Record turnout for bike race

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16: A record number of participants took part in the Tokio Millennium Youth Mountain Bike Series Saturday afternoon at the Arboretum.

Hundreds of parents and friends turned out to cheer the 115 primary age school children in the first of the seven race series.

The event was free — a bargain price in this economy — and is designed for fun rather than being competitive.

Race organizer Zoe Kempe said: “We’re really impressed today. We have had record numbers. We didn’t expect this many, but we had hoped for this many so we’re really excited.

“I’m very pleased. We tried to spread the word about this and cycling has become more popular in Bermuda and we’re very pleased with the turnout.”

The next race day is Saturday, November 24 at 4pm at the Arboretum and Kempe said anyone who would still like to participate is welcome to join.

Neil de ste Croix, owner of Bicycle Works, which helps sponsor the race, said parents are encouraged to sign their children up for the six remaining events.

“Every time they turn up they get their name put on a raffle ticket and that goes into a draw for a bicycle from Bicycle Works at the end of the season. The more times you race, the more chances you have of winning the bike.”

Like Kempe, he was ecstatic about the turn out.

“This is pretty amazing. We’ve had over 40 six and unders. For the first one of the season — this is the seventh year we’re in now — this is pretty amazing. This has been just superb.

“This is the first one and they just grow during the season. I can see it getting bigger before the end of the season. ”

De ste Croix said he helped with the organization before he became an owner of Bicycle Works, but the reason is still the same why he takes part — junior development.

“We love doing things with kids and this is just fantastic.”

For more information and to download the waiver, visit www.tokiomillennium.com or check out their Facebook page on www.facebook.com/TokioYouthMountainBikeSeries.