Racing Updates From Eric Bailey – Race Director
The Race Committee has been busy all spring putting together plans for the 2021 season, but as you can imagine it has taken on the theme of “I wonder when we will be allowed to do something?”
In early May we were all geared up to go back to the provincial colour-coded system and everything was looking quite promising. But once we learned of the extended Stay-at-Home and then the new Phase 1-2-3, we knew things were going to need to be modified.
Recently, we made the decision to just wait until at least Phase 2 before we attempt to host a race. But rest assured, we still very much plan to host a season of races this summer! If we move into Phase 2 on the first week of July, and start racing, we will have missed 3 races. Our plan is to make up for all of these by adding 1 per month in July, Aug, and Sept. and still get all 8XC’s plus the 40 Miner. We have our fingers crossed that the season will start on July 7. The racing in Phase 2 will likely have to be quite different to what we are used to (i.e large wave starts) but we are going to do everything we can to make the events fun and challenging. We also hope to run events for all 4 categories. We will stick with Wednesday nights.
On July 24 we are hoping to launch our newest event which will be a multi-hour endurance relay. Originally the idea was an EPIC-8 style event, but we will have to see what the next few weeks hold. The 40-Miner is scheduled for Sept.11 and with a full-blown Special Events Committee behind it, we are really hoping to end the season on a high note.
We want to thank all of you that have shown faith in us and purchased racing memberships. This means a lot to our club and our committee as we do our best to plan. Please keep your eyes on the website and social media for upcoming schedule changes.
Trail Building Update From Michael McKenzie – Trail Development Chair
Things have been off to a great start this year even though COVID has limited our trail crews size. Last week we were able to get a bunch of larger projects done with a machine rental. We fixed some bad spots on Peekaboo and doctors and were able to overhaul Crossover and the beginning of the Hydro Jump Line! With restriction opening up we hope to finally be able to get some more volunteers out to trail builds. Stay tuned for updates in the next few weeks for more information. If you are interested in signing up to receive more information on how you can volunteer visit: https://www.blacksheepmtb.com/volunteer/
Drive-In Movie Night Featuring Tourism Thunder Bay Film “Old Greg”
Blacksheep MTB Club is excited to announce, in partnership with Tourism Thunder Bay, we are hosting a Drive-In movie night on June 30th featuring a local production “Old Greg” the film tells the story of how passion creates legacies, and how passing the torch can make it all worth while. Filmed in Thunder Bay this story features many local personalities that have and will continue to make a big impact on our community. After this we will also be watching Dirt Magic, Born in the Back Country and Not 2 Bad. Tickets are $35 per car and include 2 bags of popcorn. for more information on the films, to watch trailers and buy tickets visit: https://www.blacksheepmtb.com/2021/06/11/drive-in-film-fundraiser/
Please Respect Trail Crews Building New Trails
We are all very excited for the new trails currently being built but please respect signage telling you to stay off the trails. Riding new trails before they’re ready only pushes the opening date farther off. The new Balsam Connector Trail is currently being built with machine operators thatt are unable to hear riders advancing on their bikes. For the safety of our riders and trail crew please stay off the trails until they are open to the public.
Group Rides Will Begin Soon
As Ontario moves into Phase 1 of reopening, we will be able to start opening some of our group rides to the public. Whether you are looking for an advanced ride to push yourself or if this is your first time on a mountain bike, we will have a ride for you to help further your goals this summer. For more information on group rides visit: https://www.blacksheepmtb.com/group-rides/ and watch our social media updates.
Latest Round of T-Shirt Drop Offs
All T-shirt orders up until June 11th have been dropped off at your chosen shop. If you are interested in purchasing a T-shirt you can find them available for purchase in our store: https://www.blacksheepmtb.com/store/
