Very early days yet, but we are plotting the next two events.

One will be exactly the same format as The Winter Sprinter but with twice as many riders.

The other will be 8 hours for solo, pairs and teams on 5 mile track so everybody gets to do lots of laps. Beer tent, DJ, camping etc. (this may be changed a bit)

Both events open to MTB and CX. Any money raised will be given away (the last one raised £140 for BTCV, the big one made about £6k).

These will be in 2010 but we’ll have to start the paperwork soon.

All this is subject to us :

1) Being arsed.

2) Not falling out.

3) Getting permission to do it from the land owners and our wives.

More details when we know what we’re doing.

Well, sort of…

The Big Bike Bash is another event spawned on the Singletrack forum. Follow the link for details.

http://www.bigbikebash.co.uk/

It looks like it might be a laugh, and with it being at the sunnier end of the country there is less chance of getting trench foot.

Alan’s Bikes brought their pro team and a film crew to HtN 1.5. Here are the fruits of their labour.

 http://alans-bikes.blogspot.com/2009/03/hit-north-video.html

We’re on Twitter, but don’t know what to do with it.

https://twitter.com/Hit_the_North

Well done to all who took part and a big thanks to all those who helped us out - both on the day and beforehand.

Results are now tickety-boo and can be found here:  How did you do?

Lots of photographers braved the cold so here’s a few sets that I’m aware of. If you’ve got some shots that you want to add to this list, drop us an email.

Dave

Colin

Brian (AKA Dad)

Jo the marshal

The race is on but it will be cold and there may be an issue with car parking if there is snow on the ground. It is clear now, but the forecast is for more on Thursday/Friday and the car park that we intend to use is at the bottom of an 800m long inclined track that won’t be gritted.

If you don’t want to risk getting stuck it may be advisable to leave your car outside the park, but please don’t block the local resident’s drives. Philips Park road (to the right of the park gates) may be the best option.

Some sections of the track are a little swamp-like, but with a bit of luck they will be frozen on Saturday.

We think that we’ve sorted everything out, but the weather is beyond our control.

One day there may even be a Hit the North when it is dry!

Those nice people at DJ Cycles have given us a load of prizes.

A pair of Madison Gloves
Muc Off Kit
5 litre container of sh!t shifter
Bike saddle bag
Aluminium Track Pump
Pair of grips, forgotten what brand they were.

Top stuff.
Go to their shop and buy things.
http://www.djcyclesuk.com/

Shona from Ellis Brigham / The North Face asked if we wanted some stuff to give away at the race. Naturally we said yes.

She’s just dropped off a hydration pack, some vouchers for a couple of ice climbing sessions, a load of thermal mugs and 6 boxes of gel hand warmer thingies!

Nice one.

Everybody should go to the shop on Deansgate, say hello and buy something.

http://www.ellis-brigham.com/the-north-face-manchester.htm

http://uk.weather.com/weather/10day-Manchester-M25

http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/7days.asp

If you are coming to help us out please e-mail us at info@hitthenorth.net so we can send you some details. Otherwise please assemble at The Barn Centre in the park (over the bridge, first right, past the swings) at 8:30am for a briefing and to get your high visibility vests, radios and fantastic free LED torch (like the Tesco one but better!).