Some of my most enjoyable experiences racing on a bike have been at grass track races at highland games. The racing is fast and no-holds-barred when on the track, but off the track the atmosphere is welcoming with a great sense of camaraderie. Many of the riders have being doing the highland games circuit for years.
Grass track racing has been around for a long time, but isn’t one of the better-known aspects of the sport – which is a shame as it is great fun and an even better fitness and skills builder.
Imagine velodrome track racing, the kind that Chris Hoy and Laura Kenny do. Now take that racing and transpose it to a bumpy, grass covered field somewhere in Scotland where the sound of bagpipes blowing in the wind, the grunts of strongmen tossing cabers nearby and hundreds of spectators cheering you on are the backdrop to your day of racing.
The track may not be similar to the steeply banked wooden boards of a velodrome, but the races are. Devil Take the Hindmost and the Scratch Race are just two events that take place on the oval circuit. These races are handicapped according to ability and previous results, levelling the playing field for new riders and making for a more competitive race.
It’s quite an atmosphere and one that is quite unlike any other racing I have done. Traditionally the highland games season kicks off in Blackford (between Perth and Kinross) and for riders living in Courier Country we are particularly lucky as many of the games with grass track racing are based around Tayside and Fife.
Another great aspect of grass track racing is the opportunity for riders of all ages to compete and for younger riders in particular to experience of riding in front of spectators. If it all sounds quite daunting then the Highland Games Association has a Come and Try day tomorrow at Glamis Castle. Not just for cycling, it is an opportunity to try out all different kinds of sports and activities that make up the highland games. For those wishing to find out more about grass track racing it’s an ideal opportunity to find out more.
Join the Blazing Saddles Strava Club at: www.strava.com/clubs/BlazingSaddlesWeekendCourier
Where? Glamis Castle
When?  Sunday April 2 2017, 11am to 4pm
Description:         Alongside grass track cycle racing this event at Glamis Castle will give you the chance to have a go at other traditional Highland Games events including running and tug-o-war. All activities are free and include free access to Glamis Castle grounds.
Visit:
http://www.shga.co.uk/
for full details.
