We had the pleasure of attending the GT Bicycles Malverns Classic, and it truly lived up to its reputation as the UK's biggest mountain bike festival. It was pretty awesome standing in a field in rural Worcestershire, surrounded by thousands of mountain bikers, all set on having fun and sharing their love for two wheels!
Set in the stunning grounds of Eastnor Castle, the event was a great mix of close head-to-head racing, impressive slopestyle events, and hundreds of amazing cycling brand displays. It’s like a mountain biker’s childhood dream.
There was a strong party vibe throughout the festival, and it even had its own DJ set on stage in the evenings to hype up the crowds. Despite this, there was a quiet section of the campsite, providing a space for a family-friendly festival atmosphere. So, if you’re not into the party scene, there’s a quieter option for everyone.
The general theme was a strong sense of fun associated with all the racing. For example, they kicked off the festival with The Balance Bike World Championships; if you haven’t watched toddlers trying to race down a grassy field on balance bikes, you should. It’s truly hilarious.
The competitive yet fun nature of these races was really enjoyable, both as a rider and a spectator. Events like the Quad Eliminator, Dual Slalom, Enduro, XC, Pumptrack, and Downhill kept the crowd cheering and captured the essence of the Malverns Classic festival.
The expo village was another highlight for us as a local bike shop. Over 100 brands were there, displaying the latest bikes, accessories, and gear. It was a perfect opportunity to see what’s hot in the world of cycling and even snag a deal or two. It didn’t matter if you were a rider looking for performance gear or a casual cyclist browsing for your next pair of socks—the variety on display was fantastic.
Aside from the biking action, the festival’s live music, funfair, and food stalls gave the weekend a true festival vibe. It wasn’t just about racing—it was about community and enjoying time with like-minded cycling enthusiasts. The friendly and relaxed atmosphere made it an ideal outing for families, with plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained.
Overall, we had an amazing time at the Malverns Classic and highly recommend it to anyone passionate about biking. We wouldn’t go just for the ‘trails,’ as it’s mostly a grassy hill, but it’s an event that truly celebrates all aspects of mountain biking, unlike anything else in the UK.
If you want to get your bike running mint for your next event, visit us at The Ark Cycles in Stroud, Gloucestershire. We’ve got all the best bikes, gear, and advice you need to hit the trails fast.
Explore more here.
Thanks,
The Ark Cycles Team
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