March 18, 2009 (Maple Ridge, BC) – Race the Ridge (RTR) 2009 presented by Local Ride Bike Shop is introducing some exciting course changes to what will be a thrilling weekend of bicycle racing for riders and spectators alike, April 25-26.

Due to construction in downtown Maple Ridge, the Town Core Criterium will be replaced by a challenging Pitt Meadows Airport Circuit Race in Pitt Meadows on April 26, which will pay homage to the cancelled Harris-Roubaix road race. The Pitt Meadows Airport circuit features a shorter course from the Roubaix, yet it still includes a healthy 900m section of gravel. The total distance of one loop will run approximately 3km to create an action-packed, high-speed competition.

The Race the Ridge time trial, scheduled for the morning of April 26, has also been altered. It will start in Pitt Meadows near the airport and follow scenic Ford, Woolridge and Kennedy roads. This is a very flat time trial route and showcases the beautiful backroads and farmlands of Pitt Meadows. It is 7.8km one way to equal a total distance of 15.6km of agony.

April 25th”šs challenging 9.7km road race course mirrors the 2008 route, but competitors will ride it in the reverse direction for a rolling, but slightly less selective race. The race hub will be at Thornhill Community Hall at 26007 – 98 Avenue in Maple Ridge.

Note that the omnium will be time-based this year as opposed to points-based as in previous editions. Registration will be by pre-registration only, available online at www.karelo.com until 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 23. Register early as category sizes are capped and a late fee applies to entries after April 17. For more information, visit www.localride.ca and follow the links to Race the Ridge.

Schedule

Saturday, April 25

Thorn Hill Road Race
– 9:00am – Cat 3 Men (7 laps / 70km)
– 9:05am – Cat 4/5 Men (5 laps / 50km)
– 9:10am – Cat 3/4 Women (4 laps / 40km)
– 12:00pm – Cat 1/2 Men (10 laps / 100km)
– 12:05pm – Cat 1/2 Women (7 laps / 70km)

Sign-on opens at 8:00 am, and closes 15 minutes prior to each races. The Road course is open to traffic. Center line rule is in effect.

Sunday, April 26

Pitt Meadows Airport Time Trial
– 8:00am – Cat 4/5 Men
– 8:30am – Cat 3/4 Women
– 8:40am – Cat 3 Men
– :00am – Cat 1/2 Women
– 9:15am – Cat 1/2 Men

– Sign-on opens at 7:00 am.
– Riders will leave @ 30 sec intervals.
– Riders will start in reverse order of their Road Race finish placing.
– Current start times, are estimates. More accurate start windows will be posted after registration closes. A start list will be posted the evening after the Road Race.
– The time trial course is open to traffic. Center line rule is in effect.

Pitt Meadows Airport Circuit Race – Sunday, April 26
– 12:00pm – Cat 4/5 Men (30 minutes +1 lap)
– 12:45pm – Cat 3/4 Women (30 minutes +1 lap)
– 1:30pm – Cat 3 Men (40 minutes +1 lap)
*** Kids Race ***
– 2:30pm – Cat 1/2 Women (45 minutes +1 lap)
– 3:30pm – Cat 1/2 Men (60 minutes +1 lap)

– Sign-on opens at 11 am.
– Awards presentation starts shortly after the last race.
– The circuit course is closed to traffic. Watch for spectators.

Local Ride Bike Shop
7-22214 Dewdney Trunk Road
Maple Ridge, BC V2X 0E6
604-466-2016
local_ride@shaw.ca
www.localride.ca