It’s great to see new events and the popularity of the sport on the whole seemingly on the up. One such event was the 2012 Gravity Rally on Exmoor – a relaxed event which maximised fun and minimised the priority of getting a result. With such an emphasis on having a good time the event could be compared to the ‘classic’ MTB festivals of the sport’s previous heyday. 

Well we’ve just had news through about the return of the event, read the press release below then get signed up to receive your free brake pads and a pint of fine ale!

Press release: Mondraker Gravity Rally returns to Exmoor!

2012 was the year that Gravity Enduro really established itself in the UK. Mondraker Gravity was probably the least serious Gravity Enduro that the UK has seen but the riders had a riot; the riding was good, the atmosphere relaxed and it even managed to get some sunshine. World Champ Fabien Barel was kicking about the arena and riding, there was even a DJ and bar with some free Exmoor ale.

The good news is that Mondraker Gravity returns for summer 2013. July 6th/7th sees the event roll into the small village of Porlock, taking over the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate once again and boasting two days of riding action, plenty of opportunity to explore Exmoor and again have the Exmoor Ales bar, mega prize raffle and stands and tech support from some of the best names in mountain biking. There’s a completely new route, more timed stages and more entertainment to make the event even bigger and better than 2012.

As in 2012 the timed stages are all downhill, there’s no pressure to rush between stages, organiser Steve Toze said, “Mondraker Gravity went way better than we’d hoped in 2012, the format is so good as it gives you all the fun of competition against the clock (and against your mates) but with plenty of time to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

It’s no wonder it’s taking over the racing scene and we’re glad to be part of that again in 2013. This event suits veterans of Gravity Enduro but all the trails are natural so suit any competent mountain biker which really adds to the vibe of the event.”

Here’s the plan:

Friday 

Camp site open in the afternoon and plenty of chance to explore and ride the trails of Exmoor (and last year’s route if you fancy it)

Saturday

12pm – Stages open, starts with the Saturday loop, two timed stages. Post a time on each stage at some point during the afternoon.
5pm – Saturday stages close, bar is open, food is cooking and band warms up for entertainment in the main arena.

Sunday

10am – Riders head off onto the Sunday stages. These are reworks of the two Saturday stages, plus two more stages including a descent off the mighty Dunkery Beacon.
3pm – Prizes, lunch cooking and presentations.

Entry is open now at www.ridegravity.co.uk, it’s £40 for the first 300 riders with a free pair of RWD brake pads for all entrants, free pint of Exmoor ale and some basic free camping for the weekend too. More news on sponsors, attendees and other things that are happening will be available in the new year, or follow us on facebook (facebook.com/spikesports).