Racing is on for 2024!
Introduction
This local series has run non-stop since the early 90s - making it one of the longest running cross country mountain bike events in the country. With a focus on fun, family, and progression of skills and fitness, we have turned rookies into passionate cyclists and veterans into champions.
Our forest is the "home track" for Canadian National Champion Andrew Watson, Olympian and Hour Record holder Ed Veal, and X-Games World Champion/Red Bull Rampage 2018 & 2022 Winner/International Superstar Brett Rheeder. This is truly the birthplace of champions.
Throughout this history, great friendships have been forged, skills tested, and endurance pushed to its limits. But despite the different skill levels and riding expectations of our participants, we always return to one fundamental truth: The riders who join us at Coulson Hill leave with an experience that will forever change them.
The sense of accomplishment and exhilaration will get you addicted. And you will ride more. And you will get stronger and fitter. And you'll have the time of your life doing it! But don't say I didn't warn you.
Family & Fun-Focussed
What makes our series unique is the broad skill and age range that we draw. For example, our youngest rider was only 4 years old and our oldest, 69 years. No other series in Ontario is as family-focussed and fun-oriented as the Coulson Hill Weekly Series.
The welcoming vibe at our series is legendary. Everyone there knows the fear and anxiety of coming out for the first time - we've all been there! Once you arrive on site, locate the registration tent, speak with our friendly team, let your tension go and watch the arenalin flow. We will ensure you know what to do, how to share the trails with other users, how to handle passing, and what signage to be aware of. Before every race, we discuss the particulars of a given course and make sure everyone is aware of specific challenges that lay ahead. All technical obstacles are optional. You will never be faced with a situation where you have to ride beyond your abilities - unless you want to!
Our Mini-Me participants are treated to their very own simplified course with minimized technical difficulty and reduced climbing. The goal is to create the funnest possible atmosphere for these budding young riders to ensure that become cyclists for life.
Details
- The races run every Monday from May 6 to August 19, 2024.
- Racing starts at 7pm sharp and courses are open for pre-riding from approximately 5pm on race day.
- The courses remain marked throughout the week although some signage may be missing or incorrect.
- Race length varies depending on category (~1-4.5km)
- Overall race length is ~40-75 minutes (~20-30 minutes for Mini-Me)
- Courses are always fresh!
- A new course is created from scratch every other week - no two are alike.
- Courses are meticulously groomed, safe, and well marked.
- More than 16 hours/week goes into course preparation.
- No one in Ontario puts more work into their race courses.
- Multiple categories - every rider will compete against people of similar skills & fitness. Inclusivity is the name of the game and everyone has a home:
| Elite - 5 laps: | If you hold an Elite or Expert UCI licence, this is your category! |
| Expert - 4 laps: | If you are up for a serious challenge and have lots of experience and excellent fitness, step up to Expert. Riders in this category should be aiming to race Expert at Provincial level events. |
| Sport - 3 laps: | Once you have mastered the basics and are ready to challenge your endurance, step up to Sport. Perfect for the typical weekend warrior. |
| Novice - 2 laps: | On the start of your cycling journey and want a comfortable place to start from? Novice is for you! |
| Mini-Me - 2 laps: | Riding a custom course with minimal technical challenges and few hills, this is the category for little tykes to get their feet wet. Only open to children 3-12 years old. |
- Participate often for Championship Points
- Medals & prizing for top 3 in each category
- Weekly draw prizes - you don't have to win to be a winner.
- Factory demo days
- Ride bikes from a variety of different manufacturers - real "in the dirt" test rides! (Depends on brand demo availability.)
Participation Requirements
- An Ontario Cycling License must be purchased PRIOR to the event by every participant (unless you have a valid OC/UCI permit).
- These licenses are not available on-site. They MUST be purchased online from Ontario Cycling before you participate in your first race! Click here to purchase your permit.
- Participants require, at minimum, a "Challenge" level licence.
- This is a non-negotiable insurance issue. "Test rides" or "tryouts" are not permissible under any circumstances. Single-day licenses are unavailable.
- If you would like to expand your participation beyond the dirt, please consider joining our cycling club. Once you have your race licence, club membership is only $20 and you can then participate in group road rides. Club membership is not required to join our race series. More information here.
- A bicycle in safe operating condition with at least one functioning brake.
- A properly fitted CPSC-certified bicycle helmet.
- The first time you join us, please try to arrive by 6pm. This will allow time for paperwork, number plate assignment and a pre-ride of the course.
Pricing
- One-time $5 fee for your race plate
- Races are $15 each
- Purchase the full 16-race series for $200 and save $40!
REGISTRATION:
- Payments can be made on-site on the day of the event OR
- Pay and register online using a system provided by Webscorer
- This system allows you to pre-register for any individual race - or the whole series
- Discounted RacePass bulk registrations save you money:
- If you purchase a RacePass, you still have to manually register for the races you want to attend (fourth button below)
- If you do not purchase a RacePass, no problem! Simply register for any of the individual races you plan to attend (fourth button below).
| Purchase a RacePass 5-pack: | |
| Purchase a RacePass 10-pack: | |
| Purchase a RacePass 16-pack & save $40: | |
| Pre-register for any combination of races: |
Location & Directions
Hosted in the Hodgson Tract of Simcoe Regional Forest, riders are treated to varied terrain suitable to all skill levels. The variation of tight, twisty sections to fast, flowing corners never gets boring and our knack for trail building means that the forest is always evolving. Just 20 minutes from the Newmarket/Aurora corridor and the same distance from Barrie, Coulson offers a real challenge when you are looking for it or a pleasant Sunday cruise when that's just what the docrtor ordered. It's a blast to tear downhill heading north from the parking lot and the return trip can be as mellow or painful as you choose.