The Virginia Tech Cycling Club is kicking off the 2009 season, taking on the competition at the Virginia Tech Mountain Bike Race on Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6.

The two-day event boasts five different races. Blacksburg’s Heritage Park and Gateway trail hosts the first three races starting at 10 a.m., with the Dual Slalom race going off at 1:30 p.m. The riders return to campus at 7 p.m. for a short track night race on the upper recreational fields, under the lights to round out Saturday’s competitions. Sunday morning the riders will tackle the Poverty Creek trail system in the Jefferson National forest for a XC Race at 10 a.m. to cap the weekend.

“From XC Racing, Downhill, and Dual Slalom action or testing yourself on the Uphill Time Trial or Short track race there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert we want you to come out and ride,” says cycling club’s David Henry. “Saturday afternoon’s Dual Slalom Course is going to be quite a show.”

The race is free for any Virginia Tech student, after they pay a $10 license fee for USA Cycling. The cost of the races for non-Virginia Tech students is $15-20 for each event or $50 to compete in all five events. Registration for Saturday’s events will be at the Old Farm Parking Lot at Heritage Park from 8 to 9:30 a.m., prior to the start of the first three events. Registration for Sunday’s XC race will be from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. located at Boley Fields. For more information and directions, visit the Virginia Tech’s Cycling Club’s website.

Blacksburg and the New River Valley offer a beautiful place to enjoy mountain biking in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and this weekend will showcase it all.

Holiday Inn University, Days Inn Blacksburg and vitaminwater are sponsors of Virginia Tech Sport Clubs.

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