Steve Peat’s charity bash kicks off on the 12/13th July and looks like it’s getting bigger and bigger. This year as well as the two races you can expect bands, booze, DJ’s, fireworks and a celebrity tug of war…sounds just like my local village fete except with famous mountainbikers and no vicar or guess the weight of the cake competition, but they might have a “bash the rat” and a tombola.

For those of you that don’t know the Wharncliff weekender is an annual cross country mountain bike do held in Sheffield. It’s a charity event, which raises money for the Weston Park Cancer Appeal Fund and is hosted by 3 times downhill world cup mountain bike champion, Steve Peat in his local training grounds of Wharncliffe Woods. In the past 2 years, the event has raised £15,500 for the charity.

Steve Peat said ‘We are all truly amazed at the amount of interest this year’s event has attracted. I have utilized all my contacts within the mountain bike world to spread the word and cannot believe how many people have visited the site and are planning to attend the event. Our key focus this year was to penetrate areas of interest for this event with our web, email, poster and flyer campaigns. This is obviously paying dividends and we hope it continues.’

The event has 2 categories. Firstly a fun race for children or the less discerning riders (drunks), almost all of whom will be in fancy dress. Secondly, a senior event which is for the more serious rider or fitness fanatic. In addition to the actual riding, there will be camping, food all-day and many other fund-raising stalls and activities. In the evening, things will spice up with a fully licensed bar, marquees, local live bands and DJ’s on their purpose built stage and a pyrotechnics display by one of the James Bond Film set technicians.

There are apparently still loads of places available for interested riders or people who just want to watch and guess the weight of the cake. The dates for the event are 12th and 13th July.

You can download entry and sponsorship forms from the following website and get all the latest info on the race running up to the event.

www.wharncliffeweekender.com

Directions

The race is situated in Wharncliffe forest, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
From the North Come off the MI at Junction 36 turn right towards Sheffield, At the next roundabout (McDonalds on the right) take the A616 towards Manchester. Follow for approx 1 mile once you crest the top of the hill there is a left turn signed Wortley, Huddersfield, Penistone. Turn left then after 50 Yards take the first right on to Woodhead Road. Follow for approx 3 miles. You will pass Rainbow hills Dog Kennels on your left, take the next right on to a dirt track. Follow signs for event parking and camping.

From the south Exit the M1 Motorway at junction 35a follow A616 straight over first roundabout then straight over second roundabout (McDonalds on the right). Then follow above signs.

Wharncliffe Weekender