Racing FAQ's
If we haven't answered your question send an e-mail to or read about How to Enter and Take Part.
- Do I get confirmation of entry?
- Can I enter on the day?
- How do I get started?
- Which category should I enter?
- How long is the course?
- Will I get lost?
- Will I get in the way of other racers if I'm slow?
- Are there specific feed zones?
- What sort of bike do I need?
- Is outside assistance allowed if I have a mechanical
- What should I wear?
- How do I go faster?
- Where can I practise?
- Where are the nearest Railway Stations?
- Am I insured?
- What facilities are there on-site?
- What safety cover is provided?
1. Do I get confirmation of entry?
You will receive automated confirmation emails from MBSA and PayPal confirming your payment which you should bring print off and bring with you to the event.
2. Can I enter on the day?
In some cases, entry on the day is available. The exceptions are the TORQ 3-6-9 and the Brass Monkeys Winter events which are by PRE-ENTRY ONLY.
3. How do I get started?
Just turn up in good time before your race starts. This gives you time to complete your entry form and pay, collect your race number, before going for a warm up ride and to practise the course. Then get yourself to the start line with ten minutes to spare.
4. Which category should I enter?
If you have never raced before or ride very infrequently enter then enter the Open 2 Laps or Open Female (also 2 laps). Most people who ride regularly at weekends are probably capable of 2 laps non-stop. You could always change categories at the next event.
5. How long is the course?
Cross country lap lengths are based on time more than distance, so an average rider would lap in 30 minutes, a fast rider in 22 to 24 minutes. This tends to equate to between 4 and 5 miles depending on the venue and trail conditions. Obviously, there are many variables that change this, so a practice lap is recommended to familiarise yourself. All categories race on the same length lap, there with shortened courses for younger riders.
The Endurance distances are specified in the relevant sections of the website.
6. Will I get lost?
Unlikely, the course is clearly marked with orange or yellow/black arrows, red and white marker tape, and is patrolled by travelling marshals.
7. Will I get in the way of other racers if I'm slow?
Faster riders normally shout their intentions as to which side they want to pass. Find a suitable place to move aside and let them pass by quickly. If you're riding a practice lap, please be courteous and make way for people racing.
8. Are there specific feed zones?
Yes. It is marked on the course. Please do not inconvenience other riders when refuelling.
9. What sort of bike do I need?
Nothing special, just use your regular mountain bike, but check that it is in good working order to save the disappointment of not completing the event. People compete on anything from fully rigid bikes with no suspension, to hardtails with front suspension only or full suspension front and rear. Most bikes these days have at least 24 gears (three front chainrings / eight rear rings on the cassette) more than enough to get you up the steepest slope or fastest downhill. Some riders prefer the option of a singlespeed especially in bad weather conditions, but we don't have special categories for these. Please note that our racing events are not open to e-bike riders but the Trail Rides are.
10. Is outside assistance allowed if I have a mechanical?
You may summon help from other riders in your race, such as borrowing a tube, pump or tools, that's if they wish to stop! Assistance from spectators is not allowed.
11. What should I wear?
Your normal cycle clothing in addition to a hardshell cycling helmet. If you're just getting into riding a pair of jeans, t-shirt and trainers would be enough to get you out there, but cycle specific clothing is far more comfortable to wear and protects you better in poor weather.
12. How do I go faster?
If you really want to build up more stamina, speed and skills you either need to take up some form of training, or join a club so you can ride regularly in groups with riders of higher ability. Often you improve without even realising, plus it's fun too. And keep racing!
13. Where can I practise?
Sorry but practise at the race venues is not permitted at the venues other than on race days.
14. Where are the nearest Railway Stations?
Click on the map links of the event venue and check for the "Nearest Station". Belongings can be left at Race Registration.
15. Am I insured?
All Gorrick events have specific insurance to cover competitors and indemnify landowners against public liability claims. There is no personal accident cover for competitors.
16. What facilities are there on-site?
Race and spectator facilities include: provisional computerised results displayed during the race (full results will be available on the website that evening), race commentary, event photographer, hot and cold refreshments, mobile marshals, toilets and free parking on hard fire roads
17. What safety cover is provided?
Medical staff are always in attendance and the course is patrolled by travelling marshals. Where the course meets a footpath, the crossing is deemed a Non-Competitive Zone and riders must give way to other land users.
30 Nov 25
