Kielder Chiller 24
It’s 3am. Your body is telling you that you should have gone to sleep hours ago. Ice forms on your eyebrows and a cold wind is finding those gaps in your clothing. It can only be a 24 hour mountain bike race set in the depths of winter! The Kielder Chiller 24 is over 2 years in the planning and the first of its kind for the north east of England.
If you’ve visited Kielder in winter then you’ll know it can be pretty frosty. The small town near the border with Scotland sits at 200m above sea levels and when out on the trails the frozen northerly winds come zipping through. This event will take a 7 mile loop that encompasses forest track, natural riding and some of the dedicated red route tracks to keep things as engaging as possible. Sections of riding will be exposed to the elements but as the sun comes up in the morning you’ll get some cracking views.
Kielder is packing an almighty amount of mtb punch for it’s weight. This is thanks to the hard work of the Forestry Commission and the local trail building group the Kielder Trail Blazers. Between them they are a group of people who care passionately about the experience on offer. Should you get the chance to speak to them then you’ll realise the care and attention that goes into each run, even down to the angle of berms and the width of chicken runs. It’s safe to say the route for 24 hour riding will be an enjoyable one.
What kind of person signs up for a race like this? Well quite clearly there needs to be a bit of a screw loose somewhere. It’s not like the usual long distance ride where you’re tired but ultimately it’s all going to be done and dusted in a few hours. Oh no, to survive 24 hours of racing you’re going to have to think long and hard about nutrition, pacing, clothing, lighting and very possibly a little bit of sleep in there as well. Simple things such as footwear can make a world of difference as we as know there’s nothing more frustrating than the classic frozen toes.
Already the Kielder Chiller 24 is attracting a diverse field. Local speed merchant Richard Rothwell specialises in such endurance events so he’ll be out to protect his home stomping ground against all comers. Unfortunately for him the north east is quite well served with endurance athletes as was shown at the recent No Fuss Events Relentless 24 where 2 of the top 3 were locals. On the list so far are riders from Belgium, Orkney Islands, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, Guernsey and more.
Being so rural and in the icy clutches of winter you will be surprised to hear that the campsite will not be open. Instead a nearby Scout centre has been booked and riders can opt to stay there on the Friday night before the event. The thought of one last sleep in a warm, dry and comfortable situation may just appeal to some. Also, camper vans can book to stay in the car park and make use of all the same facilities.
The organisers, High Fell Events, have a reputation with their other events for being as inclusive as possible. Just because it says race doesn’t mean you can’t turn up and have fun. This is open to all comers and everyone will be treated equally and encouraged to push themselves up to their limits. It’s only by going to these dark places do you truly find out what your made of. Now get yourself signed up, prepare for some true northern cold and be ready to suffer.