Norfolk, Nebr. - Sunny and 60 degrees. That is the weather forecast
for the Norfolk area for the opening round of the 2008 Psycowpath
race series at Maskenthine Lake north of Stanton. Returning to the
schedule for its second year, the Maskenthine XC Classic features
the same flowing singletrack as in 2007 but without the heat.

"Conditions at race time should be fantastic." commented race
director Jon Downey of the host Elkhorn Valley Cycling Club. "It's a
little wet and nasty out today but this course dries out fast and
firms up quickly." Downey added that the race will be run the same
as it was in 2007 but the number of laps for each class is still
being considered. "We don't want to make a final decision until we
see exactly how the course shapes up."

In addition to a new 2008 edition t-shirt, each entrant will receive
water bottles courtesy of the Bike Way of Omaha and Cleveland Bike
and Sport of Norfolk. Each entrant is also eligible to win a new KHS
29'r MTB courtesy of Cleveland Bike and Sport and KHS Bicycles.

All USAC annual license holders will also receive their 2008
Nebraska Cycling Association membership kit at this race, if they
haven't already picked one up at a previous race. The kits include
an NCA sticker, water bottle, and wrist band.

The Maskenthine XC Classic also marks the start of reduced entry
fees for the Beginner class! For 2008. Tim Edwards State Farm is
sponsoring the Beginner Class, and entry fees have been reduced to a
flat $15 per racer, and your annual license will be comped! (Sport
racers are encouraged to purchase an annual license, or will have to
purchase a one day license; Expert level riders ar required to have
a current USAC license. For more information on benefits of being a
USAC License holder and consequentially a member of the Nebraska
Cycling Association, visit nebraskacycling.org)

Big guys, we know there are a few clydesdales out there.... and
well, thats the problem: there's only a few. For 2008, we will not
be offering Clydesdale categories within Beginner or Sport, because,
well, there just isn't enough people in those categories to justify
it. We encourage those who formerly raced Clydesdale to race in
their appropriate age category.

The rest of you.... Cabin fever hit yet? Tired of being inside the
gym? The Maskenthine XC Classic will see the return of all your
friends to some of Nebraska's newest glorious singletrack. Don't
get left out. See you on Saturday at the Maskenthine XC Classic!

Promoting club's website: nencycling.org

Start times:
Beginners and Juniors - 10am
Kids Race (10 and under) - 11:20am
All Sport and Expert - 12pm
Other race info can be found at www.nebraskacyclingnews.com

THE COURSE: This new trail network is just short of five miles with
over 800 feet of climbing per lap. The trail system is laced into
dense tree growth in some areas and opens up into fast open
stretches in others. A roller coaster area of fallen logs, steep ups
and quick drops awaits riders in the middle of the system.

THE VENUE: The recreation area offers modern showers, rest rooms,
and running water. There is good fishing at the lake with boat docks
available. The area also features a swimming beach, walking and
horseback trails, a disk golf course and ample camping. The
campgrounds are some of the nicest anywhere with both primitive and
modern areas.

Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, Stanton, NE

Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area is located five miles north of
Stanton and 10 miles east of Norfolk. It is an easy drive up highway
275 to Stanton and then north on 10th Street out of town three miles
to the lake. Maps are located in the 'Files' section of this website
titled 'Maskenthine S.P., NE'.