Host Race Team: BikeIowa.com
Written By Bruce Brown
On Sunday, October 10, 2010 the Iowa Mountain Bike Championship Series heads south. Have you heard of the famous Chequamegon 40 in Wisconsin that is run on cross country ski trails, forest roads, snowmobile trails and wooded lanes? That's right!! We now have a "Cheqaumegon like" race in our very own Iowa series.
Coming for the third time is Iowa's very own backwoods, super fast, fat tire XC race held on a course loop that rolls on the multi-use cross country ski, snowmobile, and hiking trail that circles Lake Ahquabi. The race loop utilizes backwood sections of the wooded trails throughout Lake Ahquabi State Park to make for a scenic race filled with unique challenges.
COURSE: The 7.5+ mile loop includes a trip around Lake Ahquabi's multi-use trail with additional sections that include backwood trails. You will encounter gravel, dirt, roots, ruts, grass, logs, wooden bridges, railroad tie stairs, climbs, fast descents and the best nature has to offer on this scenic course. The loop will be the perfect test of one's fitness with all of the full throttle speed and all of the climbing, but will not be technical in nature to scare off the entry level racer. In fact, this will be a perfect venue for first timers and experts alike.RACE DAY SCHEDULE: [12:00 Noon - Mass Start for 2010]
CAT 1 Expert Men/Women's Open - 12:00pm (prizes: 100% expert entry fee pay out for top 3 in Expert Open and Women's Open categories)
CAT 2 Sport Men/Sport Women/Singlespeed/Sport Junior - 12:00pm (prizes for winners)
CAT 3 Beginner Men/Beginner Women/Beginner Junior - 12:00pm (prizes for winners)
Open Marathon Category (40 miles) solo or 5 person tag team.
Awards Ceremony: After the completion of all categories
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Registration is on the day of the race starting at 9:00am and closes 15 minutes before each race begins. Or you can register at http://www.bikeiowa.com/
Entry Fee: $25
MAKE IT A FAMILY OUTING:
The start/finish line area will be near the swimming beach and boat rental. Bring the entire family, but it will be too cold to swim. How about building sand castles? Due to it being off season, I doubt one can rent one of the many canoes, kayaks, double kayaks, row boats, or paddle boats that are available during the season (ends 9/30). There is a concession stand with food and drinks as well as lots of shade and picnic tables for those seeking to avoid the sun. Again - I believe this will be closed.
DIRECTIONS: Lake Ahquabi State Park is five miles south of Indianola (17 miles south of Des Moines) on Hwy. 65/69 and one mile west on G-58. Enter Lake Ahquabi State Park through the main entrance where G-58 ends and the entrance gate is located at the 4 way stop. Parking and registration will be at the Lake Ahquabi Lodge (once you enter the park, take the first left at the Lodge sign). We have the Lodge rented for the day of the race and restrooms are located inside.
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YOUR IMBCS Lake Ahquabi State Park XC Race Director/Promoters:
Bruce Brown
Jed Gammell
Rob Versteegh
More Information: brown.bruce@mchsi.com
515-961-0251; 515-205-4295
