Last fall I wrote that, as much as I enjoy cyclocross, I would like to see more interesting ‘cross race courses. The go-around-in-circles format is just not my thing.
So I was excited to learn about a new bike race here in Anchorage, the Great Alaska Birkebeiner Mountain Bike race. The race starts in Chugiak and traverses 90 kilometers of pavement, dirt roads and ski trails to get to the finish at Kincaid Park. Its a unique event that offers good tests of fitness, strategy and gear selection. This year’s race is on Saturday August 8, 2009.
It sounds cool but I’ve got a few small quibbles, mainly with the name of the race. Why is an Alaskan bike race named after a Norwegian ski race? Is someone going to be towing the infant king in a Chariot? Plus, they call it a mountain bike race even though its about two-thirds pavement. But then again, I guess they don’t want some roadie trashing his $7,000 Cervelo on the Spencer Loop.
I think this race has the potential to be really fun. It will be interesting to see if it catches on. I could see it becoming a hit with recreational riders looking for their once-a-season big challenge, a la the Tour of Anchorage ski race.
Having said all that, I doubt I will do the race this year. I’m not sure my Achilles is ready for four hours of racing. Plus, August is looking like a very busy month for me as I try to squeeze an entire summer into about five weekends. (Another quibble – Hold the race in September!).
We are fortunate to have a ton of interesting races here in southcentral Alaska, and I am glad to see the Alaska Birkie join the ranks. I just wish they’d call it something else. How about ‘Crossing Anchorage? Municycle? Cycle to Kincaid ( Cy2K for short)? Hmm, maybe Alaska Birkie isn’t that bad after all.
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