Mountain Bike Racing Is On

331 racers wanting the coveted hole shot in 2012.

Mountain Bike Racing Is On.

It’s time to race your mountain bike in Northeast Ohio.  Are you a traditional 26 inch wheel kind of rider with front or full suspension?  Are you a 29er rider sitting high with your 100 or more millimeters of travel?  Are you a trendy 27.5 (aka 650B) wheel rider?  Maybe you are one of the single speed unicorn mountain bike riders.  Well, here are some races for you.

The first of two outlets is through an organization called 331 Racing.  There races run all over the state from Columbus to Wellington to Medina.  Local races set for this year are the Short Track Spectacular in Chagrin Falls set for July 13, and the Royalview XC in Strongsville set for August 18.  Races by this company are decked out with sponsors, tents, food and drink tables, and awards.  Numerous categories are available for you to enter:  beginner, sport, expert, men, women, and age brackets.  You won’t be disappointed.  Yeah, they have a website, Facebook, and Twitter site for you social media junkies, too.

The second outlet is…get this…the Cleveland Metroparks!  Three time trial races are set at the two year old Royalview course in Strongsville off Route 82.  Races are set for Tuesday nights at 6 PM on June 4, 11, 18, and a rain date 25.  Pick two races, and your best times will count.  Beginner, advanced, women, men, and youth (14 years or older) categories are available.  The course will be 5 to 7 miles, and its $20 to race.  Since this trail has been faithfully supported by CAMBA (Cleveland Area Mountain Biking Association), it has the potential to be a nice race series.

As always, bring a helmet, and enjoy the ride!