8/9/2007

Third annual Camden Bike Classic set for Aug. 25

Camden State Park will host the fourth annual Camden Classic Mountain Bike Race and Ride on Saturday, Aug. 25. The event, which runs from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., includes cycling, camaraderie, camping, food, and great day of riding and racing. Other activities include bike rides for kids, junior mountain bike rides, a competitive mountain bike race, 15, 30, and 60-mile road tours plus games and prizes.

Every participant receives a Camden Classic t-shirt and has a chance to win thousands of dollars in race payouts and prizes.

People can purchase prize-drawing tickets for a chance to win a variety of prizes including a Schwinn Mesa mountain bike provided by the Bike Shop in Marshall. Participants can register at the park on the day of the event or in advance at The Bike Shop or online at www.camdenclassic.net.

Participants can save $5 by registering by Aug. 11.

New this year, the road rides will begin and end at Camden State Park. The 60-mile road ride will be the "Border and Back" ride to the edge of the South Dakota border. Water stops and sag wagons will be available along the route. Also new is Rich Wieber's Bicycle Stunt Show with performances scheduled throughout the day at the park's south picnic staging area.

There will be a free bike ride for children 7-years-old and under. Kids can take their bikes and tricycles on several short laps on the gravel path around the group camp staging area beginning at 11:15 a.m. This is not a competitive race, it's just a fun ride and there will be awards for all participants. Kids registered by Aug. 11 receive a Camden Classic t-shirt.

Boys and girls age 8 and older can participate in a free junior mountain bike ride. The ride will include several short loops on a wooded path in the park. The ride begins at 11 a.m. This event also is a fun ride only and not a competitive race. All entries will receive an award for their participation.

The event is coordinated with the town "Sounds of Summer" weekend celebration, Aug. 23-25, in Marshall where visitors can enjoy open-air concerts, ice cream social, art auction, street dance, festival parade, great food, and much more. For information about the

Camden Classic, call (507) 865-4530 or go online at www.camdenclassic.net.

Information about the Marshall "Sounds of Summer" weekend events is available by visiting www.marshallsoundsofsummer.com.

Visitors are encouraged to spend the weekend at Camden State Park. Since Camden is one of Minnesota state park's "discovery" parks, camping rates are $15 per night instead of $18 at other parks. Camden State Park is located 10 miles southwest of Marshall off State Highway 23.