ACROSS THE HIGHLANDS MTB CHALLENGE 2011

Looks like it is going to be another great year for Across the Highlands MTB Challenge. This year the event takes place in Whycocomagh and bring all cyclists to the top of Skye Mountain, altitude 260 m and in the back roads south of Lake Ainslie, the long loop ends after the climb to the top of Lewis and the exciting descent of the Whycocomagh mountain road, altitude 270m leading to the finish line.

The challenge will cover 3 divisions, the 20km and 40km adventures and the Marathon 50km. As of June 26th, Velo organizer Jacques Cote reports that 58 participants have registered for this year’s event. Cyclists will be coming to the Cape Breton from as far away as Pritchard, BC and Yellowknife in the Yukon. This is great news for Velo as well as for tourism operators in Cape Breton. An event such as this is always a boost for the local economy.
As always, Velo organizers and volunteers have worked very hard to present another high quality event for Saturday July 16th. Organizers have everything ready for the participants; maps, GPS instructions will be placed in the kit bags which will given out from 6-9pm on the evening of the 15th at the Whycocomagh Fire Hall. The courses will be well marked and volunteers will be located along the routes as well as at the pit stops and check points to make sure the event is a safe and fun filled event. In an event like this participants travel at their own rate, so if they want to push themselves they can or they can just set their own pace and enjoy the track, there is no first second or third or even last place finishers as anyone who enters this event is already a winner for taking the challenge. At the end of the day, everyone revels in the fact that they have conquered their goal of finishing their course and can be proud of their accomplishment. For those travelling in for the event, there are lots of accommodations available in the area from camping to motels and B&B and The Bear on The Lake Guest House, but make sure to book early. There are also lots of events to take in while in the area as the Whycocomagh Summer Festival will be taking place from July 11 to 17 this year, so come a little early and enjoy such events as a ceilidh, take in a traditional milling frolic, dust of your dancing shoes and take in one of the lively dances. There will also be canoe races, ball, hockey, soccer tournaments, street fair, street parade and concert, lots to do before and after the challenge. Jacques and Micheline do an excellent job of scouting out the courses and making sure routes are safe and exciting. This is bound to be another great event.