''BUMPER numbers'' are expected to take advantage of Launceston's extensive network of new mountain bike trails this summer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Following extensive track-building work at Kate Reed and Trevallyn reserves, the Launceston Mountain Bike Club is anticipating unprecedented interest when its events kick-off later this month.
``It's great to have such strong local support for our events, and we are expecting bumper numbers of young and old riders wanting to test themselves on our great trails,'' said the club's Phil Leslie.
However, consistent heavy rain has prompted some temporary track closures and seen several events rearranged.
The packed calendar of events begins with the Wednesday twilight racing calendar at Kate Reed on October 16.
The racing format has been altered from previous years to enable competitors to race in age categories over the season.
A six-hour enduro will be held at the same venue on Sunday, November 10, with the rescheduled 275-minute enduro at Trevallyn following on Sunday, December 1.
A two-hour series kicks off on Sunday, December 15.
Leslie said featuring in all LMBC racing this year would be a host of ``very slippery'' juniors who had been working hard over the winter months with a view to performing at the MTBA nationals this year.
The club will have seven riders in its highly successful pathway program from under-15 to under-23 categories.
``With club elders mentoring them along the way, they are looking forward to a great year ahead on the bikes,'' Leslie said.