After the huge success of last years event, there has been alot of hype and enthusiasm around the already buoyant Sheffield riding scene, in anticipation of the second running of Peaty’s Steel City Downhill. This race is not only for the enjoyment of the riders taking part, but provides a pillar of the wider plans for Grenoside woods. The race is aimed less at the die hard racers who may travel from a great distance to attend. But instead for the local riders and people new to racing to get a feel for it and to help raise money for a good cause. I was unable to attend last years race due to being at the shop, but had heard only good things and to honest was a little gutted not to have attended.

The track for this years race was purpose built and had alot more for the riders to consider and enjoy, although the track shared the same start and finish point as the old track. It used the hill more effectively, although if you wanted to record a fast time being on the pedals was key. With the top section off the nice start ramp resembling something similar to a trail centre. With doubles, berms and tables leaning into a gap jump into a short heath section. before a series of jumps lead onto a more natural undulating section of track. With a great series of berms leading down onto the finish bomb hole.

The gap jump after the first section proved to be a great spot for spectators with only a relatively small number of riders attempting the gap jump. Jolley who was marshalling at this point along with the other marshals did a great job to support and cheer on each passing rider. There was also a great attendance of spectators, people shouting at you to “pedal” helps some riders push on. The weather in the weeks before the race hadn’t been the greatest but everything was done to keep the track running at its best. Despite a rather poor weather forecast leading into the event the weather was perfect for the race. With sunshine most of the day, the track definitely dried out during the day.

There was a real mixture of bikes, ranging from hardtails to full downhill bikes. I decided to use the downhill bike not because the track really demanded that bike but I didn’t fancy hitting a couple of the larger feature of the track flat out with no rear suspension. With the ideal bike being a mid range full suspension bike, although for most people it was all about an enjoyable race experience not taking the win.

The race was as much about raising the profile of mountain biking, with the finish bomb hole being surrounded by stands and various organisations. local companies that make up the biking community. With the race even getting a short article in the guardian news paper.

Now the most important information, how did the race go! Well the racing was very close with there only being very small margins between the racers epically in the larger category’s, with literally every pedal stroke counting. I managed to finish in 12 place in Senior. The amount of lactic acid in my legs once I had crossed the finish line was rather shocking but looking back. I had two good runs, with the screaming crowd making all the difference on the second run. All that is left to say is thanks to the organisers and those who took part and bring on next year!

Date: Wednesday 17th November 2010
Location: Showroom, Sheffield – Full details…
Screening Start time: 8pm
Screening End time: 9.35pm (approximately)
Phone number for tickets: 0114 275 7727
The Showroom is one of the largest independent cinemas in Europe with four luxury auditoria and a bar, it is located in the centre of Sheffield, a stones throw from the train station. The screening will be on largest screen with capacity for 282 people. It has hosted previous MTB films and events, including Follow Me, Seasons and ShAFF.
www.showroomworkstation.org.uk

Dates have been announced for the UK cinema tour of “Lifecycles”, probably the most anticipated mountain bike film ever. The creative work of ace mountain bike photographer, Derek Frankowski, whose work regularly graces the pages of “Bike” magazine and celebrated film maker, Ryan Gibb, “Lifecycles” has been over three years in the making. Shot entirely in HD and envisaged from the very start of the project as being made to be shown on the big screen in high definition and 5.1 surround sound, “Lifecycles” follows the life of the bicycle from its creation through to its ultimate demise. The film features the cream of the crop of riding talent and couples it with some truly breathtaking locations. At a sneak industry preview of a rough cut of the film in Whistler in August, the film received a standing ovation and glowing praise with one industry insider likening it to National Geographic meets The Collective. To see what all the fuss is about, log onto www.lifecyclesfilm.com to see the extended trailer.

The UK tour coincides with the release of the film on DVD. Copies of the film can be pre-ordered from www.lifecyclesfilm.com and will be distributed in Europe by www.x-tremevideo.com who have generously lent their support to the tour.

