your questions answered…

For anything you dont find answered below please contact info@dukesweekender.com

DUKES WEEKENDER - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does an enduro format work?

The enduro is made up of 6 timed stages along the 70km+ route. Between stages you can go at a chilled pace, enjoy time with your pals and take in the scenery around Gravelfolye. You’ll arrive at a stage and the marshal will set you off through a gate that will activate your timing chip. At the end of the stage, your timing chip will record your time for that stage. Stages are of varying distances. At the end of the day, your cumulative stage times are your final time. The person with the fastest times (and lowest overall time) id the winner of that category. The hill climb counts as 1 stage too. 

Do I have to go hard during stages?

No! You can go as hard as you like - just enjoy the ride!

What type of bike do I need?

In Scotland we say Run what you Brung! As long as it’s suitable for off-road (mtb, gravel, CX or similar with off-road tyres)  and in good working order then you’ll be grand. There are a couple of short road sections so we also advise you to use a rear light. We recommend you also bring a basic tool kit, tubes and pump just in case of a mechanical.

Are there feed stations?

We don’t have feed stations at Dukes Weekender but are piloting them with our new Gran Fondo event which is much longer. We encourage you to carry all food with you. There is however a lovely cafe at the end of stage 3 where you can stop for a cake or coffee or something more substantial if you prefer. There is a free to use Scottish Water tap located there also. For the past few years we have provided locally made cake and tray-bakes near the end of the route. This is sponsor dependant.

Where is the event village and registration?

The event village is right in the centre of Aberfoyle in the Riverside car park. Registration is also located there. 

Is there camping?

Yes, we have a field very close to the event village which is used for parking and camping. You can book this when you buy your event entry ticket. Camping will be £15 per night

Is there parking?

Yes, we have free parking within Aberfoyle very close to the event village

What is there to do for kids & families?

There are many walks and waymarked trails in the local woodland - we have a fairy hill very close to the village and sculpture trails around Lochan Spling and Loch Ard. The Lodge Visitor Centre above Aberfoyle has natural history exhibits in their visitor centre and marked trails and woodland games for outdoor adventures. Soft play and indoor swimming can be found in Callander - 20mins away at the MacLaren Leisure Centre.

Where can I get food?

The village is small and compact with everything within easy walking distance. There are 3 pubs (The Forth Inn, The Aberfoyle Inn and The Faerie Tree), a co-op, 2 cafes (The Station and Liz McGregors) a delicatessen and butcher, Maggies cake shop, an ice-cream shop, a burger and ice-cream van. The city of Stirling is a half hour drive away and Callander is the next biggest village with more eateries and a couple of bigger supermarkets. 

What if my bike breaks?

Aberfoyle Bike hire are our local shop who back out onto the car park where our event village is. Nick will be around and can help with any last minute repairs. We may also have technical support for the weekend.

Where can I stay?

Aberfoyle can be a busy tourist place and as such is set up to cater for a large number of visitors. Dukes is popular though so we’d advise booking well in advance. Several great campsites can be found withing cycling distance in Cobeland and the local National Park sites.

How do I get to Aberfoyle?

Aberfoyle is located on the edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs national park and less than an hour from Glasgow and Stirling. Bus links are infrequent and there is no train station. If you’re traveling by train, we recommend heading for Stirling. There are lovely route options to get to Aberfoyle including a gravel route that would take you up to Doune Windfarm and over to Aberfoyle via Callander and Loch Venacher.