NWCX League Round 8: Denbigh Cae Dai Trust Christmas Cross 30th December 2018

Round 8 Denbigh Cae Dai Trust Christmas Cross Sunday 30 December 2018 LL16 4SU

(sponsored by The Bike Factory, Chester)

Rhyl Cycling Club and Sparrow Harrison MBE welcomes North Wales  Cyclocross League to Denbigh Cai Dai Trust for Round 8.

The Cae Dai Trust, established by Sparrow Harrison in 1992, is a small charity based in Denbigh. Following the closure of the nearby North Wales  Hospital in the 1980s, Cae Dai Trust was founded to provide support for vulnerable adults. Cae Dai is able to give limited  temporary accommodation and ‘umbrella’ support to beneficiaries in order to develop confidence, self-esteem and the life skills essential to move on and live independently in the community. The Trust works closely with other external organisations and adopts a multi-agency approach  regarding care and support for vulnerable adults.

Sparrow’s family own the Cai Dai Estate, set in more than 50 acres near Denbigh.  The Estate accommodates Cae Dai Trust, the 1950’s Museum and Denbigh Boxing Club.  Sparrow was a champion boxer  when younger and continues as  a trainer. He is also a member of Rhyl Cycling Club  and is  over 70’s winner of the 2018 Vale of Clwyd Time Trial series.

NWCX  raced this course in 2013 and it will be familiar to those with long memories.   Competitors and spectators must  first descend a  a steep track  into  the Ystrad Valley a place familiar to the 18th Century writer Samuel Johnson, who owned a cottage nearby.

This valley  is largely untouched by modern life  except for  wire fences and a recent footbridge.   Expect  a succession of  grassy banks, woodland and the Afon Ystrad meandering beneath.   If river levels expect a one-way  stream crossing and excursion into  recently felled woodland. The return will involve a compulsory dismount across the footbridge.   If river levels are higher, as was the case  during our previous visit,  racers  will stay on the grassy side.     This is a tough but memorable course quite unlike  anything else on our calendar. The initially  tight confines will require a gridded start.

Parents bring dry footwear and socks for your children to change into afterwards. They crossed the stream at Kinmel Camp last Christmas and they’ll cross the Ystrad this Christmas if river levels are shallow.

Timings:
10:00 -11:30 Registration. There will be no registration after 1130.

11:00 Novice Children -( 10mins ) £2 (Novice Children can enter on the day)

11.20 Race#1:U8s, U10s, U12s   ( 20mins ) £3 Nifty Online Only

12:00  Race#2:  U14s, U16s,  ( 30mins )  £5 Nifty Online Only    + Adult beginners £5 (Adult Beginners can entre on the day)

13.15 Race #3: Senior race (M/F, Vets, U18s)   60mins   U18: £8 Nifty Online Only,    All Seniors  £14 Nifty Online Only

(Vets will be classified V40, V50,  V60+ subject to participant numbers )

If you have not raced before please arrive early to collect your race number.

Competitors retain numbers. This stays with you for all season so keep it safe between races. Replacement numbers will be charged at £3 per set and interfere with timing chip allocations so please look after your race numbers all season.

Beginners regardless of age, gender or ability are welcome. You can race on a cyclocross bike or a mountain bike  but you will need knobby tyres for grip.  Parents:  children enjoy cyclo cross. If unsure don’t be afraid to ask. We make it easy for children and parents  and our beginners categories are a good place to start.

Adult newcomers are welcome. Beginners  are invited to try the Novice Adult race.  This starts alongside the U14s/16s  and provides a graduated introduction.  Beginners can enter on the day.

Competitors must hand back their race chips in  the finish enclosure. Chips cost NWCX £30+vat per item.  You will be billed for the full cost if  you fail to hand back your chip.

Teas & coffees will be provided by Cai Dai Museum Café.

This is a race brought to you by Rhyl Cycling Club and the committee of NWCXG: