October 28/14 23:41 pm - Pumpkin Cross is Coming (B.C.)

Posted by Editor on 10/28/14
 

With less than a week to go, excitement for Pumpkin Cross 2014 is building, and this year's event to be held this Sunday, November 2nd, in Maple Ridge promises to be the best edition yet. With new events, new sponsors, combined with costumes, prizes, music, emcee, and Halloween festivities, Pumpkin Cross is ready to show the cyclo-cross community why it is so popular.

Our ever popular costume contest is back, and has become almost as competitive as the race itself and New Balance has upped the ante to offer a pair of shoes to this year's winner.

New for 2014 is our team event. Last year saw Orange Sport's Bacon Hand-Up take the prestigious costume award, which inspired us to add a new team category. The winner of the team event will include the team's top four rider placing along with their team costume ranking as voted by spectators and fellow racers.

The number of youth participating at cyclocross races in BC is experiencing amazing growth and Pumpkin Cross's fun, family friendly atmosphere and classic cross course is aimed to make the event a great day for all levels. This event is open to youth under 19. First-time youth riders are eligible for a special registration price of $20, which includes the required one-day license fee along with race entry.

Almost any bike is acceptable for the youth and non-elite races, whether it's a mountain bike, BMX, or commuter. There is also a free kids race to be held at 12:15 pm for youngsters on run bikes, and small wheelers.

Since Cyclocross is one of the most inclusive cycling disciplines, we are proud to announce our new partnership with the Ridge Meadows Child Development Centre to create a Specialty Wheeled Race. This fun event is for young aspiring athletes who wish to compete on their adapted bikes and race chairs.

Novice women racers will also have a great opportunity to jump into the wonderful world of Cyclo-cross with our free beginner skills clinic, which will be held at the Pumpkin Cross venue at the North Alouette Greenway at 2:00 pm on November 1st. The clinic will be led by Liv Canada's Sandra Walter. Plus, first-time women racers are eligible for a great incentive deal, which includes the clinic, race registration fee, and single event license all for only $25.

"We are seeing some real interest and growth in the women's categories. Having the opportunity to help foster this enthusiasm is great for the sport," commented race organizer Barry Lyster.

Registrations are rolling in online at Karelo.com. Remember, riders call-ups will be in order of registration. There is also a $40 day-of fee, so there should be no reason not to pre-register for the event.

For full details on Pumpkin Cross 2014 and to register go to www.localride.ca and find 'Pumpkin Cross'.