Upcoming Cycling and MTB events

This Sunday (April 6) is the After the Bridge Run Century Ride 2008. The Charleston Bicycle Company and Running Shop is the primary sponsor.

Distances will be an English Century (100 miles), Metric Plus (73 miles) and a half metric (30 mile) ride. This event costs $30.00, after March 22nd the fee goes up to $35.00 until sold out. If not sold out, day of event registration is possible. Fees include rest stops, Barbeque Lunch (STICKY FINGERS) and a t-shirt for the first 400 registered cyclists. Registration is limited to 500 cyclists.

This event is a fundraiser for the volunteer groups who staff the rest stops and the Palmetto Cycling Coalition. All proceeds will be allocated to worthwhile charities who help make this event possible and make South Carolina a safer place to cycle.

Charleston Bicycle Company will be open the day before the ride and will have packet pickup / rider registration and maps to the start location available. For more info and/or to register, go to
http://www.charlestonbicyclecompany.com/

Other regional events
There are a ton of cool cycling and MTB events coming up in the next couple months in the Rock Hill/Charlotte area. A brand new event called The 6 Hour Grind on the Greenway is scheduled for April 19 on the Anne Close Springs Greenway in Ft. Mill, SC. Even though it’s on a greenway, race organizers describe it as “98% fast and challenging singletrack.” The event is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is being held in conjunction with the Earth Day. There are 12 different race categories with prizes/trophies going three deep in all categories. This event is sponsored by SouthPark Cycles and www.BlackDogBikes.com.

April 4-6
Rock Hill Omnium
White Rose Sprints on Friday from 6-9 p.m.
Main Street Downtown York, SC
Fast-paced, 500 meter sprint event will pit a small group of racers under the lights of picturesque Main Street in York, SC. Cash prizes and Omnium points kick off the race weekend. Numerous heats will determine a winner in each of a variety of Categories— including Pro 1, 2; Masters Men and Women.

Old Town Criterium on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Main Street Downtown, Rock Hill, SC
The second day of the 2008 Omnium features the Old Town Criterium. This all-day event will provide ample opportunities for new and experienced racers to test their skills against racers from all over the country along a 0.8 mile course loop. Downtown Rock Hill provides a great setting for the multi-lap race and is the perfect venue for spectators.

Patriot’s Trail Road Race on Sunday 8 a.m.
Historic Brattonsville, SC
The final day of the Spring Omnium is the Patriot’s Trail Road Race, located in and around Historic Brattonsville in southern York County. This 45 mile, multi-loop race in southern York County allows riders to challenge themselves through rolling countryside. Start / Finish is located at Hightower Hall in Historic Brattonsville. For more info, visit http://www.rockhillbicycleclub.com/

April 12
Race to River
Local bike shops of Columbia will be hosting a XC MTB race for all ages and categories. This is the one and only XC race of the season for the Columbia area. Come help support the positive word of mountain bike riding in Columbia SC. Race Flyer Link: http://cyclecenter.com/page.cfm?pageID=219/


April 27
2008 Charlotte Summer Series Kick-Off
The 2008 Charlotte Summer MTB Series will kick-off at Col Francis Beatty Park. The park rotation for 2008 will be Col Francis Beatty, Renaissance Park, N Meck Park and USNWC. One new exciting thing for the series, we will visit Fisher Farm twice during the series. Two of the N Meck races will be replaced with Fisher Farm. We are also going to be change the Sport Category by adding one additional age group. Info will be posted at http://www.charlottemtnbike.com/

May 3
Giordana Dilworth Criterium
This year, the 35th Annual Dilworth Criterium, presented by SouthPark Cycles, will be part of the USA Crit Speed Week and offer over $12k in CASH! The event will once again feature the neighborhood beer race but this year, it will be held on adult trikes. Go to www.charlottesportscycling.com for more information.

May 4
Uwharrie Xterra
For more info, visit http://www.middleringcycles.com/

May 24 & 25
The BURN 24 Hour Challenge is the Southeast's Premiere 24 Hour Mountain Bike Solo & Team Relay Race featuring an amazing trail system, electronic timing, kid's races, great prizes, the infamous Alien Abduction, and free BURN Energy Drinks throughout the event. We hope you can join us in at Dark Mountain Trails in Wilkesboro, NC on May 24th & 25th, 2008. Details can be found at http://burn24hour.com