisers have pulled together a pre-event information pack... which can be accessed by clicking on the below link...

http://mudsweatgears.sxevents.co.uk/preinfo/MSG_CodhamPark_Preeventinformation.pdf

See you there...

On the day entries available for Codham Park... but be quick!

2009-08-05T09:28:00.004+01:00

Online registration is now closed for Codham Park. On the day entries will be available, but with 100s of riders already signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen category as a first come first serve will be implemented.

The price for on the day entries will be... (20mins / £5) - (40mins / £10) - (1hr / 2hr - £20). Please bring cash or cheques (made payable to ‘Essex County Council’).

Preview Pictures of Codham Park...

2009-07-29T15:46:00.021+01:00

Check out below a few snaps taken of the Codham Park course (Beazley End, Braintree - Sunday 9th August)...

Be warned - we have only covered half of the course - ensuring the suspense is maintained - for the great unveiling of what has been described as the future 'mecca' of cycling in the Eastern Region!

Danbury Outdoors Photos now online!

2009-07-22T14:01:00.001+01:00

Check out the phots from the Danbury Outdoors event @ http://www.photoboxgallery.com/3007410

Happy viewing!

BBC Coverage of MSG at Danbury Outdoors!

2009-07-21T13:16:00.003+01:00

Check out the BBC Essex coverage of Mud Sweat and Gears at Danbury Outdoors @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/essex/content/image_galleries/mud_sweat_gears_gallery.shtml?1

On the day entries to Danbury will be available… but be quick!

2009-07-15T12:13:00.003+01:00

Online registration is now closed for Danbury Outdoors. On the day entries will be available, but with over 150 riders signed up and numbers strictly capped we strongly recommend that you arrive at the opening of registration for your chosen category as a first come first serve will be implemented.

The price for on the day entries will be...

- 20mins / £5
– 40mins / £10
– 1hr / £20
- 2hr / £20

Please bring cash or cheques (made payable to ‘Essex County Council’).

Look forward to seeing you this weekend...

Danbury Outdoors: Pre Event Info...

2009-07-13T14:22:00.002+01:00

To help clarify all the details for the Danbury event the organisers have pulled together a pre-event information pack... which can be accessed by clicking on the below link...

http://mudsweatgears.sxevents.co.uk/MSGDanbury2009_preeventinformation.pdf

Danbury online registration closing soon...

2009-07-08T13:12:00.002+01:00

Online registration for the Danbury Outdoors will close on Wednesday 15th July @ 12 noon. With over 100 riders already signed up we strongly recommend you register online asap as numbers are strictly capped and we cannot guarantee on the day entries will be available. Look forward to seeing you next weekend...

Video of Billy Whenman riding Danbury!

2009-06-30T10:53:00.002+01:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN4MMtuTcck

Happy viewing! Check out the interview and pics of Billy below....

Eastern Region MTB League Preview with Billy Whenman!

2009-06-22T15:02:00.018+01:00

The wait is nearly over. We are now less than a month away from the start of the long awaited Eastern Region MTB League (ERMBL). With the courses set, the sponsors confirmed and riders signing up in their droves – the stage is now set for what has been described as one of the most exciting developments in the racing calendar!

After an absence of many years, the Eastern Region is once again going to have its own series of MTB races in 2009. Although there have been the hugely successful Thetford and Beastway series and assorted standalone events at Langdon Hills, Danbury and Letchworth, these four new and incorporated events are a welcome addition to the riding options in the area.

To celebrate the countdown – the league organisers invited Billy Whenman, one of Great Britain’s top 2012 hopefuls to Essex to have a sneak preview of the first event in the league – Danbury Outdoors, 19th July, Chelmsford, Mud Sweat and Gears.

1. So Billy – lets get straight to the point – what did you think of the Danbury course?

I must admit I was surprised! The course covers a large area – offering a great mix of open and single track – which flows really well – creating a very fast and unrelenting course!

2. How does the course compare to other XC courses?

Really well! It is certainly on up there with the best - bringing something different and unique to the calendar!

3. What part of the course did you find most challenging?

All of it – it’s relentless with no let up!

4. If you were to give riders one tip for the Danbury course – what would it be?

Travel down to the night before – ride the course and take advantage of the over night camping – then blast out a record time on race day!

