Black Sheep Schedule

Last updated: Apr 18 09

2009 Event (Races & Fun Events) Schedule:

Now finalized . . . the much awaited, spectacularly awesome, often imitated but never duplicated . . .

Black Sheep 2009 Event Schedule

For 2009, Black Sheepers will have 19 chances to ride for fun and glory . . .

New for 2009:

1. New XC Venue and Format: In response to member requests for more variety in venues, for 2009 we've added an XC time trial race to the schedule. It takes place at Ailey Family Estates, where Marilyn and Keith have 5km of sweet, tight twisty singletrack in their back yard and have offered it up for Blacks Sheepers to shred.

2. Super-D races. Lasting 5 - 15 minutes, Super-D is a new event for Black Sheep that bridges the gap between XC and DH. Our Super-D courses will be mainly downhill with some short uphill sections, and will be run on the XC and less technical DH trails at Mt. McKay. Both races will begin with a Lemans start (running in bike shoes . . . hee hee!!). Super-D 1 will feature individual racers leaving at 1 minute intervals. Super-D 2 will be a mass start. DH bikes are definitely not a requirement and given the amount of pedalling, may be less competitive. Just bring your regular mountain bike and gear and you should be good to go (i.e. leave your road bikes with carbon wheels and aero helmets at home!!).

A special note to Black Sheep members: Some identified conflicts with the Fresh Air Experience Trail Running Series. We reviewed the Fresh Air schedule with Al Cranston and also considered other conflicts that might be created if we changed the schedule (there would be a few). In the end, we figured it is best to stick with our original schedule. Our sincere apologies to those who our inconvenienced . . .

2009 Pre-Ride/Group Ride Schedule:

For 2009, we are planning a series of weekly pre-rides/group rides which should appeal to many members, especially families and members new to the club and/or not familiar with the trails. Rides will take place on Sunday afternoons between 3 pm and 5 pm and will be lead by Keith and Marilyn Ailey (those Aileys again . . . they're good!!). We have 3 objectives in mind for these rides:

1. Pre-ride race courses together a few days in advance of race day, so members know the route, what to expect and have a chance to practice some of the more technical sections.

2. Encourage members to ride together for recreational purposes (racing is fun but just riding with your friends and family is fun too!!), become more familiar with the trails and with each other.

3. Develop better riding and race skills among young members who aspire to compete in out-of-town events like Ontario Cups or the Ontario Summer Games. Some of our seasoned out-of-town Black Sheepers will be called upon to work with small groups of these young racers.

Stay tuned for more information on this soon!!