The Comox Valley’s most ambitious mountain bike race will once again take place in the hills of Cumberland on Sunday, June 5.
The third annual Coal Town Classic marathon race will feature more than 47 kilometres of Cumberland’s legendary singletrack, along with enough quad-crushing climbs and knuckle-whitening descents to challenge riders of all abilities.
“This is an epic race and definitely a local favourite,” says race director Jeremy Grasby, also a director of host organization the United Riders of Cumberland (UROC).
“We’re all about promoting mountain biking and the phenomenal riding we have here in Cumberland, and what better way to do both than to host a race that showcases nearly 50 kilometres of our best trails?”
For first-timers, or those with a slightly tamer version of what constitutes an “epic race,” the Coal Town Classic is also available in a 30-kilometre “Lite” version.
Both versions of the race start at 10 a.m. on Sunday at Village Park in Cumberland, with sign-in beginning at 8 a.m.
“Fifty bucks gets you more than 47 kilometres of epic riding, UROC’s famous barbecue, a chance at some great prizes and the opportunity to tell your riding buddies that you’re king of the town,” says Grasby.
Riders can register online at www.unitedridersofcumberland.com until June 3. All riders must pre-register online, as there will be no event-day registration. Participants will be classified by age, with separate divisions for male and female riders.
For anyone interested in just watching some great racing or cheering on a favourite athlete, Grasby says there will be great spots around the trail network from which to watch the action.
The United Riders of Cumberland is a non-profit society that promotes and supports the Comox Valley mountain bike community through trail building and advocacy, volunteerism, promotion of the sport and fundraising. To become a member, register for upcoming races or find out more, visit www.unitedridersofcumberland.com.
UROC sends a huge shout out to all of their sponsors, including 2016 platinum sponsors Can West Mechanical, Dodge City Cycle, Mountain City Cycle, Trail Bicycles and Riding Fool Hostel.