September 1, 2009 – The Ontario MTB Marathon and Half-Marathon Championships are coming up this Sunday, September 6 to Mansfield Outdoor Center, Dufferin County Forest, Simcoe County Forest. Two weeks later, Hardwood Ski and Bike hosts the Dukes Fall Epic 8 Hour – the course is now marked and open for riding. Read on for more race details.

Ontario Marathon Mountain Bike Championships and Half-Marathon Championships – Sept. 6

There is one week to go until the inaugural Ontario Marathon Mountain Bike Championships and Half-Marathon Championships. There is still time to pre-register for this exciting and fun new racing format. Using one big lap for each length, riders will fly through Mansfield Outdoor Center and its iconic trails, the long flowing single track and double track of the Dufferin County Forest and the rugged terrain of the Simcoe County Forest.

Come test your skill and fitness against some of Ontario’s best cyclists on a new course in one of the provinces most venerable venues.

The Marathon course will feature some of the long revered climbs of M.O.C, along with the fast flowing descents. While anyone will be able to ride the single track, only those with the technical skills will ride fast.

The Half-Marathon course will omit the big climbs and test riders skills and endurance with long rolling single track.

Schedule

Sunday Sept 6
– 8:00 Registration opens
– 9:30 Registration closes
– 9:55 Rider briefing and call to the start line
– 10:00 Marathon Start
– 10:15 or 10:30 Half Marathon Start
– 12:15 Projected first finish, Half Marathon
– 13:30 Projected first finish, Marathon
– 15:00 Awards

While the Dufferin County Forest and Simcoe County Forest are open for riding, Mansfield Outdoor Center is not open for pre-riding until the day of the event.

For more information please visit www.substanceprojects.com or register online with the OCA.

Dukes Fall Epic 8 Hour – Sept. 26

The course for the Dukes Fall Epic 8 Hour at Hardwood Ski and Bike is now marked and open for pre-riding! The course map will be posted on www.epic8hour.ca and available at Hardwood Front Desk. The Epic 8 Hour course is open for pre-riding during regular Hardwood hours of operation only, and regular trail fees apply until Friday Sept 25th. Group discounts are available for teams and clubs. Please see the Hardwood website for complete hours and trail fees. www.hardwoodskiandbike.ca

The Epic 8 Hour Relay is all about the camaraderie, sportsmanship and the gritty, hard-core enjoyment of riding with friends. The Epic 8 Hour relay is a personal and team challenge to complete as many laps as possible from 10 am to 6 pm. Many riders prefer the 8 hour format for a solo challenge, but the majority of riders still enjoy the mix of fun, fast riding and the competitive (or not so competitive), social team atmosphere. Whether riding just for fun, or vying for a podium spot in your category, the Epic 8 Hour will be a memorable experience!

Other Epic 8 Hour Notes:

– Early Bird Entry Discount applies until Sept 11th, so be sure to enter soon as save $$. Also cool Epic 8 Hour custom Buff to the first 700 riders! Enter via www.epic8hour.ca
– New! Enter by Sept 20 and get your Team Name on personalized number plates!
– One lucky draw rider will go home with a Cannondale bike courtesy of Dukes Cycle and Cannondale.

For all the event details and above information see www.epic8hour.ca.

We look forward to an awesome summer day of fun and great riding!