5. You ride both road and MTB – how do you find the transfer between the two disciplines?

I train 6 days a week – 3 days on the mountain bike and 3 the road bike – this means I can jump from one to the other easily. Road cycling helps my mountain biking, developing my endurance whilst mountain biking helps my road cycling, building up power. Importantly, the variation keeps things interesting!

6. How helpful are regional leagues in the progression riders from the grassroots to the national stage?

Massively! First and full most - it provides everyone with an opportunity enjoy the sport, experience racing and develop as riders. From there – it enables riders to gain points and enter the national leagues – and potentially go professional.

What’s particularly interesting about the ERMBL however is that we could have someone completely unknown compete in this year’s league, and potentially represent Great Britain at Hadleigh, Essex in London 2012!

7. What advice would you give riders who are competing in the league for the first time?

Take a ride around the course before you start, practicing certain areas which are challenging. Try not to focus on the league – but the job in hand and most importantly – don’t get carried away – you only win by enjoying it!

8. Lastly but most importantly - will you be competing in this year’s league?

I am defiantly racing two of the four races – awaiting confirmation from my sponsors if I am available to race in all four races. Bring it on!

BBC Coverage of the Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/essex/content/articles/2009/06/23/mud_sweat_gears_feature.shtml

When two wheels is not enough... MSG rides out with Fourcross

2009-06-17T08:52:00.003+01:00

At this years Langdon Hills Mud, Sweat & Gears event, the Essex mountain bike community will be introduced to the world of Fourcross. This ‘ultimate off-road experience’ is perfect for anybody who would like nothing more than to throw themselves down steep, muddy tracks on four wheels!

Fourcross is an ideal sport for both able bodied and disabled people who have a lust for real excitement! These unique new mountain bikes make the excitement of riding downhill mountain bike trails truly accessible for all. Four wheel mountain bikes are used largely but not exclusively by disabled riders. They cater for persons of all ages with varying disabilities (with a bit of bespoking). In order to be able to control the bikes users need to have use of the arms and hands. The bikes are primarily designed to use on downhill trails.

In partnership with sportessex, Rough Riderz, Trailnet and Danbury Cycles the Langdon Hills Mud, Sweat & Gears event will host a demonstration of Fourcross. Not only will you be able to see this sport up close, but also try out the bikes (subject to the bike fitting you appropriately) and find out more about the sport, riders and how you can get involved.

Off the back of this promotion, the series organisers are working hard to include Four Cross as a race category in next year’s series and looking in particular into the issues over access to fourcross bikes – so watch this space!

If you would like more information or register your interest please contact Alistair on 01245 702485, alistair.russell@sportessex.org.uk

National Bike Week 13 - 21st June!

2009-06-15T13:52:00.003+01:00

To celebrate National Bike Week - we are offering a 5% discount off all series entries!

To take advantage of this offer simply log on to http://www.mudsweatgears.co.uk/ and when entering your payment details type ‘bikeweek’ within the promotional code section.

Photos of the Danbury Outdoors course!

2009-06-09T14:36:00.009+01:00

During our most recent Danbury recce - we took the liberty of taking a few pics of the course - as you can see, despite the recent rainfall its bedding in well and looking great!!!

Timing systems...

2009-05-27T09:22:00.002+01:00

The Essex MTB Enduro series will be using the latest in timing systems. The 'Race Timing Systems' are modular allowing for participants to receive times per lap as well as overal time against laps completed. To find out more log onto... http://www.racetimingsystems.com/

Kukri confirms winning jersey design!

2009-05-26T14:01:00.000+01:00

Winners of the 1hr and 2hr categories will be presented with bespoke Mud Sweat and Gears jerseys. Kukri will also be using the summer series to launch its new cycle range, with discounts on the latest bespoke cycle wear!

Event Sponsors Confirmed!

2009-05-02T15:17:00.003+01:00

The series organisers are proud to announce this year’s events are sponsored by:

Danbury Cycles: Official sponsor of Danbury Outdoors

Chelmer Cycles: Official sponsor of Codham Park

Herongate Cycles: Official sponsor of Herongate Cycles

Sponsors will be offering £300 worth of prizes to category winners. All three sponsors will be present at all three events, supporting their riders and showing off their latest in MTB gear!

Series sponsors confirmed!

2009-05-01T15:03:00.003+01:00

Danbury Cycles have confirmed sponsorship of the series offering a total of £1000 worth of prizes for the overall Series Champion!