Nebraska Cycling News

Norfolk, NE - August 11 marks the debut of series mountain bike racing in Northeast Nebraska with the inaugural Maskenthine XC Classic, part of the 2007 Nebraska Lottery Psycowpath MTB Series. The venue for this course will be the beautiful Maskenthine.

The Elkhorn Valley Cycling Club powered by Monster is promoting the race and also serves as the course stewards. The trail system was conceptualized in 2005 with the first phase completed in 2006. The second phase of the project was constructed in early 2007 realizing the goal of nearly five miles of continuous singletrack. The trail has a wide variety of terrain ranging from technical drops and off-camber turns to lung-testing climbs to wide-open prairie sections. Several downhill sections slalom through natural and hand-planted pines. Lake Recreation area, just east of Norfolk and north of Stanton.

Those that have ridden at Maskenthine know that the area has always had potential as a destination mountain bike trail. Elkhorn Valley Cycling Club Trail Crew has been busy making that a reality: The trails are fully trimmed and mowed and the singletrack has been developed considerably in recent weeks. New riders to the area will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of terrain and high “enjoyment factor.”

Mountain bike races always attract a wide variety of people and philosophies. Attendees range from seasoned veterans of bicycle racing to those looking for a way to interact with nature in a competitive but relaxed atmosphere. The Maskenthine XC Classic will be no exception. Racers vying for season points and prize money will be in attendance while classes for all comers will be held.

The day’s schedule and classes are as follows:

10:00am (Estimated race time: 30-40 min.)

1. Beginner Men “Open”

2. Beginner Men Masters 35+

3. Beginner Men Masters 45+

4. Beginner Men Clydesdale (200lbs. +) “Open”

5. Beginner Women “Open”

6. Junior Men 16-18

7. Junior Men 13-15

8. Junior Men 12 & under (children under the age of 10 can compete in the “Kids Race”)

9. Junior Women 16-18

10. Junior Women 13-15

11. Junior Women 12 & under (children under the age of 10 can compete in the “Kids Race”)

11:20am Kids Race (under ten yrs old, parent/guardian must be present & sign waiver)

12:00pm All Sport & Expert Fields

1. Sport Men “Open”

2. Sport Men Masters 35+

3. Sport Men Masters 45+

4. Sport Women “Open”

5. Sport Men Clydesdale (200lbs.+) “Open”

6. Singlespeed “Open”
 

1. Pro/Semi-Pro “Open”

2. Expert Men “Open”

3. Expert Men Masters 35+

4. Expert Women “Open

The Kids race is a perennial favorite and all youth are invited to participate. Kids must have a helmet and a functioning bicycle to race.

This event is permitted by the National Off Road Biking Association, part of USA Cycling, and trail project funds were granted to the Elkhorn Valley Cycling Club by the International Mountain Biking Association.

Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, owned and operated by the Lower Elkhorn Valley Natural Resources District, offers modern and primitive campgrounds, picnic areas, running water, modern shower and toilet facilities, boat docks, and a swimming beach. The area is easily accessible via Highway 275 from the Omaha area and by way of Highways 15, 32 and 57 from the Lincoln region. Drive time is under two hours from eastern Nebraska and with highway construction starting to wind down the trip is much more enjoyable.

For more information, a course flyer and course map go to www.nencycling.org