Chiller 24 – 2025 Review

It’s the week after the main event and everyone’s legs are no doubt still feeling fatigued but we can all be immensely satisfied that the Chiller 25 went smoothly.  It’s an event that started with a passion for 24 hour mountain bike racing and overcame a constant stream of obstacles to keep going.  The determination to press on was rewarded in 2025 with an absolute cracker of a weekend where a bunch of like minded souls came together to smash it out on the fast and flowing remote trails of Kielder once again.  For me it was both a chance to catch up with old friends and to get to meet new ones and hear their stories.

Firstly I’d like to wind things back a bit.  The Chiller first came about in 2017 after riding the Puffer a few times and loving the thrill of winter events.  I then took part in a lot of the other 24s that were about at the time and loved the vibe and camaraderie present.  The first couple of Chillers were ran at a huge loss financially but a massive plus for feedback and enjoyment.  The weather in those 2017 and 2018 events was absolutely horrendous and riders did well to get through it – imagine the worst stuff you’ve had at Contin and then imagine something twice as bad.  There was a very fast race team from a well known bike publication down south who came to ride the second one who left with their tails between their legs and spent the darkness hours in sleeping bags and hugging heaters.  That was satisfying and I like to watch that Youtube video.  More recently there was a change in fee structure from Forestry England which priced the Chiller 24 out of the market.  I was quick to complain (alongside many others) but I also need to be quick to thank the efforts of Alex Maclennan for fighting our cause and providing a structure that at least allows the event to take place and cover it’s costs.  A quick shout out also for Russell Emmerson who manages the trails and David Pass who sorted the paperwork.

The big issue with winter events is that they are open to being altered by the power of nature.  We had to cancel one Chiller as Kielder was completely flooded.  There are a lot of regulations around wind.  Any event held in a forest will know that 40mph is your key indicator to hit a discussion about falling branches and trees.  Even when we moved to earlier in the year there are still chances of rain and wind playing a part.  October and November are notorious up in Northumberland for turbulent weather systems as autumn pushes up against winter.  This added to the surprise that the weather at the 2025 Chiller was absolutely amazing!  Both set up and take down were done in torrential rain but the actual event itself had calm skies and amazing views.  A local told me that the reservoir had gone up a metre from Monday to Wednesday so we really did fluke it.

Why not hold it in summer?  A valid question but there are two big barriers.  The first is that the forestry fee for summer stuff makes the event unviable.  The second is the gazillion midges that eat everything alive if the wind drops.  Mind you, that would be great motivation to keep moving.  Why don’t you get event sponsors?  Again, another great question.  I just don’t have the contacts or the event does not have the numbers/appeal to get one involved.  I did once have Team Cycles involved in an early event.  SCOTT bikes is a local company who backed a different event I organise but there is little interest in this one.  If you have ideas on this then feel free to reach out.

In the months leading up to the event I’ll admit to being a little concerned about it paying for itself.  It’s around 110 participants where we can really strip things back and make the event pay for itself.  I’ve been to places where they have DJs, bands, portable shower units, exhibitions, gantries and more but the problem is…they all have a cost!  With 115 entries in total we crossed the line to make it sustainable but at the cost of all the frilly stuff that can be added on to make it more appealing.  Our choice was to focus on what matters most to us within our constraints and that was good racing on a quality track with a relaxed and friendly environment.  24 hour mountain biking should be open to all to have a go at and the course combined with open and welcoming people try to encourage this.  Before someone shouts it, yes there was one final spicy bit through the woods but it was only a hundred metres long.

The course choice has changed over the years.  It was always a case of looking at what is available at the time, working around forestry operations and then assessing the options to see what works best.  This year the top singletrack on the far side of the course had been relaid and the trees removed so this made for a fast, action packed descent with some excellent views to get up there.  In previous years we used a black trail to add a bit of distance but we added a cheat line around two prominent features.  Those lines are gone now the trees have grown and I judged those features as being slightly too much for a 24 hour race.  The end result was a collection of red graded trails and forest tracks that allowed for fast ascending and descending.  The likes of Mark Maguire and Kyle Beattie put in laps in the early 30 minute ballpark tells you that this course could be attacked.

When marking out the course I was determined for it to be as obvious as possible where to go.  I then stupidly ran out of supplies half way through the first day when walking round with the dog and had to get up super early on the Friday to make sure everything was in place.  There was a tiny adjustment to be made on the return section over the roots.  The original track has people heading backwards along the regular outbound mountain bike trail for members of the public.  Given the amount of riders I had seen out on the course the day before (mostly on electric bikes) I though a small change to avoid that would be needed.  Instead we opted to go down a walking trail next to a stone wall and keep the normal mtb trail open to members of the public.  The forecast for weather was pretty good so it was a knocking bet that the public would be out and about.

