Cumberland’s mountain bike racing season officially kicks off this month with two Island Cup Series races that will bring the Island’s best riders to Dodge. It’s also a season that will, for the first time ever, culminate with the crowning of a Dodge City King and Queen.
On Sunday, April 6, the Island’s best cross-country riders, as well as several amateurs and weekend warriors, will test their mettle at the Cumberland XC (Cross Country) race. Organized and presented by the United Riders of Cumberland (UROC), the event is open to all riders, from beginners to pros and kids to “masters.” The race starts at noon at the No. 6 Mine Park, right in the heart of Cumberland.
A week later, on April 13, the downhillers will get their chance to show their skills on Cumberland’s famous DCDH trail at the Cumberland DH, the first of two Island Cup downhill races. Like the XC event, this race is open to riders of all ages and abilities, and participants will be classed by age and ability. Shuttles and registration start at 9 a.m. at the Chinese Heritage Park.
A free barbecue will be available for participants at both events, and all riders will have a chance to win sponsor-donated prizes. Registration for the XC race is $25 in advance or $30 on race day; for the DH race it’s $50 in advance and $55 on race day. Riders under 12 can participate in either event for free. To pre-register, visit www.islandcupseries.com.
Adding a splash of royalty to this year’s events, UROC will, for the first time ever, crown a King and Queen of Cumberland at the end of the Island Cup Series. Expert riders who participate in all the Cumberland Island Cup events are eligible for the “Cumberland Crown,” which will be awarded to the riders with the best combined results in the expert category at the Cumberland races (XC, DH, 12hr, Marathon and Enduro).
Stay tuned for more details at www.unitedridersofcumberland.com.
– United Riders of Cumberland