MTB Criteriums (or Dirt Crits)
During the daylight saving months, from late October to late March, the club holds its weekly 'Dirt Crit' races, on a circuit just near the Mt Clear College in Canadian Forest. The circuit is non-technical, so it is good for beginners, however most people ride at full pace for the entire race, so although they short, you get a good workout. There a number of different circuits in the area, it just depends on the weather and how many riders turn up, as it is better for everyone if a longer lap is used where there are lots of riders. Lap times will vary somewhere between 2 to 7 minutes (depending on the circuit).
We have racing for 2 levels of juniors (normally Prep to Grade 2 and Grade 3 to Grade 6), and three or four levels of seniors. These races are focused on participation, socialising and fun, there are no prizes or prize money. For the seniors we usually bring along the laptop and record each person's lap, these results are then posted on the website so that individual riders can monitor their lap times from week to week.
For the seniors we run at least three grades, A, B and C. A & B grade race for at least 25 minutes, and C & Novice grades for 20 minutes. New for the 2011 season is a 'Novice' grade for beginners. Male and female riders race together across all junior and senior events, and we encourage new and existing women riders to check out our racing scene and get involved!
Racing typically commences at 5:45pm for junior events, with registration at 5:30pm, but please arrive early so the juniors can put on their race plate. Seniors typically start at 6:15 pm (registration starts at 5:45pm). Racing costs $3 for juniors and $5 for seniors.
All criterium races are conducted with permission of the land owners, Department of Sustainability and Environment and the City of Ballarat. The races are managed in accordance with Event Management Plans prepared by the club, and underwritten by our insurers. The club's focus is on safety first, so we which conduct our criterium races in the safest possible manner, to protect our riders.
Racing Fees: Now for the legal stuff, BSCC MTB is affiliated with MTBA, which means all riders must present a current MTBA 'Race' membership card during registration. Membership provides insurance coverage for both the rider and the club in the event of an incident. Non MTBA members have two options, 1) annual membership, (see the memberships page for more details) or 2) purchase a $20 Race Day Permit, which is valid for the whole event and available on the day, but we ask that you arrive early to fill in the paperwork.
To add some variety to the crits we make changes to the course, go in different directions from week to week. Depending on the weather some sections of the course may be too wet to ride on, so we have the option of a drier trail.
Original Loop
Dry Loop
Dry Loop with Upper Extension 1