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TORQ in Your Sleep: the Race Course and Camping Facilities

by Paul Howard, 15 Aug 12.

The Race Course

Designed by riders for riders... Minley Manor has hosted this event since it's inception in 2008, so this is the fifth year. The 8 mile course (give or take a bit) comprises a good mix of different terrain and trail surface. The area is ridden regularly and trails maintained so they ride well. We utilise some short sections of fireroad and tarmac road which provide ideal opportunities for you to take on nutrition such as energy drinks, bars and gels. Waste bins will be provided toward the end of a couple of these sections for you to place wrappers in. Please don't throw rubbish onto the trail.

The course has changed a fair bit from last year so we recommend preriding during the allotted practise times. Much of the course comprises a fair amount of singletrack which can be narrow. There are places for overtaking including some second lines, but please be courteous and give riders due warning you wish to pass in a safe manner.

The ground conditions range from hard packed gravel, loam, and softer earth. Unlike many enduro course venues the course will remain 100% rideable if it rains, it just gets a bit slippy, as proven during the heavy showers in 2011. Trust me, you will not need mud tyres, nor will your bike clog up with 20lbs of mud. A front tyre with some grip is recommend to speed you through the fast twists and turns and keep control over the roots. A fast rolling rear tyre should suffice. Our favourites are Schwalbe Racing Ralphs. The course is not overtly "technical", but there are some trickier sections depending on your skill level. If in doubt... walk the tricky bits, but make room for passing riders.

Racing at night is the big thrill of these enduro events. Lights must be mounted onto riders bikes starting laps after 7pm, and be switched on by 8pm. A powerful helmet mounted light is ideal so you turn the head in the direction of travel and look around trees or into dips. Visit the Four4th Lights trade stand for lighting products. Rear lights are not required.

During the day lap times are expected to be a minimum of 35 minutes for the leaders, with most average riders in the 45 minutes to an hour mark. Remember...it's an endurance race so pace your effort.

The course map will be published on the website a couple of days prior to the event to allow for any last minute changes.

Camping and Facilities

The main arena and #1 camping field has moved over the entrance fireroad to a different field. There will be some trackside camping for Soloists, plus plenty of room for teams in the middle of the field. The trackside area is at the start of the lap.

A secondary camping field #2 is located 400metres away from the arena providing more trackside Solo camping and a quieter setup for teams. This trackside area is just prior to the end of the lap.

Showers will be in the #1 camping field with toilets situated in both fields.

Drinking water will be supplied from mobile bowsers as there is no water supply onsite. Please bring as much water with you from home, as the bowsers have to be replenished throughout the event there maybe limited availability. Please don’t use all the water just for bike washing.

Remember, it's fun so enjoy yourselves. See you on the race course.