Soggy Bottom Series
Cross country and mini-downhill mountain bike racing
Newnham Park, Plymouth
PL7 5BN
Category |
Start time |
Online entry fee |
On the day entry fee |
8 years and under cross country (10-15mins) |
0900 |
£5 |
£5 |
11-12 years cross country (20-25 mins) |
0930 |
£5 |
£5 |
9-10 years cross country (15-20mins) |
0935 |
£5 |
£5 |
Juvenile(13-14), Youth (15-16), Fun (12+) cross country (2-4 laps depending on conditions) |
1100 |
£13 |
£15 |
Senior(17+), Vet(40+), Grand Vet(50+) cross country (3-6 laps depending on conditions) |
1100 |
£18 |
£20 |
Mini downhill practice followed by timed runs: 12-16s (Combined time over 2 different runs) |
1300 |
£13 |
£15 |
Mini downhill practice followed by timed runs: over 16s (Combined time over 2 different runs) |
1300 |
£18 |
£20 |
Age categories: Because our series spans over 2 calendar years, your age on the day of each race will determine which category you are in.
Other key timings
Registration opens: 0800
Course practice forUnder 8s, 10s and 12s: 0830-9000
Course practice for 1100 cross country race 0930-1050
Course practice for mini downhill 1300-1400
During your practice lap please do not come through the finish line, or impede anyone who is racing at the time.
Course practice forUnder 8s, 10s and 12s: 0830-9000
Course practice for 1100 cross country race 0930-1050
Course practice for mini downhill 1300-1400
During your practice lap please do not come through the finish line, or impede anyone who is racing at the time.
About the races
Cross country
The racing will be held on a 5k (ish) lap with a fun mix of climbs, descents and great singletrack. Newnham Park is hilly, and we always reward your efforts with something fun on the way back down. We know lots of our riders enjoy technical riding too, so we will always aim to include some challenging sections, Wherever there is a gnarly section, there will always be a well-marked alternative line.
Depending on conditions and category, racers will complete between 2-6 laps of the course. Lap numbers for each category will be announced on the day, once we have checked ground conditions. The decision is based on how long a lap takes, and we follow guidance from the National Governing body regarding how long agegroup should race for.
Under 18s, 10s and 12 race on a smaller, compact circuit around the race arena. Although shorter, their course will still include plenty of fun and challenging sections, getting the young riders ready for the rigours of racing on the full course in years to come. Their races are based on time rather than number of laps, with the riders racing for progressively longer as they get older.
Depending on conditions and category, racers will complete between 2-6 laps of the course. Lap numbers for each category will be announced on the day, once we have checked ground conditions. The decision is based on how long a lap takes, and we follow guidance from the National Governing body regarding how long agegroup should race for.
Under 18s, 10s and 12 race on a smaller, compact circuit around the race arena. Although shorter, their course will still include plenty of fun and challenging sections, getting the young riders ready for the rigours of racing on the full course in years to come. Their races are based on time rather than number of laps, with the riders racing for progressively longer as they get older.
Mini Downhill - limited to 40 riders
This will be grassroots downhill racing. For many years, we have had some xc racers accusing us of building trails more suited to Enduro or DH, so let's see if they're right!
There will be two tracks being run, with each one open for an hour. Take it easy first time down, and pick the speed up on your next runs.
Everything will be roll-able, with no need to get your wheels in the air, but the hazard arrows are there for a reason so look before you leap.
Entry numbers are limited so that we don't bite off more than we can chew, and you aren't waiting in the rain for ages to start your run.
Mini Downhill schedule
1300 Practice opens for both tracks
1400-1500 Timed runs for track 1 (as many as you want to do)
1500-1600 Timed runs for track 2 (as many as you want to do)
There will be two tracks being run, with each one open for an hour. Take it easy first time down, and pick the speed up on your next runs.
Everything will be roll-able, with no need to get your wheels in the air, but the hazard arrows are there for a reason so look before you leap.
Entry numbers are limited so that we don't bite off more than we can chew, and you aren't waiting in the rain for ages to start your run.
Mini Downhill schedule
1300 Practice opens for both tracks
1400-1500 Timed runs for track 1 (as many as you want to do)
1500-1600 Timed runs for track 2 (as many as you want to do)
Who can take part?
Anyone can take part in the event. You do not need to be a member of anything or hold a race licence of any sort. This is a mountain bike event though, so you do need to have had some experience riding off road.
Helmets are required for both the cross country and downhill events.
The Soggy Bottom Series has something for everyone, so if you're a beginner, don't be put off by photos of lycra clad racing snakes - there are plenty of weekend warriors having a great time out there too. There's a category for everyone from first timers, to seasoned racers.
Helmets are required for both the cross country and downhill events.
The Soggy Bottom Series has something for everyone, so if you're a beginner, don't be put off by photos of lycra clad racing snakes - there are plenty of weekend warriors having a great time out there too. There's a category for everyone from first timers, to seasoned racers.
Catering
Spectators
Spectators are welcome!
Please keep dogs on a lead at all times
Please keep dogs on a lead at all times
Facilities
Newnham Park is an amazing venue for mountain biking, with basic facilities for before and afterwards. There are flushing loos and running water, a hardstanding car park, and an indoor area for registration.
Prizes
Cross country
- There will be prizes for the top 3 male and female riders in all categories from Juvenile age and above.
- Rosettes or medals will be given to the top 3 girls and boys in U8, U10 and U12s.
- We will collate series standings and a family league table for the series, athough there will be no series prizes.
Mini downhill
- Due to the limited numbers, prizes will be allocated relative to the number of entries in each category
- We will collate series standings, although there will be no series prizes.
We will have a paper copy of results on display before some of you have even finished racing, and they will be available online for you to analyse at some point during the evening after each race.
Newnham is a private working estate and is regularly booked by other users for activities such as horse riding, 4x4 rallys and clay pigeon shooting. Any attempt to gain access to the trails before or after event day, without permission from the landowner, will lead to automatic disqualification.
