By Marilyn Miller
Get ready! The Kisatchie Crusher-Gravel, Run, Fondo & MTB has been scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13 at the Caney Lakes Park north of Minden, Louisiana.
The Gravel Race and 5K & 10K runs will take place on Saturday, with Fondo and MTB slated for Sunday. Register by Sept. 3 at 11:59 p.m. to qualify for a t-shirt. A post race meal is included in the registration price. The $5 park fee is covered by your sign-up.
The races take off from the Day Use Area at Caney Lakes. This area has plenty of shade, an amphitheater, picnic tables, AC power, restrooms, and a sandy beach.
“The Gravel Bike Races come in 18, 43 or 66-mile options,” said director Devin Martin. “The course is about 50-50 gravel/paved, with good elevation, scenic piney wood views. E-bikes are welcome.”
“The 5K & 10K Run or Walk is on paved roads inside the park with beautiful lake views. The Fondo Road Shakeout Ride is 18, 33 or 54 miles. This is 100 percent back country roads with scenic bayou view, curvy pine woods roads and good elevation.” Martin continued. “Each route will have two to three Strava Segments that will be marked so we can find out who is the fastest. E-bikes are welcome.”
“The MTB Race is on the classic Sugar Cane Trail with some extra thrown in! Dirt, roots, and some climbs. E-bikes are not allowed on MTB trails as per park rangers.”
The final price increase will fall on Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. and you must be registered by Sept. 3 to qualify for a race t-shirt.
All proceeds go to Bike Minden for trail maintenance and expansion at Caney Lakes and the Kisatchie Forest. There will be no refunds.
Trophies are in & for Top 3 men & women overall & Top 3 men & women masters (50+), in 5k, 10k, Gravel 18, Gravel 44, Gravel 66, Gravel 66 Single Speed, Beginner MTB, Cat 3, Cat 2, Single Speed & Cat 1.
Go to the Kisatchie Crusher Facebook site for sign-up information. The location is the Caney Lakes Park, Minden LA 71055, 216 Caney Lake Park Road, Minden LA 71055 US.