Bike Radar Live 2010

Bike Radar Live 2010 was advertised as the UK's ultimate bike festival. Konarob one of our young active members made the trip and shares his thoughts on the event which promised to have something for everybody. My first ever mountain biking festival, and I must say it was well worth the trip. There was so much to do for the whole family. For the younger kids (Free entry for under 12's.) there was a giant bouncy castle. The guys from JCB were there too offering both young and old the chance to have a bit of fun operating a digger. Experts were on hand at the mini pump track to teach people how to get round without pedalling. Face painting and workshops specifically aimed at youngsters proved very popular, and in the big top there were activities happening all day long including yoga classes, Pilates and street dance classes and then in the evening there was a film festival and even live music from MBUK's own Doddy. Manufacturers and retailers were present with brands like Scott, Hope, Sram, Commencal and many others on site. All the big names were there showing off their new products and they brought along their professional riders too meaning you could have shirts, pictures and all sorts of other things signed by biking superstars. Events happening during the day included dirt jump master class sessions on the giant airbag for people who wanted to try out a new trick or just mess about. There was also the dirt jumping contest which was held over both days where I saw plenty of spills as well as some awesome tricks. A big favourite was the pro dual slalom which had big names like Steve Peat, Gee Atherton, Michal Prokop and Brian Lopes competing against each other. Practice and qualifying on the Saturday morning was followed by the knock outs stages and then the grand final with last years winner Gee Atherton being knocked out in the quarter finals and Michal Prokop going on to take the win. On the Sunday the dual slalom course was opened up to the public with some people getting pretty close to some of the times set by the pro riders the day before. Bike Radar Demo meant visitors could try out the latest bikes with both mountain and road bikes available, and there was also the human powered vehicle race with Steve Slade taking the win in that one. For those feeling all-biked-out there were other options. The Buckmore Park Kart Racing circuit was operating from 10am to 4pm on the 10th and 11th of July for people who wanted to race but not pedal and there were stunt displays from the Animal Relentless Bike Tour and the Onza Trials show and Team MAD/Land Rover. You could get involved too; the Onza riders put on tuition classes for all the budding trials riders out there. Food and drink wise there was plenty to choose from with all the usual favourites like burgers, pasta, salad and fish and chips, as well plenty of other options too. All around the event there were taps with free drinking water which was nice. Lots of freebies were handed out. Stickers and posters, and at some of the stands goodies like handlebars, grips, t-shirts, wallets and even a cardboard box were thrown into the crowd. I would highly recommend Bike Radar to anyone for next year. Book your hotel early as there will be lots of interest, but don't worry because you can take a tent or caravan and stay on site too meaning accommodation shouldn't really be a problem. Plus the best thing about festivals of any kind is your bed is only a short stumble away. Did you go to Bike Radar 2010, let us know what you thought? Words & Photos by: konarob