Special to the Daily
The Vail Rec District’s 36th season of the Mountain Bike Town Series begins Wednesday, April 24, with the Spring MTB Short Track Series.
With three races in total, the short track series is a great opportunity to get geared up for the season and get in biking shape after the winter.
The Mountain Bike Town Series offers varied courses in and around the Vail Valley with categories for mountain bikers of all ages and experience levels. Each race is followed by an after-party with free beer, prizes for top finishers and a raffle for all.
Next up is the main event, the East West Hospitality Mountain Bike Race Series. Featuring eight cross-country races at locations around the valley, the series begins May 22 and continues throughout the summer until Aug. 21.
The Youth Mountain Bike Race Series showcases younger riders ages 8 to 17, who are invited to participate in every race in the town series, with the exception of the Lost Lake race on July 10, which is limited to adults only. The Minturn Mini Kids Race on May 22 is for kids only and lets young riders be the stars.
“After all the snow we had this winter, I’ve heard from many people who are ready to put their skis away and dust off their bikes,” said VRD Town Series race Ddrector Beth Pappas. “We have been busy planning this summer’s East West Hospitality MTB Series and are looking forward to seeing the cycling community at the races!”
The following are the dates and locations of the VRD Mountain Bike Town Series. Details for individual events can be found at vailrec.com, and registration is available at vailrec.com/register.
Spring MTB Short Track Series
April 24: Short Track No. 1 (Eagle County Fairgrounds)
May 1: Short Track No. 2 (4 Eagle Ranch)
May 8: Short Track No. 3 (Edwards)
East West Hospitality Mountain Bike Series
May 22: Minturn Mini Kids Race
May 29: Eagle Ranch Classic
June 12: Hammer in the Hay
June 26: Berry Creek Bash
July 10: Lost Lake (adults only)
July 24: Camp Hale Hup
Aug. 14: Davos Dash
Aug. 21: Beaver Creek Blast
COST
Short track races cost $15 for preregistered adults and $20 on race day. Youth short track racers can preregister for $5 per race or $7 on race day.
For the East West Hospitality Mountain Bike Race Series, individual adult races cost $26 for preregistration or $37 on race day. Racers can also register for the entire race series for $155 until May 12 or $170 after May 12. For youth, the cost is $60 for the entire series, $10 to preregister for individual races or $15 on race day.
To register for all races, go online to vailrec.com/register. For more information, call 970-479-2280 or email sports@vailrec.com.
To become a race series sponsor, call the VRD Sports Department at 970-479-2280, emailsports@vailrec.com or visit vailrec.com.
