The Woolastook 5 is about having 5 hours of fun, on your own terms. If you want to race for the win, or have a friendly rivalry, you'll find riders here to push you. But if you want to ride a few laps at your own pace and hang out between laps, you'll have plenty of company. Riding as a team is also a great way to go. Take turns riding hard and chilling out, and 5 hours will be over before you know it. Usually about half the riders compete as part of a team so don't be shy. Teams can be 2 or 3 riders.
The course suits a wide range of abilities. If you are have never done a mountain bike event before there are a couple of sections (uphill and down) that you may want to walk, but the course as a whole is fun singletrack and dual track, not extreme climbs or descents. A loop of the track generally takes 25 - 40 minutes, depending on ability and fitness.
Results will be posted, but categories are for recognition only. There will be draw prizes, but no category prizes. Start time is 10:00am, and everything will be wrapped up by about 4:30. Online registration is available now.
PS - we're aways looking for volunteers to help out. If you're interested, e-mail us here.
I participated in the race today with my 13 year old son and his best friend. I have to say, by all accounts, the entire day was an entirely enjoyable experience and provided a very positive example of the power of outdoor sport. In particular the words of encouragment by the other riders, and their sportsman like behaviour, were fine examples to these two young men, who are now completly hooked on the sport. I would like to extend my gratitude to the race official and the anonymous donor of the spare tube, whose graciousness allowed team 43 to complete a second lap. On behalf of two 13 year olds, and a father, you really made the day.
ReplyDeleteThank You.
C.A. Beazley
Why is it $30 if it is all volunteers? Is there a charity involved? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWe have the following expenses:
ReplyDeleteRider insurance
NB Velo sanction fee
First aid
Crown land permit
Park fee
Trophies
Draw Prizes
Course materials (tape, lumber for bridges etc.)
Plus other miscellaneous expenses (lunch for volunteers, zip ties, shipping signs and plates etc.)
Any money left over goes towards River Valley Cycling, which is an incorporated non-profit organization that supports trail maintenance and cycling generally in the Fredericton Area. For example, RVC purchased the leaf blower that we use to prepare the Woolastook course, buys lumber for bridges in the area, etc. See the RVC website at
http://www.rivervalleycycling.com/
Fredericton has a tremendous trail system, but contrary to popular belief, these trails do not appear and get maintained by magic. Even with whatever money is collected from this event, various volunteers put a lot of their own money, as well as uncounted hours, into the F'ton area trails. No one involved is putting a single nickel into their own pocket. On the contrary, any profit made from the Woolastook 5 only partially offsets the actual expenses of maintaining the trail system. For that reason, if you ride the local trails, we would encourage you to join RVC to help offset those costs. RVC membership forms are available on the RVC website, and online membership will soon be available on Atlanticchip.ca