GOLDEN POND, KY - Calling all mountain bike enthusiasts!  The excitement of the 5th Annual “12-Hours of the Canal Loop” endurance mountain bike race is taking place on Saturday, September 15, in Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area.  Please be aware that Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive will be closed to non-participants Friday & Saturday, September 14 & 15.

This endurance mountain bike race, hosted locally by LBL and Wood-N-Wave Bicycles & Water Sports, is sanctioned by the National Off-Road Bicycling Association and USA Cycling.  The race covers challenging and varied terrain along the Canal Loop Trail--each race lap is 11.3 miles.

There are several race categories that accommodate individuals or teams, including: male and female solo pro and solo amateur, solo single speed, duo competitive, male, female, or mixed duo open, 4-person amateur, 4-person amateur coed, and 6-hr solo amateur male/female.  Cash awards will be given. 

           
"We’re pleased to continue hosting this challenging race,” said Kyle Varel, Assistant Trails Manager at LBL.  “Steve Wilson and Justin Harrison with Wood-N-Wave have coordinated several race events and help us maintain our bike trails.  We are excited that they are hosting this event at LBL!” 

           
For race information, contact Wood-N-Wave at 270-363-2453 or e-mail info@woodnwave.com.  To register, visit the Wood-N-Wave website at www.woodnwave.com.  Online registration is available until noon on Thursday.  On-site registration will take place at race location on Friday from 2-7 pm at Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive.  (Participants who register after 7 pm will incur a $15 late-fee per person/team.)  Make plans to attend a mandatory meeting for racers at 8:45am with the race kicking off at 9am. 

           
Cost for the race varies by category from $55 to $70 per person and $110 to $220 for duos and teams.  Racers must have a USA Cycling license.  A one-day license may be purchased on-site for $5. 

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area.  Managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Land Between The Lakes provides outdoor recreation, lake access, and environmental education for the public to enjoy.  Visitors are encouraged to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org often for Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, temporary trail and road closures, and additional LBL information, or call 800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.  Follow LBL on www.Twitter.com/LBLScreechOwl or www.Twitter.com/LandBtwnLakes.