Held as before on the popular area of Cannock Chase the events will once again be focussed more towards the newbie or fun rider. At Run and Ride we really want to support the grass routes of mountain biking. The feedback from people who entered our last event (Winter Classic Feb 2013) was fantastic and for many riders it was their first ever race. People loved the fact that the event was really freindly and relaxed whilst the U10's and U13's race was a massive success. The event sold out in all but a few categories so beware that entries will go quick! 
We choose to run the categories a little different with an aim of suiting new comers or the less established racer. We also want to try and get closer racing making the whole event more fun to be part of and also to watch. At the Winter Classic we introduced a Fun category to fit in between the "First timers" and "Enthusiast". This helped improve the racing even further meaning the First Timer event was just for "First Timers".  A big change that we have made for the Summer Classic is by reducing the cost of the Women's races. Are aim is to encourage more girls and ladies to come and have ago to see if they like it. For that reason we've reduced entrent fees to £2.50 for categories Juvenille through to Fun class and then Enthusiast and Racing Snake have been reduced to just £10.00
The categories are:

U10's Boy & Girls (10 Minutes)
U13's Boy & Girls (15 Minutes)
Juvenile Male & Female (M - 2 laps / F - 1 lap)
Youth Male & Female (M - 2 laps / F - 2 laps)
Junior Male & Female (M - 3 laps  / F - 2 laps)
First Timers Male & Female (M - 2 laps / F - 1 laps)
Fun Male & Female (M - 3 laps / F - 2 laps)
Enthusiast Male & Female (M - 4 laps / F - 3 laps)
Pro & Racing Snakes Male & Female (M - 5 laps / F - 4 laps)

Another question that kept coming up was are we going to offer National Ranking Points. We understand that for hardcore racers offering points was an attraction but goes away from what we want to achieve by putting on these races, ie affordable racing suitable for fun and newcomers. We still offer categories for those hardcore racers and the prizes are still great but it's just not what the events are about.

Timing will be fully computerised with printed results available shortly after the last finisher. As with most events they'll also be available on the internet by Monday morning.
As for the course, expect a real mountain bike course. What do we mean by that? Well plenty of nice techy, but fast flowing singletrack. and some lung busting climbs mixed up with a few fire road sections. As with all our events we try to create a few new sections with the backing from the Forestry Commission ready for the event. If you are a newcomer don't be put off by the "real mountain bike" talk. Our course are 100% rideable by all levels and we don't put anything too dangerous in the course, plus anywhere that has a difficult section in will have a 'chicken route' alternative. The course will be around 5km in length and take an average of 15mins (Top riders) 30mins (first timers) to complete We'll have caterers, trade stands and the course is designed to suit spectators so why not bring along family and friends.
The venue at Tackeroo is ideal for holding events at. Easily accessible from the north or the south Tackeroo is around 15 minutes from the M6 motorway junctions at Cannock (South) or Stafford (North). Entry on the day will be available subject to categories not selling out. There will be a small surcharge.

Info for Riders

Facilities Toilets Camping - Why not make a weekend of it and over. You can pre ride the course or even ride the MTB trails during the saturday before sunday race day. Camping will cost of £2.50 per night Parking - There are lots of hard standing parking at the venue Food & Drink - we've managed to secure ‘real’ coffee car vendor, Per-Cup, to attend the event. For the true coffee lovers they'll be offering proper coffee. We'll also be offering a wide selection of home baked cakes & savoury treats. Onsite drink water - there are a number of taps around the parking area with fresh drinking water. Massage Therapy will be set up early Sunday morning offering pre-race treatment and post race treatments . The effects on the legs of a good massage cannot be under estimated. Run & Ride Store will be offering the essentials should you forget something and dare we say something breaks. Of course all will be at a reduce "special offer" rate.