The Wisconsin Off-Road Series Returns to Eau Claire
from May 2-3, mountain bike riders of all ages and abilities will participate in the WORS Spring Cup at Lowes Creek Park
Evelyn Nelson, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
The Wisconsin Off-Road Series (WORS) remains the country’s largest single-state mountain bike racing series; it is also one of the longest running, as the WORS celebrates 35 seasons of outdoor recreation for all ages this year.
After a few-year hiatus from the Chippewa Valley, the WORS Spring Cup – now operated by Trek Bikes cycling retailer – will become the premier local cycling event this May when it arrives to Lowes Creek Park (5530 Fairview Dr., Eau Claire).
From May 2-3, the WORS event will offer riders of all backgrounds and abilities a family-friendly experience, with competitive and fun races to test their skills. For fans of the previously held events through WORS – such as the Red Flint Firecracker, which ran locally for 15 years – the return of this offering is for you.
“The Spring Cup will look and feel similar to the Red Flint Firecrackers of yesteryear,” Marcus Warrington, an event manager with Trek Bikes and director of the WORS event, said. “WORS is planning on making Eau Claire a new permanent home in the series.”
Much of this effort, Warrington shared, is thanks to the support of local cycling organizations, Community for Outdoor Recreation, Biking, and Adventure (CORBA) and Eau Claire Youth Cycling (ECYC).
As these Chippewa Valley-based entities continue to evolve and partner with the WORS, the goal is to expand the Spring Cup race weekend to include even more races and highlight other area trail networks beyond Lowes Creek, he continued.
But for now, local cyclists are gearing up for a weekend complete with cross country races, short track races, “newbie” races for beginners, women’s only races and much more. The complete itinerary across Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 features a vendor expo; food courts complete with sandwiches, burgers and refreshments; programming for youth including a “Little Rippers Kids Race.”
For attendees who want to keep the festivities going, camping options will be available. Volunteers who register receive additional perks, the WORS itinerary reads, including free race entry, meals and more.
“There is no shortage of friendly people here – both on our team and regular participants – who would be happy to show folks the ropes and introduce them to the sport,” Warrington said. “The best part about WORS is not the racing or even the bikes – it’s the community who shows up to participate.”
Consider this your sign to spend a weekend at Lowes Creek Park, learn from seasoned cyclists in the region, grab a beverage or two and celebrate the gifts of camaraderie and accessible recreation in the Valley.
The Wisconsin Off-Road Series Spring Cup will be held from May 2-3 at Lowes Creek Park (5530 Fairview Dr., Eau Claire). Registration for each mountain bike racing event (pricing varies per race) can be completed online through BikeReg.
Registration prices will increase by $10 (for each race) on April 28; registration closes 30 minutes prior to the start of racing for each category. Organizers will have on-site computers you for day-of registration.
