VRD's Spring MTB Short Track Series kicks off local mountain bike racing season next month

The Vail Recreation District's (VRD) Spring MTB Short Track Series will kick off this year's mountain bike race season in the Vail Valley beginning April 25. This is the second season for the short track series, which will feature four races leading up to the seven race Athletic Club at the Westin Vail, Beaver Creek Mountain Bike Race Series.

The Spring MTB Short Track Series will begin April 25 at the Eagle County Fairgrounds, followed by a race on May 2 at 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott. The race series then continues May 9 at Maloit Park in Minturn and will conclude May 16 at the Beaver Creek base area.

Races are held on Wednesdays and will begin at 5:30 p.m. featuring ages six to nine, then 5:45 p.m. for ages 10 to 14, 6 p.m. for beginners, 6:25 p.m. for sport racers and 6:50 p.m. for experts.

Registration costs $12 per race or $40 for the entire series for adults and $5 per race or $15 for the entire series for youth. Following each race, racers will enjoy an after party that will include a raffle prize drawing and free beer for adult racers. There will be no individual category prizes or series points for these events.

Short Track Series Eagle County Fairgrounds 2011The races will feature a short, dirt loop, with racers completing as many laps as possible in 10 minutes for the youth riders and 20 minutes for adults, with an average lap taking approximately two minutes to complete.

According to VRD race director Beth Pappas, the Spring MTB Short Track Series offers mountain bikers an opportunity to dust off their bikes and get ready for the regular race series, which will begin May 23.

"Last year's short track series offered racers a fun, adrenaline pumping way to get back in biking shape after a long winter," said Pappas. "This spring's short track series will be no different. It's a chance to get the kinks out of our bodies before the Athletic Club at the Westin Mountain Bike series."

Sponsors of the 2012 Spring MTB Short Track Series include the Athletic Club at the Westin, East West Resorts,Vail Valley Medical Center, The Dusty Boot, Aberle Investment Management, Apex Dental, Central Rockies Mortgage, Howard Head Sports Medicine and Honey Stinger.

Race details on the Athletic Club at the Westin Vail, Beaver Creek Mountain Bike Series will be announced soon. Race dates are set with venues to be determined.

Click here for more information, or call 970-479-2280. Go to www.vailrec.com for details on all other programs.