August 12, 2003 (Barrie, ON) – The 24 Hours of Adrenalin presented by Jeep, the world's largest gathering of 24-hour mountain bike enthusiasts, returns August 16/17 to Hardwood Hills, just north of Barrie, Ontario for the 10th anniversary edition of the fastest growing mountain bike series in North America. Some 2,500 participants are expected, cheered on by the anticipated 6,000 spectators, members of the media, an assortment of family pets and the various support crews that truly make this event unique on the world's sports stage. Events get underway at 12pm Saturday with the Merrell LeMans start and conclude at 12pm Sunday with the 24-hour countdown and 1:30pm awards ceremony.
The weekend will center mainly around teams of up to 10 riders who will be negotiating on mountain bikes an approximately 22km course for 24 hours straight. For those wishing to push the limits of personal stamina, the Solo event will offer a challenge like no other. Solo riders brave the entire weekend alone-partnered only with the two-wheeled steeds that will be their guide through the Sunday finish.
For those NOT wishing to cultivate a 24-hour saddle sore, there are still plenty of onsite activities taking place at the Hardwood Hills event. 2003 marks the 10th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Adrenalin and some special birthday celebrations are planned. Presenting sponsor Jeep will be displaying their incredible line of rugged vehicles and providing great take-home goodies to all. Canadian computer graphics card company, ATI will be on hand with computer video games and technology displays. ATI will also be hosting the Saturday evening ATI Movie Night, taking place outdoors in the main expo area. Kids too young to ride with parents will enjoy the 5pm Saturday Tetra Pak 24 Minutes of Adrenalin Kids Event, led by special guest, Crusty the Clown. Spectators, visitors and the generally curious are all invited to wander the expo area and visit sponsors that include Nightpro lighting systems, Louis Garneau apparel, Platypus Flexible Hydration Systems, Oryx Bicycles, Therm-A-Rest, MSR, Master Lock, Mavic, Pedal Magazine, Graber, Saris and many more.
For those wishing to come and see what makes the 24 Hours of Adrenalin the world's largest 24-hour mountain bike event, directions to Hardwood Hills may be found at www.24hoursofadrenalin.com. From the homepage, go to “Dates and Locations” and click on Hardwood Hills. Parking for the event will be in the “Meadowlands” field, parking is $6.00 with parking proceeds going towards local Camp Couchiching Youth Programs.
Based in Markham, Ontario, 24 Hours of Adrenalin mountain bike events are held in a growing number of excellent locations in Canada and the United States and attract tens of thousands of participants and spectators alike. Participants are primarily known not as mountain bike racers, but as outdoor enthusiasts and weekend warriors who enjoy both the social aspect and the often fierce competitive environment that the 24 Hours of Adrenalin events provide.