Race to the Canal, formerly the Bald Eagle Challenge Mountain Bike Race is set to take place again this year at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area on Sunday, October 19.
        This mountain bike race is sponsored locally by Wood-N-Wave, Grand Rivers, KY, and sanctioned by the National Off-Road Bicycling Association (NORBA).  The Race to the Canal is an endurance event that will cover challenging and varied terrain along the North/South Trail from the Golden Pond Visitor Center to the North Welcome Station. Some expert classes will also race the Canal Loop for a total of 42 miles.
        There are race classes that accommodate all ages and ability levels, including:  children; first-timers men and women; single speed; Clydesdale (200# or over rider); and masters for ages 50 and over.  Race distances will vary, depending on the race category.  The race has 32 classes, with prizes awarded to the top 3 finishers in each class.  Races will be held rain or shine and will end at the North Welcome Station.
      "This has been an annual event for several years and is popular with the mountain biking community because of the challenging and varied terrain,” comments Kyle Varel, LBL OHV & Trails Assistant.  “Steve Wilson with Wood-N-Wave Bicycles & Water Sports has done a great job coordinating this and other bike events at LBL, as well as volunteering to help maintain our bike trails.
        For race information, contact Steve Wilson with the Wood-N-Wave at 270-362-2453.  You may also visit the Wood-N-Wave website at http://woodnwave.com.
Registration is available at the Wood-N-Wave shop, beginning Friday, October 17 from 3-7 p.m., at KY Lake Drive on Saturday from 3-7 p.m., and at the North Welcome Station on race day at 7:30 a.m.  Racers must register at least one (1) hour prior to their class start time.
       The cost for the race varies from $10 to $30 for expert classes. Racers must have a NORBA license, which will be sold on-site.  A one-day license may be purchased for $10.  All racers are required to wear helmets.  Sponsors of the event include:  Wood-N-Wave, Grand Rivers and US Forest Service Land Between The Lakes.