Aston Hill will be shut this Sunday for the Eastern and Central Regions Champs.

Sam Wakefield rags a new section of the 423

So, can I actually ride this weekend?

Is Aston Hill completely shut for the race?

If you’re planning to ride over the weekend then Saturday is open as usual. On Sunday the trails will be closed as the race course will use elements of other trails (non-racers are totally welcome to come and spectate!)

So is there anywhere I can’t ride on Saturday?

There will be a small area at the end of the 423 taped off on Saturday morning until about midday to allow for course taping. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Is there anything else I should know?

It’s also worth bearing in mind that Saturday is traditionally exceptionally busy in both the car park and on the race track with riders practicing - you may need to park in the race carpark, which is 30m past Aston Hill on the opposite side of the road.

There’s a race? But I can only make Sunday!

What shall I do?

Come along! Bring the family, take a few photos and enjoy seeing some of the best downhillers in the south do what they do best!

OK, how much is it?

There’s no parking or entry fees, so it’s a chance to watch one of the most adrenaline-charged sports on the planet for nothing. What’s not to like?

Where do I find out more about this?

or

I want to race! What shall I do?

Everything you need to know is on the Eastern and Central Regions Champs page, including parking and race entry details.
   

It’s still like spring isn’t it?

This is a little crazy. It’s still showers and unpredictability. English summer? Yeah, quite.

There will be wet patches after a damp week and rainfall earlier today. Sunday looks dryish, but unless it’s very warm there will still be slippery areas - take extra care. Monday is forecast to be cooler - if there’s no further rain Sunday expect the trails to be similar.

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. Bearing in mind that Aston Hill becomes a far more technical venue in the wet, so take extra care.

It’s still like spring isn’t it?

It’s still showers and unpredictability.

After a biblical rainfall on Thursday, conditions could be either fantastic and roosty or pretty sketchy!

The chances are that it will be damp underwheel, especially if Saturday’s predicted rain arrives. Sunday looks like the far better day as the decent sun should help things to dry out a little.

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. It’s also worth bearing in mind that Aston Hill becomes a far more technical venue in the wet, so take extra care.

It’s like spring isn’t it?

Blustery, heavy showers and general unpredictability.

After Saturday was promised to be the better day earlier in the week, the tables turned when the heavens opened overnight and it’s now forecast to be damp for the rest of the day. Consequently Sunday is now the better day, although even then it seems that there’s no escaping a few showers.

The chances are that it will be damp underwheel, especially in the open areas. The layer of dust on top forms a great sliding paste over the drier chalk when it’s wet, so take extra care and wear some armour (and gloves, for all you non-glove-wearers out there).

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. It’s also worth bearing in mind that Aston Hill becomes a far more technical venue in the wet, so take extra care.

There’s unfortunately been a real influx of the above being left at Aston Hill recently.

If you bring water along, please take the container home again or dispose of it properly. It isn’t too much to ask and it genuinely helps Aston Hill.

As ever, the more time spent picking up other people’s rubbish is less time maintaining and developing trails.

There’s been more than enough water fall on Aston Hill recently - it certainly doesn’t need to keep yours.

A bit greasy, probably.

It’s all gone a bit changeable again, with some great storms over the past week. Today’s been dry, but with plenty of drizzle predicted I wouldn’t assume that the Hill will be. Expect some greasy patches on both days, especially on the north-facing slopes and under heavier tree cover; ditch the semi-slicks (!) and don the armour!

It’s the World Cup round in La Bresse this weekend, but more importantly (maybe) is the Eastern and Central Regions Downhill Champs is also now open! Excited? Then click here to enter!

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. It’s also worth bearing in mind that Aston Hill becomes a far more technical venue in the wet, so take extra care.

Go to www.rideastonhill.co.uk/events/2011-eastern-and-central-champs/ to read more.

Click here to enter.