The United Riders of Cumberland (UROC) are cleaning the coal dust off of a classic mountain bike race. The Coal Town Classic, a 50-kilometre endurance race with a 30-kilometre “lite” version, takes place May 25 after more than a decade of absence.
“We’re getting back to our roots by resurrecting the Coal Town Classic,” explains UROC secretary Jeremy Grasby. “ We’re all about promoting mountain biking and promoting the phenomenal riding we have here in Cumberland, and what better way to do both than to host a race that showcases 50 kilometres of our best trails?”
The race starts at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 25 at the Village Park in Cumberland, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. In addition to a great course, Grasby says riders will also be eligible for great prizes.
Registration is now open via the events tab on UROC’s new website at www.unitedridersofcumberland.com. The entrance fee is $50 pre-event and $60 on race day. Various categories will be tailored toward beginner, advanced and expert riders, with separate divisions for male and female riders.
“This is an epic race that will follow the same course that will be featured in the Cumberland stage of this year’s B.C. Bike Race, ” says UROC vice-president Martin Ready. “For something that covers slightly fewer kilometres but is still pretty epic, The Coal Town Classic Lite is a 30-kilometre version of the same race.”
The Coal Town Classic is the third event of the Cumberland Crown. Points will be awarded to male and female riders in the expert category in each of five UROC-hosted events, with the winners earning the prestigious title of King and Queen of Cumberland.
– United Riders of Cumberland