Book now for Mildenhall Cycling Rally

The Mildenhall Cycling Rally, held over the bank holiday of August 23 – 25 will take place at the town’s RiversideMiddle School.

One of the many appealing facets of this family orientated event is the onsite camping. “Demand for these caravan and camp pitches is always high and sell out before the event, so we would encourage anybody wishing to stay on site to book as soon as they can” explains Mark Burchett, one of the organisers. 

For those that prefer a bit more comfort, the Mildenhall Club have put together a list of local B&Bs, guest houses and hotels, which is available with their Information Brochure. This very informative booklet contains details of everything taking place at the Rally.

The grass-track forms the centrepiece of the Rally and will this year be hosting the final rounds of both the season long and short distance League competitions. According to the grass organiser Max Pendleton, “this means we should still attract the fastest of the sprinters and enduros to Mildenhall.”

There is a full supporting list of grass-track events everyday from 12 noon. Saturday is especially for the Ladies and Juveniles, while Sunday and Monday is mainly for the Juniors and Seniors.

Other competitive events on offer, include an early season Cyclo-Cross, run on a Madison basis where the teams of two ride alternate laps. There is the ever-popular Children’s Duathlon, which is preceded on the Sunday morning by the Newmarket Duathlon for adults – promoted for the Mildenhall club by the Newmarket Cycling & Triathlon Club.

For anybody looking to pick up cycling bargains the two-day Trade Show, (Sunday and Monday) is one of the biggest in the UK open to the public. There will be everything from inner tubes and tyres to frames and complete machines all at very competitive prices! Exhibiting at Mildenhall will be specialist children’s cycle manufacturer Islabikes, who as well as displaying their full ranges, will have a set of demonstrators as well.

The Suffolk DA (District Association) of the Cyclists Touring Club are re-introducing the 300km Randonee, to add to the 100 and 200km Audax Rides they are running on the Saturday. For those that want something more relaxing can use the Mildenhall Club’s own touring leaflets, which have replaced the now out-dated booklet ‘Cycle Rides Around Mildenhall’ booklet.

On Saturday evening there is the ever-popular Cycle Jumble, where anything and everything second-hand connected with cycling will be on sale. While on Sunday evening there will be a Quiz Night that will take place in the adjacent Mildenhall Cricket Club.

Something less taxing on Sunday evening is the ‘Then and Now’ presentation by MildenhallMuseum. It will be a pictorial look at Mildenhall and the surrounding local villages from a bygone age, comparing them with how they look now. Tickets are priced at just £2.50 for Adults and £1 for children, with all proceeds going to the Museum’s expansion plans.

Especially for the younger family members will be the Children’s Sports, taking place at 2.30pm everyday in the grass-track arena. On the Monday the British School’s Cycling Association will be holding their Children’s Skill Tests, while on the Sunday and Monday there will be the bouncy castle and face painter, both free of charge. Additionally on the Monday there will be a children’s entertainer, Adam Strange, with his Magic and Puppet Shows, as well as his amazing balloons!

To get your copy of the Information Brochure you will need to send a stamped addressed C5 envelope to Mildenhall Cycling Rally,

, Thetford, Norfolk. IP24 2JU.

This contains entry forms for all the competitive events, as well as the camping/caravan booking form and all this information, plus more, is also available on the event website www.mildenhallrally.org.uk.