Wascana IceCycle 2011                                                                                             

“Ride bikes on ice?? – Are you crazy?!”

That seemed to be the most common response when people heard about South Saskatchewan Mountain Bike Club’s plans to hold a winter bike race on Wascana Lake.

Crazy or not, SSBMC members forged ahead to organize and hold the first (hopefully annual) Wascana IceCycle on Sunday, February 27, 2011. And in a nut shell the event was fantastic!

Much to the relief of all, the biggest risk factor, the weather, was perfect. It was a mild, sunny day without a breath of wind – arguably the nicest day we had all winter! There were 18 eager participants, including a dad who accompanied his young racing son. Four brave souls travelled from Swift Current for the event as well.

Wascana Centre sponsored this event, which was a huge help to our club. Much credit also needs to go to Derek Barr who came up with the idea originally and spent many hours building the course. The course was located entirely on Wascana Lake between the university and the waterfowl display pond. It was a half mile in length, and each race consisted of two laps. Races were run in heats of two initially with each racer being timed. Every participant rode at least two races.

The winners of each category were:

Men –             Pedro Penalta Elgueta

Women –         Christine Martyn

Youth –           Michael Green

Congratulations!

A big thank you also needs to go to Dutch Cycle for supplying the many fantastic prizes.

In addition to the participants there were many dedicated volunteers from our club that were key to the success of this event. There were also a handful of spectators that came out solely to provide the important cheering quotient. Hot chocolate and cookies were available to all, adding to a festive atmosphere.

There definitely were moments while planning this event that we wondered if we really were crazy, but the consensus of everyone present was that Wascana IceCycle was an absolute blast! Who knew a bike race in the winter could be so much fun?! Well now we do, so next year, don’t wait for spring. Let’s see YOU on your bike at the Wascana IceCycle 2012!

(Note: To see for yourself how much fun it was, check out the pictures on the SSMBC facebook page.)