By Tyler Sutherland
Manitoba’s biggest cycling event is set to take to the streets of Winnipeg on Sunday, August 8. The Muddy Waters Community Cycle in support of Habitat for Humanity saw over 500 riders come out in 2009, and organizers are confident even more cyclists will come out this year.
Four different routes are offered in 25 km, 60 km, 100 km, and 100 miles (160 km) distances. “Successfully completing a 100 mile bicycle ride in one day — commonly referred to as the “century ride” — is considered by cyclists to be at the same level of athletic accomplishment as running a full marathon (26 miles),” said Don Dixon, Chair of the Muddy Waters Community Cycle Committee.
Riders will depart from the Scotiabank stage at The Forks at 9 a.m. with a police escort leading them north on Main Street. At St. John’s Park, the 25 km urban riders depart from the other three groups, and ride to Kildonan Park via Scotia Street. After a lap around Kildonan Park, riders will head back onto Main Street making their way back to the Forks.
The 60 km, 100 km and 100 mile cyclists will continue north on Main Street heading to Lockport. The 60 km group will go as far as Lockport, the 100 km group will travel to Selkirk and the 100 mile group will travel east on Highway 44, before winding back through Birds Hill Park on their return to the Forks.
Participants can register online at Habitat.mb.ca, or at the HFHW offices on the second floor of 60 Archibauld Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Deadline for registration is August 6, 2010 at 4 p.m.
