(Le Mars)-- An extreme biking event will be taking place in Le Mars this

Saturday and Sunday at the Le Mars Municipal Park.  Up hill, downhill, through

sand, off the bike jumping barriers, on the bike jumping barriers... this is not

your typical bike ride.  It's called cyclocross and it has been introduced to

the community by the guys at Bike Central in downtown Le Mars.  This fall Kevin

Richards, Monte Brent and Mark Strub wanted to make sure people knew biking

wasn't just a warm weather sport. They began hosting cyclocross training events

at the park in October and now plan on hosting a competitive race...The Bike

Central Christmas Cross. Mark Strub says the easiest way to describe cyclocross

is cross country running, but on a bike, oh- and throw in an obstacle course.

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There will be two different divisions in the competition this weekend, and

beginners are welcome, but Strub recommends maybe heading out the park and

giving it a try, or watching on Saturday and before deciding if it's for you.  B

Divison, the less experienced division, starts at 12 noon both days and A

Division begins at 2pm. Strub says having this event over 2 days not only gives

riders more opportunity to participate, but it also encourages people to spend

time in Le Mars.

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Bike Central has plans to grow the Christmas Cross each year, and riders have

already expressed interest from Sioux Falls and Sioux City for this weekends

event.

Pre-registration is not required, but if you would to participate in this

weekends cyclocross event give Bike Central a heads-up by calling the shop at

546-4076. And the public is more than welcome to come and cheer on the riders

this Saturday and Sunday at the Le Mars Municipal Park.