Here comes the stampede

Pamplona has the running of the bulls; Sisters has the Sisters Stampede.

The mountain bike race, which established itself last year as a major Sisters event, is back on Sunday, May 29. Hundreds of cyclists from elite riders to first-time racers will test their mettle on the Peterson Ridge Trail

system.

"It's shaping up to be a lot bigger already," said race organizer Joel Palanuk.

Last year's race drew some 368 racers; Palanuk said the 2011 event's pre-registration has hit 105 - up 80 percent from last year. Most racers register on the day of the event.

The race will kick off near the FivePine campus, and the big tent on the site will be the headquarters for the race. The general public is encouraged to come out and soak up the atmosphere. Palanuk recommends arriving about noon to catch the winners coming across the finish line and to enjoy the live music that will kick off after the

race.

Palanuk is gratified to see that novices are kicking over their pedals to give his beloved sport a try.

"We have a lot of first-time racers signed up already," he said, noting also that, "we're doing some exciting things with the kids' race."

Riders 9 and under race for free in a special afternoon kids' race, and sponsor Play Outdoors is donating a pair of high-quality athletic socks to each participant.

"Once you hit 10 years old, you've gotta kick down the coin to do the big race," Palanuk said.

He noted that many families are racing together.

Beginners hit the trail at 10:30 a.m., with the elite riders going out at 11 a.m. There are separate categories for men and women. There are $1,000 prizes for the top three men and women, either pro or Category 1.

For more race information, including maps and GPS information and registration, visit http://www.sistersstampede.com.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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