March 22, 2006

GOLDEN POND, KY -- The Chain Reaction Cycling Club (CRCC) will sponsor a mountain bike race for all ages and classes on Sunday, April 2, at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area.

The White Lightening X-C Mountain Bike Race is sanctioned by the National Off-Road Bicycling Association (NORBA). The event will cover 11 miles of varied terrain along the Canal Loop Trail, located at LBL's northern tip. Race lengths vary from 2 miles to 33 miles. Participants can register on Saturday, April 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wood-N-Wave in Grand Rivers, KY. On race day, April 2, registration begins at 7 a.m. at LBL's North Welcome Station and continues throughout the morning. For early online registration, visit www.active.com. Races are scheduled throughout the day, with the first race beginning at 9 a.m. The event will be divided, based on experience, into several different classes and distances.

"The Canal Loop Trail is popular with the mountain biking community because of its challenging terrain," commented Bill Ryan, LBL Trails and OHV manager.

Cost to participate in the race varies from $10 to $30, depending on racing class. Racers must also have a NORBA license, which will be sold on-site. A one-day license costs $10. All racers are required to wear helmets. For more information on the White Lightening X-C Mountain Bike Race, contact Steve Wilson with CRCC at 270-362-2453, or visit CRCC's website at www.crcc.net.

Land Between The Lakes is managed by the USDA Forest Service, in partnership with "Friends of LBL," to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. LBL information, including the trails system, is available by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000, or on the Internet at www.lbl.org.