New short track mountain biking event coming to Cooper Spur Mountain Resort next weekend

• July 15-17 at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort

• $22 for adults, $12 for those under 18 (or $25 and $15, respectively for day-of registration

The course is about a mile in length and is fairly technical, boasting a combination of single-track trails, grassy areas, technical turns and side hills, obstacles, climbs and fast and flat sections of dirt. Unlike last October’s Cross on the Mountain Cyclocross event, this course is designed to be rideable and shouldn’t force participants to dismount, although that’s always an option. The event is sanctioned by and registered through the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA).

Race Promoter Tom Scully says this is the only OBRA short track event on the north side of Mount Hood, which is expected to attract competitors from the Gorge, Portland, Central Oregon and Washington.

“It’s one of the only mountain bike events that is actually on a mountain,” he said.

“The course is at the 3,500-foot level, with around a 60-foot vertical climb and drop each lap. The course has some fun, technical, twisty turns, and the Cooper Spur property is an awesome venue for hanging out and watching the action.”

There will be 24 classes run in the event, with advance registration through the OBRA website. Registration is $22 if done before the event, or $12 for those under 18. Day-of registration is $25 for adults and $15 for those under age 18.

Event registration information can be found at cooperspur.com/events.

The Lumberyard will present races and skills courses for kids 10 and under on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There are cash payouts to Category A Men and Women, with prizes in other categories, raffle prizes, and free products courtesy of event sponsors.

The Short Track Weekend is sponsored by Mountain View Cycles, The Lumberyard, 10 Speed Coffee, Dirty Fingers Bicycle Repair, 10 Barrel Brewing PDX, Crooked Tree Tavern, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, Mt. Hood Meadows and OBRA. For event information contact Tom Scully at tom.scully@skihood.com.