By early Friday afternoon cars started arriving and both Steve and Sarah at the campsite were like angels sent from heaven as they sorted everything with no problem too big or small and all done with a cheery demeanour.  Electric hookups were pre allocated as were the pods.  It was then a case of matching people up who were arriving in teams or sharing pits and then putting all that jigsaw together to make sure everyone got what they wanted.  There was one person who wanted to camp and when he was shown one of the few areas where the grass is useable he opted against it and left the site.  It’s November in Kielder, of course it’s going to be wet!  Overnight Friday we kept on setting things up and then grabbed a few hours sleep before Saturday morning getting on with registration and the final people arriving on site.  The number boards didn’t arrive so we had to frantically ring round for whatever was in stock and managed to get hold of some running ones which thankfully people made work.

The timing system was brand new for 2025.  We’ve used various timing systems in the past but there was one that has been developed by a local company that is owned by the same person who I organise the Naughty Northumbrian enduro festival with.  So he can’t just disappear if something goes wrong!  It’s called Premium Timing and if you need something similar for your event then contact Carl via his Northern Downhill Facebook page.  The one used at the event came in the form of a wrist band that triggered when passing near a timing device.  These had added resilience by having two devices verify a contact in case one goes down.  The end point was double checked with the mid point and only if a device had been through both points did a lap count.  Data was automatically uploaded via 5G or Starlink and then the online system processed it and updated the display within 30 seconds.    There was even a backup timing system running a different server that read the same data so the timing people could look for anomalies.  I’d say it worked really well and we’ll look in the future to add in more points on the course and then have these displayed as people go through them in real time.

With everyone on site it was time for a short race briefing before getting things underway.  Local rider Mart led everyone out on his e-bike and tried his very best to stay ahead of the lead riders who were frothing at the mouth to be let loose.  Mart went as far as the main climb on the far side of the course known as 3 Dogs before giving way and letting them go.  Mark from i-cycles then set off at break neck pace round the remainder of the course and he even missed a turn, came back to where he went wrong and still smashed an obscene lap to be first back by quite some distance.  Kyle Beattie and Aiden Webster were not too far behind.  The riders now had a daytime session ahead of them up to around 4pm when they can really get to learn the course and figure out the places where they need to pace it and those where things can be pushed.  For example going too deep when early on 3 Dogs could see riders hit the wall but time it just right and legs are rested with a small midpoint descent to recover.  With six hours from start until darkness there was plenty of time for all riders to get a feel for the course before the darkness came.

With the race under way and ensuring that the course over the bridge way running properly it was time to get to the real business of mingling with participants!  The legends from Galloway Hillbillies who always come and support the race were really wild on the descents.  Richard Wilson and Tracy Boss from Fishface who have so many old stories to tell.  The couple of Exmoor (Mark and wife) who had the added battle of dealing with a toddler all weekend.  The McConnell’s where Steve was racing with his son who dragged his Mam round the course every time – the son wearing a Christmas hat in November is unacceptable!  Fast rider Aiden and his super polite pit crew, one of which did me a huge favour and walked the majority of the course in the driving rain to clear signs away and I can’t thank him enough.  The Dave and Dave 2 squads who were having a right laugh in their pit area.  Sam Redgate and husband getting some quality time away from the kids.  Nic Gilbert stuffing in the food of champions in the form of a kingsize pot noodle on his way to third in category.  I-cycles with Norman and Mark keeping everyone on a tight schedule.  The single speed enthusiasm of Adrian, Andrew, Derek and Zen – they all (apart from Andrew, supporting) had the pleasure of walking round like John Wayne once the ride was over.  Chris Brierley on the fat bike running 1 psi.  Diane having to stay awake all night to feed Kyle and then shaking her head every time he ignored her advice to slow down because he was miles ahead.  Not forgetting David and Stephen riding as Praying For A Dry One – a team name showing they have been here before.  And many more.

They were some of the people I already knew and there were just as many new people to try and get to know.  Jade Field gave an impressive performance as her relentless riding combined with her cheery personality to make light work of the duration.  Thomas Webb was a machine knocking out laps and keeping Kyle honest whilst being so happy I did think to test what was in his water bottle.  NOMAD quad looking strong and even kept knocking out laps when one of their riders took a tumble.  Colin Thompson soaking in the views and Richard Cole immersing himself in the experience in this remote northern forest.  I loved speaking to every single one the riders and learning a little bit more about what they do and why.

As darkness came the light quickly fell away and it was time to get some laps in via artificial light.  Everyone was well stocked with powerful beams that lit the way to aid depth perception as branches reached out like arms striving for contact.  Rocks needed to be identified and roots assessed for sliminess and angle before passing over.  At all points of the course marshals were sitting ready to respond.  In the timing area Joanne, Carl and Claire were on alert.  Down at the second bit of singletrack Troy and his girlfriend watched people smash into Primrose Woods after coming down the forest track at high speed.  On the high point was Alun who was managing the middle timing.  Then at the top of the final descent acting as radio control was Joe from On You Cycle.  All of these people gave up their weekend to make sure you were kept safe and things ran smoothly and we can’t thank them enough.

