Featured Stories

Chico Racing – January News

January 9, 2009 – Here is Chico Racing’s January newsletter, which includes great ways to stay fit this winter. Winter’s icy grip has been tightened for over a month and a half now, and if you’re one of the die-hards riding through slush and snow drifts, we have one piece of advice: retire that steed. Get out on some snowshoes, x-c skis or skates and enjoy winter and take a break from your bike. An epic 3+ hour snowshoe is a perfect workout keeping you in the fat burning zone for a long period of time. Nordic skiing, whether classic or skate, is known to be the best total body workout in the world. If you’ve never tried, find a reputable resort, get some rentals and a lesson and enjoy the beauty of winter.

For those of you who just can’t get off the bike try a spin class. The workout from an hour long spin class can’t be beat, and will preserve your spin for an easy transition back onto the bike. The tunes, social component and motivation makes spinning an enjoyable alternative to riding outside.

Crank The Shield – September 18-20, 2009

Register for Crank the Shield here.

The next 40 entries to Crank The Shield will get a custom redesigned 2009 Crank The Shield race kit including bib shorts, jersey and socks. Register now to take advantage of this special offer as we expect this offer to run out very soon.

Crank The Shield’s 2009 course has been re-worked with more mountain biking, less mud and bogs. Stage 1 is going to be on par with the quality of Stage 3, and we are working on re-routes for Stage 2. This year’s course will be dramatically drier, with more hard-core mountain biking.

Ontario now has a stage race that will be mentioned in the same breath as Trans Rockies, BC Bike Race and La Ruta. If you are looking for the ultimate 2009 experience and challenge this is the event you shouldn’t miss.

What is included for your entry?:

– Special race kit including Suarez bib shorts, jersey and socks to the next 40 entries! After that riders will receive a jersey only.

– Custom Crank the Shield Duffle Bag, featuring ripstop nylon, heavy duty zippers, pockets on both ends and more. We are making improvements with what we learned from our 2008 event bag.

– T-shirt, Stickers and other goodies.

– 3 days of epic racing.

– Two nights accommodations in sleeping cabins at Camp Kandalore and Camp White Pine. You will have a mattress included, but must bring your own sleeping bag, pillow etc. This differentiates our event from many other multi-day events because you will not be sleeping in a tent! Cabins range from rustic to quite modern. Some don’t have electricity, but all will be dry and more accommodating than tents.

– Three excellent dinners (includes the bbq for the awards ceremony) – we are striving to provide you with the best quality food available including steak, chicken, salmon, salads, pasta, desserts, and vegetarian options.

– Two lunches at the finish – sandwiches, pizza & snacks (something many other events don’t provide).

– Two fully stocked aid stations en route each day with energy drinks, fruit, energy bars, gels etc.

– Two hearty breakfasts – you know the standard – coffee, eggs, bacon, pancakes, fruit, cereal, etc.

– Complimentary technical support provided by Norco Performance Bikes, and Shimano Canada for the duration of the event.

– Bicycle retailers will also be set up at the overnight spots with spare parts, tires etc.

– Bike wash area with lubes, cleaners etc. at the overnight spot after each stage.

– Car parking at Haliburton Forest (the start) for three days.

– Transportation to Camp White Pine from Haliburton once you complete stage 2 for you and your bike.

– Bag transport for the duration of the event.

– Computer timed with results and overall placings.

– Awards for every category.


Is Crank The Shield expensive?:

– $715 per person plus GST
– 90% of our 2008 participants surveyed felt they got good value.
– Compared with other stage races Crank The Shield offers more and costs less.
– We don’t skimp on safety, police or road closures because safety is a huge priority for us.
– We hire the best safety crews with evacuation equipment to work our event.
– Our caterers provide high quality food and we don’t limit participant’s food intake. Extras like beer are often included at no cost.

With Chico Racing you know our events will improve every year. We are riders, we listen to our customers and strive to provide you with the best events, courses and experiences possible.

We look forward to your continued support in 2009!

2009 24 Hours of Summer Solstice, June 20-21, 2009 and 2009 24 Hours at Albion: Hot August Nights, August 22-23, 2009

Click here for registration.

The 24 Hours of Summer Solstice is already 60% sold. Those registered earliest will get the best campsites.

Don’t miss the best 24 hour events in North America.

Serviced sites are still available for the Hot August Nights and these are at no additional cost.

A Word From Chico

Happy New Year from Chico Racing!

2008 was our biggest year since the big move of the Summer Solstice to Albion Hills some 9 years ago! Crank the Shield, with it’s 3-day, event-on-wheels format was our biggest undertaking to date and we’re pleased it went as well as it did. Our other events kept strong attendance even though it was Ontario’s wettest year on record.

Looking ahead, we’ve decided our theme of the year, recession, re-schmession! Chico Racing’s action plan is to initiate a price freeze and offer even more value for our customers.

Nothing will dampen our spirits and for 2009 expect the same level of commitment to Ontario’s premier mountain bike events. Also keep an eye on www.chicoracing.com and www.cranktheshield.com for updates to next years exciting event calendar.

All the best,

Sean, Matt and Adam





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