Nebraska Cycling News

The mountain bike race season hits the ground running with the 2008 Maskenthine XC Classic, featuring tons of free stuff for entrants and the chance to win a brand new 29r mountain bike! The opening race of the 2008 Psycowpath series will be hosted by Elkhorn Valley Cycling powered by Monster with co-sponsors Cleveland Bike and Sport of Norfolk and The Bike Way of Omaha.

Every paid entrant will leave with an armload of schwag after registering: Each entrant will receive a 2008 Psycowpath t-shirt, water bottles courtesy of The Bike Way and Cleveland Bike and Sport, and an entry into the drawing for a 2008 KHS Solo One 29r. KHS Bicycles and Cleveland Bike and Sport will be giving the bike away to the entrant drawn at random during the Sport/Expert award ceremony. You must be present to win.

Gifts and free stuff are fine but what about the racing? The Maskenthine course surprised racers in 2007 with its rolling hills, tight singletrack, and open spaces tailor made for fast head-to-head race action. With a more defined race course, and without the oppressive heat of 2007, the conditions should be perfect for the first-time racer and the seasoned expert alike.

The Psycowpath committee as put together a new entry fee and prize structure for 2008 designed to encourage participation in all classes. For details see the Psycowpath Race Series Bible. The biggest change for 2008 is reduced entry fees for both Sport and Beginner classes.  Also changed are awards for 2008: the top Beginner class finishers receive medals, Sport class podium spots score gift certificates (From The Bike Way and Cleveland Bike and Sport at Maskenthine), and Expert class winners walk away with cash prizes.

The Maskenthine course is located 10 miles east of Norfolk, just off of the construction-free Highway 275. Check out the Norfolk/Madison County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website for accommodations and entertainment opportunities. Enjoy a post-race brew and burger at the Wolf’s Den. Come see why everyone says Norfolk is the place to be for racing in 2008!