For everyone who catches the tour in the cinema, they will enjoy not just “Lifecycles” but also the latest feature from Ionate Films called “VAST”. Shot entirely on location in Europe spanning locations such as the Swiss Alps, the stunning Ligurian coastline, the broad spaces of Provence and the streets of Berlin, VAST presents a uniquely European take on the freeride mountain bike film genre. While the riders may not necessarily be household names, their riding speaks for itself. A perfect companion piece for Lifecycles guaranteed to make you want to get out and ride. See the trailer at www.ionatefilms.com

Returning by popular demand the 10th Hope Valley Mountain Bike Challenge takes place on Saturday 25th September 2010. For those brave enough to take up the challenge it offers a choice of two very demanding off-road routes of approx 20 and 38 miles around the Hope Valley.

It is definitely not a race, we ask that riders come along, enjoy themselves (hopefully without falling off!) and take up the challenge to complete the route – of course there is also the challenge to consume more calories than you actually burn off by eating the delicious cake provided at checkpoints along the way! Hot soup and a roll awaits riders at the finish. Advance registration is necessary. Check-in and car parking takes place at Hope Valley College.

Entry Form – www.hvmbc.co.uk

The route is the same as last year: OS Map Route

The Hope Valley Adventure Film Festival is an annual event aiming to entertain and inspire using a mix of adventure films, guest lecturers and activities, with easy parking and on site catering. This is a fund raising event with all profits used to develop facilities at Hope Valley College.
Hope Valley College is situated in the centre of the beautiful Hope Valley in the Peak District National Park.
We are kindly assisted by ShAFF (Sheffield Adventure Film festival) and will be screening the ‘Best of ShAFF 2009’. The trailer can viewed on the right of the page.

It is on Saturday the 27th of February from 11:30am at Hope Valley College. See the location on our OS Map. Day Film Pass Tickets should be bought in advance online. Prices are; Adults: £7.00 (£8.50 on the door if still available) and Under 18: £4.00.

For the full list films see the What’s On page, here are the biking films being shown:

Crux
12 minutes – Best of ShAFF: Package 1
Trials riding involving Ryan Leech (the guy in the trials section of Roam).

Seasons
25 minutes – Best of ShAFF: Package 2
One of the best mountain bike films ever made and features Sheffield’s own downhill legend, Steve Peat. Previously shown at the Showroom in Sheffield.

Revolution One
10 minutes – Youth Adventure Film Package 1
Two World Champion unicyclists in a film about the rapidly emerging sport of off-road unicycling.

Look To The Ground
4 Minutes – Youth Adventure Film Package 1
The story of a blind mountain biker.

KRANKED Revolve
22 Minutes – Youth Adventure Film Package 2
Revolve blasts from the French Alps to the lush coast of B.C., incorporating dirt jump, trail, freeride, slopestyle, and downhill.

As well as the films there are also some activities going on, including riding the new Hope Valley College Mountain Bike Trail. HVC is the first UK state school to open a purpose built mountain bike trail and it will be open on the day for supervised use. You can take your own bike or borrow one of the 2 loan bikes available on site.

Drinks (including a licensed bar), snacks and full meals are available between the film programs and there is a exhibition of art and photography from the Peak District to admire while you enjoy your pint.

Returning by popular demand the 9th Hope Valley Mountain Bike Challenge takes place on Saturday 26th September 2009. For those brave enough to take up the challenge it offers a choice of two off-road routes of approx 20 and 38 miles around the Hope Valley.

For experienced riders the route is technical and takes you via Jaggers Clough, Edale and Jacobs Ladder to Hayfield returning via Rushup Edge and Chapel Gate, taking in Hollins Cross (Mam Tor) on the way back.

For a shorter day you can return from Edale still taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in the Peak District. As in previous years great refreshments will be available at 3 main check-points along the route together with hot soup at the finish. It has been said that due to the amount of free cake and refreshments available en-route you can actually gain weight – despite the hugely strenuous challenge!

“It was probably one of the most varied and technical courses I have completed” and “I enjoyed the challenge and the refreshments kept me going – thank you for organising such a fantastic day” were some of the comments after the challenge in 2008.

Registration and car parking will take place at Hope Valley College. The start will remain the same, from Shatton, and the finish will be back at Hope Valley College. Advance registration is advisable – it will ensure your participation as well as assisting with organisation and catering.

The event is organised voluntarily by Hope Valley College and Hathersage school parents with all proceeds going to improving facilities for the children – last year over £1,500 was raised!

Click here for a Detailed map of the route. Light Green is the shorter route and the red show the extra add on for more experienced riders.