Last Sunday saw the Northern Downhill return to one hell of a venue at Eastgate in the Weardale valley. A village with a population of a little over 100 people and a pub. The Cross Keys pub is a popular stop off for cyclists taking on the C2C, but the NDH’s TT races are a far away discipline to road/gravel riding.
The Northern Downhill’s TT races are very similar to downhill races. You get to walk the track, then practice the race line for most of the morning, followed by 2 race runs, the fastest of which is your final time. These races can be competed on any mountain bike, from Hardtail Heroes, to full on downhill rigs and ebikes. The only condition is a full face helmet is essential, oh and there’s no uplift, which included parents towing their kids up the hill.
Northern Downhill has been around for some years now, and Eastgate first featured in their calendar back in 2009, 14 years ago! They have attracted some big names in mountain biking over the years, including World Cup winners and EWS racers. Carl and the team put on simply brilliant races for grassroots riders, and these races are always great for novices or first time racers having a go. Eastgate is no exception to this grassroots ethic, but it’s also the atmosphere that excels at this race. For more information on Northern Downhill races, head over to their website here. Again Northern Downhill attracted some rapid riders and it was great to see Scotty come and conquer the hill with an outstanding win, fresh from a great stacked out National Series race at Fort William
This particular event feels like a vintage downhill race. A large farmers field rich in off camber turns, ruined wall crossings and scaffolding creations crossing walls and providing big features.
The fastest rider of the day was Scott Mears (30-39) taking the win in just 2:07.45, this was his first race run. Sean Luke (30-39) was hard on his tail with his first race run in 2:08.51 and third fastest overall was Sam Lonsdale (19-29) in 2:10.60. Tight racing for sure.
The top women’s race was hard fought too. Katie Melville (U30) F took the win in 2:28.13 but she had to put in an all out second race run as Hollie Vayro (U30) F had the fastest first run in 2:30.30. Macie McCarthy was hot on their tails with her second race run in 2:38.21
Northern Downhill has also been providing races for the ever increasing ebikers out there and it was great to see Tom Whipham take the win in 2:17.85, with Charlie Harris a fraction over a second behind Tom and Gavin Hancock taking third place in 2:20.75. All 3 riders putting in faster second race runs.
That’s a wrap for this report. This has to be a favourite of mine to shoot, not for the features and jumps etc. but the atmosphere and seeing so many riders new to racing having ago, alongside the support spirit of the more seasoned racers. Remember to check out the other events on offer. Head over to their Facebook or website. The next race is a great event, unique indeed, but flipping excellent at Castlewood. If you want to have a look at the full race results head over to Roots and Rain here. Also don’t forget to check out one of the biggest race weekends in the UK calendar organised by Carl and his extended team, the Scott Naughty Northumbrian. Work is ongoing to revamp and rebuild many trails for what is considered one of the toughest enduro races in the UK. For more information check out this link, it’s one not to be missed!
Words and photos @JWDTphotography