Medium Bike Course Description
Note – for the Medium race bike first then
run – transition will be adjacent to
Buzzard’s Nest Car Park (near entrance to skills
loop). Alternative lower level courses will be used
if weather is bad or vehicle access to Buzzards is
impossible
BIKE ROUTE (12.2km, 425m climb)
(Please take extreme care if checking out this route
prior to the event as it uses paths meant for walkers
and horse riders – respect other forest users!!)
Start on main track just north of Buzzard’s
Nest Car Park. Follow main track and at first track
junction turn right (Anderson Road) then first left
(signed for the radio mast). After approx 400m the
track forks - keep to the left (lower track). Follow
this track gradually climbing for approx 2km. Where
the main track ends turn down to the left following
a grassy track (just before start of Goat Track single
track). At the bottom of this grassy track turn left
onto the main track. This descends gradually. After
approx 0.8 km look out for a walkers’ path
on the right (beware sharp turn back on yourself).
Turn down this walkers’ path (grassy track)
towards Shieldgreen Centre. Initially this is downhill
single track then levels out with an undulating section.
At the T junction with another wider track turn right
and climb out of the valley on a grassy track. At
the top of the climb turn right onto the main track.
At the next track junction turn left and climb gradually.
When the track levels out look out for the black
route crossing over – turn left down this single
track through the forest emerging above the Shieldgreen
Centre (keep to the right as this is part of the
black route and cyclists will be climbing towards
you). When you emerge from the forest cut straight
across onto a walkers’ path (steep downhill
grassy track) which comes out at Shieldgreen Centre.
Continue down to the bottom of the track then turn
left onto the main track than runs below the front
of the Centre (heading back towards Peebles). Follow
this main track and as it starts to climb take a
grassy track on the left (through wooden gate) that
climbs back out of the valley. Continue up this track
to the point where it joins the walkers’ path
on the right (path you descended down earlier). Note
- this next section is two way although the majority
of riders should be through this section before the
fastest riders return. Turn right onto the walkers
path and climb out of the valley (last section is
a steep climb on grassy single track). At top of
climb turn right onto main track. Continue along
main track taking left fork at next track junction.
After passing the entrance to soor ploom (black route)
which is on your left turn right onto zoom or bust
(natural bike trail) through the trees. Where this
trails exits (opposite entrance to the green route)
bear left then turn left onto main track with gradual
rise towards transition. At transition leave bike
with marshal, change and exit transition making sure
that your number has been recorded (time and number
recorded at run start)
RUN ROUTE (7.2km)
From the transition area follow the marked route towards the Buzzard’s
Nest Car Park and then take the main track uphill (north out of car park – same
as for start of bike course). Turn right at first track junction (Anderson
Road) then left at next junction (signed radio mast). Bear right at next track
junction and after approx 50 yards take the walkers’ path on the right
(tower walk). Continue on this path climbing up the hill, emerging from the
forest into an area of felled forest. Follow signs for tower walk bearing left
up a short steeper section then crossing directly over the main track. This
path climbs to the site of an old fire tower, continue along this path and
drop down into the forest again. Follow this undulating path through the forest
until you reach the run turn (Grotto in the woods!). Collect a tag (Christmas
decoration) at the Grotto and return by the same route until you reach Anderson
Road (main track above the free-ride area). At this point cross straight over
onto a walkers’ path. Follow the path round the back of the skills area,
turn left onto the main track and return to The Finish
|
