The Shield cycling race this weekend

#LSN_Circletour   #LSN_Tourism

SAULT STE MARIE, ONTARIO - August 16, 2018 (LSN)  Mountain bike enthusiasts from across North America are descending on Sault Ste. Marie this weekend. From August 17 to 19, the community is hosting Crank The Shield. 

 

Sault Ste. Marie is hosting Crank The Shield this weekend. The cycling adventure is taking place from August 17 to 19 at various locations. It features nearly 200 cyclists from across North America. As members of the media, you are invited to all portions of the event. Below is the itinerary:

 

Thursday, August 16

 

• 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Registration at Outspoken Brewery

 

Friday August 17

 

• 7:30 a.m. - Participants board the Agawa Canyon Tour Train.
• 8 a.m. - Train departs and heads to Batchewana Train station for the start of the race.
• 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Riders arrive at Stokley Creek Lodge to complete the 95-kilometre Stage 1.

  

Saturday, August 18

 

• 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Riders arrive at Searchmont Resort after completing the 70-kilometre Stage 2.
• 8 p.m. - Local photographer and wilderness enthusiast James Smedley is doing a talk at Searchmont Resort on the Algoma region, mostly touching on its rich history and incredible outdoor pursuits. 

Sunday, August 17

 

• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Riders arrive at Kinsmen Park/Hiawatha Highlands after completing the 65-kilometre Stage 3.
• 3:45 p.m. - Awards ceremony at Hiawatha Highlands (near the lodge).

 

Crank The Shield 2018 features a number of stages. On Day 1, participants will take the Agawa Canyon Tour Train to the starting point at Batchewana Station and then embark on a 90-kilometre cycling journey that includes the summit on Batchewana Mountain. The second day has a run of 80 kilometres and features a daunting climb to the top of King Mountain. Day 3 features a 70-kilometre ride ending with an epic single track run into Kinsmen Park in Sault Ste. Marie.

 

Established in 2008, Crank The Shield is facilitated by Superfly Racing and Chico Racing. The event is held in or near the Canadian Shield. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, incredible views and the Great Lakes, organizers saw Sault Ste. Marie as a prime host location.

 

“The trails and landscape around the Sault provide the perfect terrain for our race,” said Sean Ruppel, President of Superfly Racing. “I thank the land owners, volunteers, sponsors and organizers for making this year’s event possible. We hope to grow the race in years to come and make Sault Ste. Marie an annual host location for Crank The Shield.”

 

 

Crank The Shield was secured by Tourism Sault Ste. Marie, a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. The event is drawing nearly 200 participants from across the continent, including nine riders from Mexico. With a majority of cyclists coming from outside of the region, the race is expected to inject around $100,000 of direct visitor spending into the local economy.

 

“The economic impact of this event is significant,” said Alana Kenopic, Manager of Sport Tourism & Special Events for Tourism Sault Ste. Marie. “While attracting visitors, we’re also looking to build exposure for the area’s exceptional cycling opportunities. The end goal is to grow our community’s reputation as a prime destination for a unique segment of tourists.”

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To learn more about the multi-day cycling adventure, including route maps and start times, go to www.cranktheshield.com.

 

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