Nebraska Cycling News

Time to get outside and brush up on those handling skills that went soft while you were on the trainer...  and finally return that copy of American Flyers to the rental store...  its mountain bike racing time!

The Nebraska Lottery is once again signed on to show support to the local mountain bike racing scene!  Due to their gracious support, the 2007 Nebraska Lottery Psycowpath Series will offer free series t-shirts to every racer this year, as well as feature free food at each event

In November of 1992, 63 percent of Nebraska voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing the creation of a state lottery. The Nebraska Lottery was created by LB 138, passed by the Nebraska Legislature on February 24, 1993. When the Nebraska Lottery began, it was the 37th lottery in the United States. The Nebraska Lottery has raised more than $250 million for programs like the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund and its work to conserve, enhance, and restore the natural environments of Nebraska. The Nebraska Lottery is proud to support mountain bike racers that appreciate and enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor spaces of Nebraska.

The 2007 Nebraska Lottery Psycowpath Series opens on Saturday April 7, at what has quickly become one of the most popular venues of the series.  Hosted by Bike Masters Cycling Club, last years Tranquility Tire Tantrum XC drew 140 racers and even more spectators.  Located between 120th and 132nd and Maple and Fort Streets, the Omaha venue makes for a great season opener with a good mix of technical trail features, tight corners, and two significant climbs over the 4 mile course.  While challenging, the course offers plenty of recovery opportunities and doesn't feature some of the steeper climbs or technical features of courses later in the series.  It's a good place to get used to dry singletrack again after a long, wet winter.

Watch www.nebraskacyclingnews.com and www.velosource.com for your opportunity to pre-register for the event!  This will reserve your t-shirt and help you be certain you get the size you want! 

NEW START/FINISH area this year, see below!

On-site registration will be available at all events in the 2007 Psycowpath MTB events with the following guidelines:

Riders must present a current annual NORBA license at registration. 
Annual licenses may be purchased on-site for $60.
If you have questions regarding NORBA licensing, visit www.usacycling.org.
One-day licenses will be available on-site for $10.
Expert riders are not eligible to purchase one-day licenses.
Expert downgrades to SPORT, or Sport downgrades to beginner will not be allowed!
Registration opens at 8:00am and closes 15 minutes before each event.

CATEGORIES AND ENTRY FEES*:

If you are a first time racer, please mention so at time of registration.  All first time racers will be recognized at the finish!*entry fee does not include license fee, if necessary.

THE COURSE:

Tranquility Park MTB Trail is Omaha's first approved off road trail system in a city park. These trails are primarily singletrack though there are also some short sections of doubletrack connectors. A good mix of terrain can be found here - everything from a tight, swervy switchbacks through pine trees, to wide open grassland climbs, followed by speed-building swooping descents to backcountry rough and dirty pockmarked tread. There may be a few sections that will put a rider off their bike (either by ejection or election) and there is a good amount of climbing to be had here (by Omaha standards) but for the most part it should be ridable for most.  Race loop is approx 4 miles for all levels. 

THE VENUE: 

TPMTBT is located smack in the middle of suburbia. Sandwiched between busy, traffic choked streets and a north-west Omaha neighborhood, the park surprisingly transports you to another place. With it's grassy hillsides and pine forests, you'd swear you were in the foothills of Colorado. Near the trail is a large open field and a big hill that's great for running the dog or viewing the racers approaching and descending. The park cozies up to Tranquility Soccer Complex and tennis courts. There are no public restrooms or running water at the trail head so look for the port-a-johns and bring extra water. Parking is plentiful, but not always close to the trailhead. 

NEW FOR 2007: DIRECTIONS TO TRANQUILITY PARK: 

From I-80 in Omaha, take I-680 north to Maple Street exit.  Take a left to go West on Maple, through 108th street intersection, to 120th Street.  Turn right (north) onto 120th Street.  You'll see parking lots immediately to your left.  Turn in, and park in the northernmost corner of the lot. 

Event questions can be directed to Bike Masters at 402-964-1080 or to tpmbt@cox.net