UpToNoGood MTB event, Upton.
I was asked recently to photograph the UpToNoGood mountain bike event. If truth be told, I had not heard of it, yet it turns out that its a rather large event with nearly 1000 riders of all ages and abilities attending.
After looking at the area and Upton on a map, as I didn’t have a great deal of knowledge on the area, it appeared to be a beautiful location with the famous Ridgeway running its length through the local countryside. As you know, the surroundings are important to me as I like to make my images fit the location as much as I want to take pictures the riders and event organisers will love.
On arrival, it was great to see people wandering about having a great time the night before an event. The venue is the village hall and its perfectly kept grounds, with a play area and even a sweet little pump track. An area was designated for camping and the rest for the marquee tents and band stand.
At 8am on the Saturday riders and families poured in to register and pick up their number boards, with teas, coffee and cakes on offer, everyone was looking happy and raring to go. There are various routes all leaving at different times, which worked really well. So before the first start time, I shot off to some pre planned locations and must say, really enjoyed driving through the beautiful villages which are obviously steeped in history. After a great day enjoying the countryside and meeting new people (including some that recognised me from other events I cover) We headed back to the venue. As we came through the gates, there were hundreds of people enjoying the local ales,drinks and food, whilst watching the many bands that have been playing through out the day.
All in all, it was a really well organised event that certainly caters for the families as well as the keen mountain biker, that coupled with a great atmosphere, I would recommend it to everyone.
