This coming Sunday 3rd of September, Castle Douglas Development Forum along with the help of Dumfries and Galloway Council, are hosting a Family Cyclocross Festival, at Lochside Park – as part of the D&G Council summer of cycling programme.
The day is set to be fun filled for all ages. With local producer and food stalls, arts and craft, live music, Bippity clowning, colouring competition, local charity gazebos, as well as the fun family races.
Cyclocross is a part of the British Cycling organisation and is a form of racing which is a mix between road cycling, mountain biking and steeplechase. You can expect to see on the day skinny tyres, mud, short, hurdles, obstacles, and intense fun action.
The day starts at 10.30am with registration for the races if you wish to enter. The race times and categories as follows:
Race 1:
11am – Kids come and try. 15-20 minutes of laps. Short loop always visible from start finish. No pressure. No podium. Everyone crosses finish line.
Race 2:
12:30pm – Family relay: 20 minutes laps, alternating riders, swapping in and out with family members.
Race 3:
14:00 – Cross CD: 30 minutes plus, one lap. Technical loop with obstacles. Natural elements and trails, mainly grass area.
The event takes place around the new community asset transfer of the old activity centre (now rebranded as Crannog Campus) and will offer on the day a pop up café, toilets and changing rooms for participants.
John Whittaker, who is managing the races says ‘ I am really looking forward to an exciting opportunity for riders to have fun on our family Cyclo-cross course in Lochside Park. We want to see folk of all abilities give it a go, from tiny Tom Piddcoks to the mega Matthieu Van Der Pouls the course will be short and exciting. Starting the day with the youngest riders, followed by a family relay (one adult and one kid) per team and ending with a chance for everyone to get out there and earn their stripes.’
Amanda Burney, CDDF’s Community Engagement Officer states ‘The day will be lots of fun for everyone of all ages. Last year’s CDCX event was so popular, and we are delighted to be able to offer everyone a chance at taking part in cyclocross racing this time. We have worked hard to have lots of entertainment for the day, as well as showcasing local businesses and charities. This is set to be a great day of fun and competition.’
