Centre of Gravity

20 December 2011 / Posted by Brett Phillips

Image: Courtesy of Centre of Gravity, Circa 2011

Centre of Gravity, Downhill Track.
This is potentially some of the most exciting news we have presented. Our friends in the UK are looking to build a dedicated facility for the presentation and development of Gravity Sports.

Centre of Gravity is still currently going through the planning application and funding stages so it’s not definitely going ahead. One of the criteria for the planning and funding stages is to show that there is a demand and need for this track to be built. That is why they have created this page so that when the relevant meetings and discussions happen, we have proof of the rider's support for this project.

Also, the location has to be kept quiet for now, so please don’t ask where it is going to be. The Centre of Gravity will be a purpose built downhill tarmac track for all gravity sports. The Centre will be based in England. Centre of Gravity will be involved in three main areas, these areas are:

• Provide training/test grounds for experienced riders and manufacturers.
• Organising gravity racing events.
• Tutoring through workshops for newcomers wanting to try downhill racing or just some helpful coaching. 

What will the track be like? There is a lack of safe, challenging and well-managed places to train, and a lack of places for riders to test equipment, techniques and setups. The Centre of Gravity will feature a 1.3km track with 12 turns (including sweepers and hairpins), a drop of about 150m, excess speed of 60mph, an imbedded timing system and of course, uplifts. What facilities will there be? On site there will be a race office which will have enough room inside for rider briefings and a small canteen area. Two storage containers will be onsite with one of them being a rider's workshop with benches in, so that you can work on your bike in a proper workshop and not loose or drop any components. 

Camping will be nearby along with onsite toilets. Lunches are going to be provided by a nearby cafe, who have a wide selection of hot and cold meals, during freeride days it you will be able to order your food during sign in and will be brought to you during lunch. Who is it for? We wish to accommodate a wide variety of gravity sports including; Streetluge, Stand up Skateboard, Classic Luge, Inline, Gravity Bike, Inline Board and Soapbox.

Throughout the year we aim to hold several freerides alongside regional and national races for Streetluge, Stand up, Classic Luge, Inline and Gravity Bike with the aim of hosting organised events, eventually leading to continental or World Cup events. We are also aiming to hold two or three soapbox events during the year, these will hopefully be head to racing. What else? Coaching, tutoring and taster days will also be on offer. Riders of all levels can gain experience and practise their techniques. Taster days/Red Letter Days will be held, aimed at people who have never experienced the sports before and will be able to hire all the equipment and receive tutoring from a professional trainer.

Stay tuned, Stay positive, we will be posting updates on the progress! 

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