October 09, 2013 (Maple Ridge, B.C.) – Local Ride Bike Shop in Maple Ridge, B.C. wants to hook everyone on the exciting sport of Cyclo-cross and is offering three Tuesday evening clinics and short track races at the Ridge Meadows BMX Track, October 8, 15, and 22, with that goal in mind.

“Cyclo-cross is such a cool cycling discipline,” said Local Ride Bike Shop owner and race organizer Barry Lyster. “It’s short, fast, dirty, and kind of goofy. It’s just a hoot.”

Cyclo-cross is a quickly growing discipline of cycling due to its accessibility and inclusive atmosphere. With attainable race times, short courses, and huge fun factor, it’s no wonder the sport is gaining an enthusiastic following in Canada.

“There are categories for kids and beginners as well as experienced riders. There’s a race for everyone,” said Lyster.

Tuesday’s sessions will take place on a sub-1,000-metre circuit containing a variety of terrain and obstacles often found on cyclo-cross courses, like barriers, run-ups, and pump track features. The one-hour clinics, starting at 5:00 p.m., will be held before the short track races, giving riders the opportunity to use their new skills immediately in a real competition situation. Even for experienced cyclo-cross racers, the October 8, 25, and 22 sessions are a great way to log some specific midweek training.

Clinic participants will benefit from the expertise of experienced cyclo-cross racers, including Local Ride Racing member and Maple Ridge athlete Maggie Coles-Lyster and veteran elite racer Sandra Walter.

Ridge Meadows BMX Club is generously offering up use of its track and regular practice nights for Local Ride Bike Shop’s cyclo-cross purposes and Lyster is hoping to get some regular BMX-ers to try out a different discipline.

“BMX riders already have all of the skills required for ‘cross,” said Lyster. “The clinics will just help them learn to apply them to the discipline.” To sweeten the deal, Lyster is offering Ride Meadows BMX Club members a discounted rate of $5 for the sessions. The fee for non-members is $10 (must be insured by Cycling BC).

The three Tuesday cyclo-cross evenings presented by Local Ride Bike Shop lead up to the biggest cyclo-cross event in Maple Ridge and one of the best attended in the province – the seventh annual Pumpkin Cross on Sunday, October 27 at North Alouette River Greenway Park, located behind the Maple Ridge Equi-Sport Centre. Lyster is also the event organizer for Pumpkin Cross.

“Pumpkin Cross is one of the most-loved cyclo-cross races in B.C., largely because of its festival atmosphere. We make it really fun with a Halloween theme, prizes for costumes, music, and emcee, and a great course,” said Lyster. “It’s an event the whole family can enjoy.”

Riders can pre-register for the Tuesday Cyclo-cross clinics and short track races at Local Ride Bike Shop in person or by phone by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday before each race and are encouraged to do so to simplify race night logistics. On-site registration will also be available. More info here.

Find Pumpkin Cross information and registration here.

Cycling BC is offering a discounted late-season license for Cyclo-cross. More info here.