Race Preview | Funduro Cream O’ The Croft Bike Festival
Straight out of Perthshire, Scotland, comes a new type of Enduro race and obviously by the name of ‘Funduro’ – it’s moving away from serious racing and bringing back the overall fun factor of racing. Consisting of eight timed stages and ranging from bike park skills to cross-country sprinting, to dual slalom, hill climbs and red and black downhill sections, there’s a bit of everything for every lover of mountain biking variation.
The Funduro is the centerpiece of the three day Cream O’ The Croft Bike Festival, a fun packed, family-friendly weekend on fat tyres, from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 June. It is being staged to celebrate the completion of the trail network at Comrie Croft, to officially open it to the public and to showcase the great variety of riding on its 16km network.
With 12 individual classes for ages 14/15 to 50+, male and female, and a capacity for 200 riders to take on the challenge, organisers, Muckmedden Events, are expecting the Funduro to deliver the true all rounder, the ‘Cream’ o’ the trails network, to the top of the podium.
Cream O’ The Croft has an action packed programme for bike riders, spectators and enthusiastic supporters alike, with on site camping available so no one has to miss a minute of the action. There will be mountain bike races for all ages and biking abilities, a bunnyhop contest, demo bikes and a pumptrack challenge. A giant Airbag will be on site all day on Sunday. Try out those jaw dropping big tricks seen on YouTube and then show them off at the Airbag best trick competition.
One of the highlights of the festival will be a pedal powered screening of the latest mountain bike blockbuster from renowned Anthill Films. On Friday evening Cream O’ The Croft will host the Scottish premiere of UnReal, an exploration into the imagination of some of the best mountain bikers on the planet, but audience members will have to take their turns on the rollers, to power the screening!
The festival is not just about the big kids. The wee ones will be entertained all weekend too, with a kids demo bike day, a giant water slide, a pop up wildlife park, Re:Make kids activities, bike coaching and even a bagpiping unicyclist.
Colin McPhail from Comrie Croft, said: “With Cream O’ The Croft Bike Festival we are launching Comrie Croft to the biking community. We have created a fantastic 16 km trail network in an accessible venue, with the best of facilities, within easy reach of major Scottish cities. We love the Croft and want to share it.
“To celebrate this landmark occasion we have put together an action packed weekend of fun filled family entertainment, both on and off the bike, with the Funduro mash up enduro at its heart. We have built the trails. We’ve got top class events. We’ve invited some of our favourite bands and local food and drink producers. Sign up now and join the party!”
Evening entertainment over the weekend includes the cream of up-and-coming music acts in Bands In The Barn, a courtyard disco and an open mic session; all topped off with the very best craft beer and cider; and even a battle of the beers. Hansen’s kitchen will provide the best of locally sourced food throughout the festival, all served up in a hay barn.
For those wanting to spend some of their hard earned cash there is the velo village and a giant bike jumble.
For more info, visit: eventbrite.co.uk
Words & Photos: PK Perspective