Sign-up open for cycling events

Local Ride’s Race the Ridge, Barry’s Roubaix, and Pitt Polder Time Trial are set to take place in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows in April.

Registration for popular local cycling events is already being offered.

Local Ride’s Race the Ridge, Barry’s Roubaix, and Pitt Polder Time Trial are set to take place in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows in April.

Riders can register online at Karelo.com with discounted early bird rates available until Feb. 28.

“We’re excited about our 2014 spring events,” said Maple Ridge cycling event organizer, Local Ride Racing’s Barry Lyster.

“Our goal is to offer high quality events that feature the sport in our community and highlight the world-class cycling opportunities we enjoy here in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.”

The first race out of the blocks will be the Pitt Polder Time Trial in Pitt Meadows on Saturday, April 12.

The generally fast and flat route showcases the area’s scenic agricultural lands. Frequent winds may affect the race as riders battle against the clock.

Barry’s Roubaix will see some of the province’s top cyclists hit the rural roads and picturesque Pitt Meadows dyke network the following day, Sunday, April 13.

It’s a road race that pays homage to the historic European Spring Classic, Paris-Roubaix. Barry’s Roubaix, which is held on the same day as the famed French race, simulates the iconic event’s bone-rattling sectors of cobblestones by including a large section of gravel dyke in the course.

The weekend of April 26-27 will see one of the longest-running cycling stage races in BC, Race the Ridge.

The event consists of three challenging stages that sees the rider with the lowest cumulative time after the final race crowned champion.

Race the Ridge is also proud to be part of Cycling BC’s new BC Premier Road Series.

Race the Ridge recently tied for second place in the Best Canadian Race Events category in Pedal Magazine’s 2013 Awards, as voted by readers from across the country.

Lyster’s Pumpkin Cross cyclo-cross race placed first in the awards.

This year promises to be a very special one, said Lyster.

• For more information about Local Ride’s events, visit www.localride.ca and navigate to “Our Races.”

Maple Ridge News