A new mountain biking event, a Funduro, launches next month in Perthshire. The event is described as an “eight-stage mash up Enduro” and includes eight timed stages ranging from bike park skills and a cross-country sprint to dual slalom, a hill climb and red and black downhill sections.
The Funduro is the centerpiece of the three-day Cream O’ The Croft Bike Festival that will take place at Comrie Croft from Friday June 26 to Sunday June 28, 2015. It is being staged to celebrate the completion of the trail network at Comrie Croft 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 a true all-rounder for mountain bikers.
New bike festival. Pic credit: PK Perspective.
Cream o’ The Croft Bike Festival
There will be a full-on programme for bike riders, spectators and enthusiastic supporters alike, with on-site camping, mtb 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 for riders to try out bike tricks.
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, which is 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!
Kids races. Pic credit: PK Perspective.
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, of Comrie Croft, says: “With Cream o’ The Croft Bike Festival we are launching Comrie Croft to the biking community. We have created a fantastic 16km trail network in an accessible venue with the best of facilities and with 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.”
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. Plus there will be craft beer and cider and even a battle of the beers. Hansen’s kitchen will provide locally sourced food throughout the festival.