The 2018 UK X Series will launch from North Dorset in three weeks on Friday 29th June but there's still time to put your propellors in the ring. Sign up here.
If you have any doubts about whether you're ready for the X Series, we have the answer. Simon Walker took part as a freshly minted just out of the Skyschool oven rookie sky-warrior. And he nailed it, making him the perfect person to compile a blog on the 8 reasons a newbie should do the Icarus X.
Meet the 2018 UK X Series Racecourse
After a cracking race in 2017 hosted by the rolling hills of the South West, we're heading back there with the same format and an upgraded racecourse.
The race starts and finishes at the same location, this time at East Lawn Farm near Gillingham, North Dorset. Two compulsory checkpoints form the triangular racecourse that brings together the unsupported Race Division and the open-to-all Adventure Division on the same route.
Checkpoint 1 is up in the north west corner of Exmoor guaranteeing a stunning first run. The second checkpoint is down south at Bridport, setting up a short(ish) and sharp sprint back to the finish in North Dorset.
All in it's about 160 miles. That does somewhat depend on the will of the adventure gods. It'll depend on the weather, unplanned detours, fuel stops, breakdowns, campouts, extracurricular adventures, sneaking to the pub (after flying) and the general unpredictable nature of a proper adventure that invariably extends the mileage.
First Leg - 80 miles
Start line at East Lawn Farm to Checkpoint 1 in North West Exmoor.
Second Leg - 60 miles
North West Exmoor to Checkpoint 2 at Middle Pyemore Farm Airstrip
Final Leg - 40 miles
Middle Pyemore Farm in Bridport to the finish line at East Lawn Farm outside Gillingham, North Dorset.
RACE SCHEDULE
Launch: Friday 29th June 16:00
Finish Prizegiving: Saturday 30th June 18:00
Contingency flying day: Sunday 1st July.
BACK UP DATE
If the weather doesn't play ball the back up date for the race will be Friday 17th August.
Follow the race by joining the Icarus Trophy Race Network group on Facebook or subscribing to the newsletter: