I've always thought there must be an easier way to have fun on a downhill bike other than to drive 3 hours, pay £30 for an entry fee just to get herded onto a crowded cattle trailer for two timed race runs.  Yeah, racing is great, but what happened to good old fashioned neighbourhood races amongst friends? This was how mountain biking was born after all, around the hills of Marin Country on converted "klunkers" racing down forest fireroads. And it didn't cost a penny.

I've been following the drama of the 1:04 track in Dirt magazine and decided it was time to get off my butt and do my own thing rather than just read about it. The Racer's Guild is local riders on local tracks, getting to know each other, having fun, learning, training, and doing timed runs. It's for beginners and experts alike, run-what-you-brung, and take as many runs as you like.  Work on your technique, your line, beat your times, and beat your friends. Get involved, dig some trails, give back to the sport.

Timed Practice Once a month we pick a track and run a timed practice session which is open to all. There is a simple sign-in, no uplifts, and you can pick your start times.  It's very chilled!  We will have a first aider on site, but no ambulance.  Timing will be handled by stop watch and radios.  All times will be posted on the website. Donations accepted (just a couple of quid) to cover the first aider, race tape, and other bits and bobs that us organizers pay for out of our pockets. Check the calendar and homepage for dates and times (usually 1 PM start).  Helmets mandatory!

ChaseTrails Trail Building Before the timed practice - usually at about 10 AM - we get together to dig.  This is official downhill trail building organized by ChaseTrails.  It's not just to give back to the local trails, but also to give input for new lines and features and create the kind of trails we like to ride. Trail Building dates are posted under Dates on the homepage.  Tools provided, jeans and work gloves recommended.  More info can be found at www.chasetrails.co.uk, and Alex writes a blog at dhbuilder.blogspot.com.

The Racer's Guild was founded by Aaron Neumann
Club secretary: Alex@Racersguild.co.uk for more info

The Racer's Guild of Cannock Chase is affiliated with British Cycling, which provides a level of insurance which allows our club to conduct downhill practices on Forestry land.  We have been working with the Forestry Commission to make sure our practice days meet their requirements.  Racer's Guild would like to thank the Forestry Commission at Cannock Chase for supporting mountain biking on the Chase!