The last time former world cup mountain bike rider Matt Hadley raced a handicapped eliminator race, he ended up in a sprint to the finish against a 13-year-old girl. He lost by a bike length.
He’ll get a chance to redeem himself on Friday (Aug. 8) when the Rundle Mountain Cycling Club launches its first Mountain Bike Festival in Canmore.
The fun weekend is designed for all ages, and will include an 800 metre handicapped eliminator race in Spring Creek Village, a Super D downhill race at the Canmore Nordic Centre on Saturday (Aug. 9) and an Alberta Cup race on Sunday (Aug. 10), also at the Nordic Centre.
“The whole point is we want these races to be fun. We want people to come out and see how it goes,” said RMCC board member and organizer Ron Sadesky.
The event kicks off with the eliminator on Friday night, which will close Spring Creek Drive for the evening. The short track will feature several stunts, and will be handicapped based on age and ability, which means absolutely anyone who enters has a chance to win. A beer garden will be set up next to the race.
“It’s a short sprint with a few interesting stunts. There’s a beer garden and barbecue, and we hope the public comes to watch,” Sadesky said.
On Saturday, the attention switches to the Canmore Nordic Centre, where the Super D race will take place. Last year, the race was part of the Kananaskiker, but since that event decided to take a hiatus this summer, RMCC picked up the ball.
“It’s a downhill race on cross-country trails. Everything is fully ridable. There are no stunts, no crazy drops. There’s a little pedalling, but most people will do it on a cross-country bike,” Sadesky said.
On Sunday, the Alberta Cup race arrives at the Nordic Centre, and organizers have designed a new course that features many of the best trails in reverse.
Sadesky said if the route rides well, it could serve as a new Canada Cup course next summer.
“Most races at the Nordic Centre have two loops, one low and one high, and a central finish location. We have two loops up high and most are in the reverse direction. We wanted some harder elements, so we still have the Eye Dropper and Organ Donor. Part of the reason for this event is to create a new Canada Cup course,” Sadesky said.
All of the events are open to participants of all ages and organizers hope the weekend is the start of a long run.
“We’d love for this to become an annual festival and it becomes something people put in their calendar,” Sadesky said. “These races are here to encourage people to mountain bike.”
Event organizers are still looking for volunteers. Those interested in assisting can sign up on the RMCC website.