24 hour mountain bike races are nearly always won or lost during the wee hours of the night known as the “witching time”.  Minutes feel like hours, small aches feel like insurmountable pain and the sleep monster is shouting from all sides.  Those who keep going make huge gains over those who give in to the allure of a warm bed and a rest.  Nic Gilbert was a fine example of the benefits of pushing on with sheer will power as he propelled into podium contention in the MV50 category.  Jade Field tapped out the laps to give herself a commanding position in the female solo category by the time the sun came up.  The Galloway Hillbillies pair launched themselves into the lead and in the quads both Marras & Mint Cake and NOMAD RT put the hammer down to firm up their positions.  The racing was fierce and in most categories the racing was still under way by the time daylight appeared but a lot of decisive moves had been made.  And oh what a sunrise it was!  I heard someone say that they had never seen a sunrise at the Chiller and thinking back I have to agree.  Nearly all previous events have been cloudy and/or raining so it was magnificent that riders felt the warm tendrils of the suns rays hit their faces to mark the fact that the end was near.

The clock ticked down and both physically and mentally the majority of people were beginning to unwind.  Only those left with something to race for or a psychological condition went out for last second attempts.  One man from one of the Dave teams had 53 minutes left on the clock when he left the campsite.  Now keep in mind the average laps by that time were hovering over the hour mark so hats off to this guy.  He made it with 3 minutes to spare which means he must have emptied the tank completely – love it!  When 10am on Sunday came around the clock stopped, the timing didn’t take any more entries and everyone could chill out and reflect on how their race went.  Support people could let out a big breathe of relief.  Results finished as:

SOLO

Female overall: 1st Jade Field, 2nd Charlotte McDowell, 3rd Sam Redgate

Female V40: 1st Sam Redgate

Male overall: 1st Kyle Beattie, 2nd Thomas Webb, 3rd Mark Brewer

Male V40: 1st Thomas Webb, 2nd Jon Lambe, 3rd Stuart Barker

Male V50: 1st Mark Chryssabthou, 2nd Richard Wilson, 3rd Nicholas Gilbert

Male V60: 1st Adrian Beale, 2nd Rich Cutsforth, 3rd Lawrence Webster

Male SS: 1st Zen Smylie, 2nd Adrian Beale, 3rd  Derek Queenan

Male Fat: 1st Chris Brierley

Freireich Cup – fastest female lap – Jade Field

Maclennan Cup – fastest male lap – Kyle Beattie

PAIRS

Mixed: 1st TNT, 2nd Kinda fit kinda fat

Male: 1st Galloway Hillbillies, 2nd Back Sack & Making Tracks, 3rd PrayingForADryOne

QUADS

Mixed: 1st Dave, 2nd Shift Faced

Male: 1st i-cycles, 2nd Marras & Mint Cake, 3rd NOMAD RT

All results can be found here – https://my.raceresult.com/370510/results

It would be remiss of me not to mention the Ben Forsyth Trophy awarded for the winning male quad team.  Keith Forsyth, member of this years winning quad team, lost his son in 2018 when he was 20 years old to a very rare heart condition when on holiday with his friends.  Ben was a very talented cyclist and one of the few people to surpass his Dad who has won a fair few races in his time.  The Ben Forsyth trophy was made to keep that memory alive and celebrate the life of a shining light who was the son of Margaret and Keith.  Nothing can take away the pain and hurt of losing a child /sibling/ grand child but we can in some small way remember this link to a life cut too short.  It’s something that many people can relate to within their own lives and it’s hard not to have empathy.  The Forsyth family now dedicate a lot of their time to CRY in their efforts to screen young people and identify possible issue.  It is nice to see i-cycle lift the trophy again.

In summary the Chiller 24 of 2025 was a bit of a classic as it had all the right ingredients for good racing without any “grrrr” seriousness.  People who had never met before were helping each other get through the duration and taking time to learn about new stories and make new memories.  I meet up with people at various events and we tell stories about things we’ve done in the past.  For example I remember having long chats with Kyle’s Dad before I had any idea who Kyle was and it’s nice to see him develop into a well rounded, positive man.  His Dad may no longer be here but he’d be proud.  Don’t forget that every person at the event is also part of the story that makes new memories and shared experiences that we can all look back on fondly.  The history of tracks and places is written by people like these riders who took up the challenge and rode through the night all in the spirit of good competition.

Where does the Chiller go from here?  The numbers were low but the event had enough to pay for itself with a generous arrangement from Forestry England.  We don’t have big sponsors and it’s hard to get interest from such sponsors when numbers are low.  However, the passion for 24 hour mountain bike racing is there and this event exists because it’s my personal sport of choice.  I get the chance to see people I care about and have a lot of time for.  Hopefully you agree it gives people the chance to get stuck in with 24 hour mountain biking whether you are brand new to the sport or a seasoned vet. I was heartened to see some younger riders like Aiden and Zen in and around the top spots as it shows younger people can take up the mantle.  As the mountain biking world drifts towards e-bikes (not knocking them, great invention) it gives great pleasure that there are still people willing to put everything they have out there just for the thrill of pushing themselves.  If we can agree a deal with the Forestry then we look forward to being back next year and thanks to all riders, supporters, campsite staff, marshals, timing and anyone else for making it another Chiller 24 to remember.