Imagine you’re enjoying a burger and beer at your favourite pub, when suddenly a swarm of lycra-clad cyclists race through the centre of the room, each vying for local bragging rights and the opportunity to become a legend in his or her own mind. That will be the scene next Saturday, September 12 at the Waverley Hotel in Cumberland.
The United Riders of Cumberland are “kicking it old school” in September, with four events beginning Sept. 12 with the fun-forward Cyclocross (CX) Criterium.
“The Cross Crit is a fun warm-up to the Coal Cross CX race the next day,” explains UROC director Erik Holbek. “Racers will cruise the streets of Cumberland, finishing each lap by racing right through the middle of the Waverley Hotel. It’s going to be awesome!”
Racing starts at 6 p.m., with registration at 5 p.m. and phenomenal, highly entertaining viewing at the Waverley Hotel. The $10 entry fee must be paid in cash upon registration (that’s the “old school” part), and cash prizes will be awarded.
Following the CX Criterium, racers will join the spectators at the Waverley for UROC’s season finale fundraiser party, featuring live music by the Settlement, food and beer specials and a silent auction and raffle.
“The band’s going to kick off at 9:00, and there will be a legendary silent auction from 5 to 9 with tonnes of items,” says Holbek. “It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends, make some new ones and maybe even walk out with some great swag!”
Admission is by donation, and funds raised will support UROC’s work on behalf of the Comox Valley mountain bike community. That work includes the development of a jump park and work toward a land-use agreement to improve access for all users of Cumberland’s vast trail network.
Just as revelers are recovering from the fundraiser, cyclocross athletes will once again take to the starting line as the Coal Cross CX race, part of the Cross on the Rock series, takes place the next day at Cumberland Lake Park on Sept. 13.
A week later, just when you thought the local cycling community couldn’t have any more energy, UROC is back with its last race of the season on September 20. The 2015 Dodge City Enduro, which begins at 9:00 a.m. at Village Park, will feature four timed mountain bike stages across a selection of Cumberland’s best singletrack. The race is limited to 150 riders, with pre-registration available online for $50 at www.unitedridersofcumberland.com. Following the race, all participants will be treated to UROC’s legendary pulled pork BBQ, courtesy of the Waverley Hotel.
For more information on any UROC event, or to get involved, visit www.unitedridersofcumberland.com.
