Do you see a problem with the above picture?

Then we need you!

We still need marshals for the Black Run Race, being held on the 25th of March.

Marshals are the backbone of race day. They ensure the smooth running of the race itself and are the eyes and ears for the timing crew and medics. To put it bluntly, if there are no marshals there is no race.

So, want to feel super important and part of the Black Run Race? Then we’d love to hear from you! Drop Rich a line at marshals [at] rideastonhill [dot] co [dot] uk and in return for a day spent helping us we’ll give you £35 and feed you lunch as well as plenty of tea, coffee or soft drink of your choice.

Sound like a deal? Excellent!

You may not have heard…

…but it’s all over our Facebook page; the entry to the Black Run Race is now open!

You can enter at http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/77573/Aston-Hill-Black-Run – the last couple of races have been a sell-out, so get in early!

As the great Marvin Gaye asked: What’s goin’ on?

You want to be in the know? OK! Here’s a quick update on what’s happening on the Hill over the past few months.

Sorry all those that were planning to come, but the dig Sunday to be postponed. Due to frozen ground and potential snow we’re going to let you play on bikes instead!

Watch Facebook, the website and your emails for the next one. It’ll be soon – there’s loads to do!
  

You may have noticed that there’s not been a lot of news about the work going on at Aston Hill on the site; this is because the builders are posting straight to our Facebook page. Go and take a look to catch up with up-to-the-minute progress!

It should be said that come Spring the Hill is going to be ab-so-lutely sick. It’s not just the complete re-build taking place on DH4 that should have you getting sweaty with excitement, there will also be amends to most downhills and plenty of refinements are planned on the XC to make it more weather-proof, more interesting and more beginner/intermediate-friendly too.

If you see the guys working say hi and ask as many questions as you want, but please stay out of any taped-off areas – there is machinery being used.

Roll on Spring!

Work on DH4 has started.

And it’s big.

A quick reminder that Aston Hill is shut tommorrow for Christmas Day. Look at it as a chance to unwrap some shiny bits and get them set-up, all ready to get them absolutely filthy Boxing Day.

On that note, may we at Aston Hill wish you a very merry Christmas and very happy new year. May Santa bring you all the shiny kit you’ve asked for!

Calling all racers!

These are the provisional dates for races on the Hill in 2012.

As with any event the dates are subject to change until totally, totally nailed into the ground, (etc etc blah blah blah), but we’re confident enough in them to say get ‘em in your diary!

• Round 1 (Spring): March 25th
• Round 2 (Summer): May 20th
• Round 3 (Autumn): September 9th

Tracks to be decided, but expect plenty of spade work over the winter and some announcements soon!

Grippery 3: This time it’s personal.

It’s still pretty good out there, and still surprisingly firm underwheel. Like the previous two weeks, there will be grease (especially in the sections that get little sun and wind, or where the chalk is obvious) so don’t come expecting dusty conditions, but there are some truly gorgeous autumnal sections to session.

Otherwise it’s a still very mild for the time of year with plenty of sun on Sunday and a brisk breeze helping to dry things out. It will be chilly where exposed, so bring a decent jacket for time in the carpark or having a burger.

To give you an idea of how mild it is, this time last year it had snowed up north and was heading down here… Enjoy!

If it’s your first time riding at Aston Hill read the essentials and the frequently asked questions – they answer most enquiries people have about the park. Also bear in mind that Aston Hill becomes a far more technical venue in the wet, so take extra care.

3 – it’s the magic number…

As a lot of you know, Aston Hill is going to be the venue for the Extreme Knowhow International Winter Series over the weekend of 10/11th December.

It’s been confirmed today that the race run will be DH3. Apart from being a nice change from the Black Run and 423 used in the past few events, it deals with winter weather reasonably well (well, as well as a trail in the Chilterns can) and is super fun and flowy – good for December conditions.

This is not an Aston Hill run event, so all questions should be directed to Extreme Knowhow, who are the gents wearing the shades on this page.

Any questions about DH3 post below, or you could just come over and ride it!