Race Preview – Round 8 – Hardwick – Bolsolver & District CC

Bolsover & District CC Bolsover & District CC

This weekend’s Round 8 of the NDCXL returns to the beautiful National Trust Hardwick Estate near Chesterfield, courtesy of Bolsolver and District CC.

Hardwick is a flatter, faster course than some of the oter NDCXL regulars, with very little change in elevation across the lap. Consistent, strong riding and cornering is required for race success, although the technical element is not forgotten with the inclusion of the bowl section. Last year’s Midlands Championships saw some very different rider approaches to this section, and a few dropped chains.

The weeks weather forecast seems to be promising just enough rain to soften up the often bumpy course nicely, without it turning into a complete mudbath, although its fair to say that the tricky cambered bowl is now greasy enough to offer a challenge for even the more technically gifted riders that avoided running the section last year.

This years course is only slightly tweaked from previous runnings, but with a dramatic new start loop much closer to the Hall and an extended stretch of tarmac in every lap to clean the tyres..

Uniquely, there’s running water available in the pits here if it does get messy….

A slight change in National Trust policy means that while National Trust members can enter free, there is a £3 all day car parking charge for everyone else, which you can take off the cost of NT membership if you choose to join on the day.

This is a perfect chance to bring the rest of the family along to a race venue that offers everyone something to see and do.. Hardwick Hall and its gardens are a delight to explore in between races, and the restaurant offers some real treats. You can find out a little more here.. www.nationaltrust.org.ukhardwick

Sunday sees the same course in use for the Inter Area championships, so the countries best cross racers will have the benefit of you all riding in the choice lines, and forging the fastest ruts for them ….its well worth coming back and shouting on the Midlands Area team in this prestigious competition.

To get a flavour of the ‘Hardwick experience’, have a look at last season: