The SCCA are delighted to announce a surprise promotion in a first-time format: a gravel time trial. Thanks to a local landowner we have two variants of a 1.9 mile course approved by Liverpool DC. The promotion is in the club format, but pre-entry is essential, and will be restricted to members of SCCA-affiliated clubs and SCCA private members only. The promotion will start from 10:30am on Saturday, 7/11/26, and is limited to 50 riders only over three distinct age-grouped time trials:
- Out and back: 10-11 year olds (per CTT Regulation 7). Entirely off road ‘out and back’.
- 2 laps: Youth (12-15). Circuit.
- 3 laps: Juniors (16-18)/Seniors/Veterans. Circuit.
The lapped circuit version uses 0.05 miles of extremely quiet country lane to complete the loop, meaning 3.9 and 5.9 mile distances for these versions. Off-road gravel/grass events were a stated future goal of the old CTT Board, and you may have noticed a gravel hill climb taking place on 12th September at Malvern; but this is the first flat time trial on this surface type in the Midlands. Access is strictly at times allowed by the landowner and is entirely permissive: be aware that access outside times agreed constitutes trespass. No TT rigs or tri-bars will be allowed: the surface means it is suitable for gravel bikes, mountain bikes; and CX/Road bikes with suitably wide tyres to cope with the loose surface.
Conditions
Things are slightly different to normal due to the unusual use of private land, and more will be explained closer to the event – we are still working in the background! Pre-entry is intended to open online on 12/10/26 and close by 3/11/26 to allow a start order to be set; which will be communicated via emailed start sheet which will also explain the extra requirements, so please read them carefully. For instance, riders and supporters will be required to sign a waiver for the landowner in addition to standard signing on protocol; and supporters will not be allowed out on the course, except for a dedicated viewing area near the finish. CTT Parental Consent Forms will need to be completed and signed for all under 18’s as standard CTT procedure.
Permissive access is by kind permission of the landowner, who wishes the site to be only communicated as strictly necessary, so please don’t state the specific location on social media, we are being deliberately vague for a reason! He is very keen to generate donations towards his favourite charity, Cancer Research UK. The SCCA and two member clubs have so far agreed to club together, any further club or individual donations would help to make the event a success and aid potential future use. We will have a collection box at signing on.
Of course, volunteers and marshals will be needed to make this a success, so if you can help please make yourself known. We would particularly appreciate a trained first-aider on site.