The early years…
TROG formed in 2007, since then we have hosted various events in the forests as well as attending races and organising other informal club trips. The following is an overview of the events we have been involved in so far and, where applicable, detailed write-ups of the more notable events will be provided.
Duff the Stuffing 2009 Photo courtesy of Paul Wendon-Blixrud
Mud, Sweat and Gears Round 1 – May 2010
Having been approached by Sports Essex and British Cycling, TROG agreed to help them expand their previously 3 round series into a 6 round Eastern Region League, by hosting the opening round of the 2010 series. Yet again we were let down by the elements, but the efforts of many members, most notably Andy Tyler, made it successful albeit muddy day.
Forest Fest – April 2010
TROG were represented again at Rendlesham Forests’ Forest Fest which provided an ideal place to test out the new promotional banners.
Wales Trip – April 2010
Once again there was a TROG pilgrimage to Wales, and around double the numbers of last year’s trip attended. The weekend saw minimal mechanicals and injuries and over the 3 days we completed the black run at Cli-Machx, The Beast at Coed-y-Brenin and the black route at Coed Landeglla.
Scouts – March 2010
Having been approached by the local Scout group, several TROGs offered their time and experience to guide them around the forest and an enjoyable day was had by all.
Club Annual Awards Evening – March 2010
Held at Fynn Valley Golf Club, the Annual dinner had grown from previous years and over 60 people attended, with many hard working club members’ efforts recognised. Ian France was awarded TROG of the Year and Scott Jennings received the Trail Builder of the Year award.
Thetford MTB Racing’s Winter Series 4 – March 2010
TROG, once again, worked with Thetford MTB Racing to hold a round of their race series, and once again it proved to be a battle against the elements!
Duff the Stuffing – December 2009
Having missed 2008, TROG decided to revive the Duff the Stuffing, post-xmas event in Rendlesham forest. This time we had a much bigger event with 3 routes (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced), a free BBQ and approximately 150 attendees. Many TROGs and their families helped make the day a success, but in particular Mike Moore and Lizzie Stevens put in many hours of effort to ensure the day went without a hitch and a lot of fun was had by all.
TROG 2nd Birthday – August 2009
A mix of camping, BBQ, night-rides and celebrating in Tunstall Forest… Fun for all the family.
Mountain Mayhem 2009 – June 2009
Once again, club sponsor Action Bikes secured the club a Kenda Tyres backed team place at Mountain Mayhem, and this time Phil at Action Bikes supported a second team as well. Again tough decisions had to be made in the selection of the A and B teams and once again the kindness of club volunteers was needed to help support the guys. Team A finished in 13th place and team B worked very hard to secure a good position too.
Thetford MTB Racing’s Summer Series 1 – May 2009
Thetford MTB Racing held the first round of their summer race series in Tunstall Forest, again the elements conspired to make it a “challenging” race.
Forest Fest – April 2009
TROG helped with the launch of the FC’s Bike Skills park at Rendlesham Forest.
Wales Trip – April 2009
Many TROGs set off for the wilds of Wales and conquered the “Great Hills!”.
Club Xmas Meal and Annual Awards Evening – February 2009
Held at the Freston Boot near Ipswich. This event saw members efforts from the previous year acknowledged and saw Chairman Graham Elliot awarded, a much deserved, TROG of the Year and Kevin Manning awarded Trail Builder of the Year.
Thetford MTB Racing’s Winter Series 3 – January 2009
Thetford MTB Racing agreed to hold a round of their race series in Tunstall Forest – thanks to a huge effort by the club members, most notably Graham Elliott and Mark Howlett everything came together. Unfortunately this event saw similar quantities of rain to those that Noah had to endure, this started an unwelcome trend in TROG hosted races!
Club Xmas Meal – December 2008
Held at the Red Lion in Martlesham.
Mountain Mayhem 2008 – June 2008
Thanks to our sponsor Action Bikes, the club was able to secure a team place at Mountain Mayhem, fully supported by Kenda Tyres. Phil put in many hours monitoring the sportier club members and had a tough time making a team selection. Four club members were chosen and others volunteered to be club mechanics and chefs to support the team throughout the 24hrs. After very testing conditions the team gained a very respectable placing.
Marshalling Thetford round of the National Points Series – May 2008
TROG provided 10 marshalls for the race earning much needed club funds.
Duff the Stuffing – December 2007
Held in Rendlesham Forest, an event open to the general public and aimed at all the family was put on at short notice not long after the club was created and wouldn’t have been possible without the heroic efforts of a small number of TROGs.