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Off-Road Cycling

CX, MTB & Off-Road

Cyclo Cross is one of the strongest and most enjoyable cycling disciplines within Welland Valley CC. We have ‘muddy marvels’ aged from 4 to 70 years plus, from first timers through to a World Champion and plenty of different abilities in between.

#1 Bike’n’Beer Weekly Rides

‘Bike ‘n’ Beer rides – to indicate that they are intended to be off-road social rides – which are suitable for cyclocross bikes as well as mountain bikes of around 2 ½ hours happen regularly all year round. Typically on Friday evenings in the summer – when they don’t clash with local FNSS mountain bike races – and on Saturdays in the winter. When the bridleways are muddy we stay on the gravel and less-travelled tarmac.

The meeting points will are variable to enable us to explore more of the local bridleways, field roads, towpaths, disused railway lines and other trails. These are often followed by a vitamin B recovery drink in a local hostelry (although beer is not compulsory). Lights will be needed if it gets dark early or we ride through the tunnels on the Brampton Valley Way. Some form of puncture protection is recommended for our off-road riding such as self-sealing inner tubes or tubeless tyres + sealant.

Please contact Adrian Killworth to find out more about these rides or to be added to the WhatsApp group

#2 Autumn, Spring & Summer Gravel Rides

Each Autumn & Spring we organise a 100km and Mid-Summer 100mile ‘Off-Road Challenge Rides’ covering local bridleways, field roads, towpaths, disused railway lines and other trails suitable for Gravel, CX or MTB. Check the website, Facebook & Instagram for information on the rides and routes as they’re organised.

#3 ‘FNSS’ MTB Racing

FNSS (Friday Night Summer Series) is the 2nd oldest MTB series in the world (the world champs are a year older) run by one of our sponsors Neil Holman of George Halls Cycle Centre.

  • Friday evenings from May to August
  • Sign-on and course inspection 6pm-7pm
  • 7.15pm start – 4 starts by category 1-2 mins apart.
  • 50-60 minutes + a leader lap – similar to a cyclocross race. Everyone finishes on the same lap after the winner has crossed the line.
  • Non-BC. Insured by NFU to keep the cost down.
  • All levels of riders
  • Most of these venues are on private land, so riding is not permitted at other times.

Pre-entry only the event is for MTBs only with most races on hard trails with no spare bikes, pits or bike changes allowed. 

  • Age and gender categories from 12 years to 60 years +
  • Keep your number which you will be issued with at your first event – which also contains your timing chip. The number is attached to the front of your bike.
  • £12 adults, £5 under 16s

For Further Details see FNSS MTB Racing Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/FNSSMTB

#4 Mudlarks CX Training

WVCC Mudlarks sessions last for an hour and focus on off-road skills, techniques and fitness, as we move into the CX racing season. No experience required, open to all over the age of 12 just bring a CX or MTB bike, bottle of water, lights, helmet, gloves, enthusiasm and energy.

Every Wednesday from late August to Christmas @ 7pm to 8pm on the grassy area between Harborough Leisure centre and the 5 a side pitches.

#5 Leicestershire Cyclocross League

Our riders support the Leicestershire Cyclocross League and Welland Valley promotes at least one league event each year at  Misterton Hall, Lutterworth.

It’s predominately an autumn/winter pastime, and races varying between 10 to 60 minutes, dependent on your age. At one end of the scale, the serious riders race hard for the top placings, yet at the other end, there’s a large number of riders in it “for fun” and race to ‘beat the course’ and keep motivated through the long winter months.

A growing number of riders are also stepping up a gear and taking part in the British Cycling National Series.

#6 Young & Family Riders

We are especially proud of our young riders. Cross is a great sport for young legs, and there are separate races for under 12’s and through the Youth and Junior categories. Cross events are very family friendly. The shorter courses and multiple laps mean they are great for spectators (wrapped up warm) and the “pits” are a place where everyone from the team gets stuck in when they aren’t racing and helps keep their teammates moving.

For anyone wanting to try the sport for the first time, a mountain bike is also suitable