Coal Town Classic bike race returns May 24

One of the most ambitious mountain bike races of the season, the 50-kilometre Coal Town Classic marathon race, returns to Cumberland May 24. Race director Jeremy Grasby has just one question: “Are you up for the challenge?”

“This is an epic race that follows the same course that will be featured in the Cumberland stage of the B.C. Bike Race in June,” says Grasby, who’s also a director of the United Riders of Cumberland (UROC), the organization hosting the event. “We’re all about promoting mountain biking and the phenomenal riding we have here in Cumberland, so what better way to do both than to host a race that showcases 50 kilometres of our best trails?”

For 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 races start at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 24 at the Village Park in Cumberland, with sign-in beginning at 8 a.m.

As with most UROC events, participants and volunteers will be treated to a classic UROC BBQ, and riders will be eligible for great prizes – whether they make podium or just barely finish!

As a special treat this year, local rider Ryan Parton is expected to participate, which Grasby says is worth the price of admission in itself.

“He’s just an all-around great guy,” he gushes. “And he’s really, really, ridiculously good-looking!”

The cost to participate is $50; registration is now open at www.unitedridersofcumberland.com, and will be through May 22. 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 the Coal Town Classic or just find out more, visit www.unitedridersofcumberland.com.