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The demand for multi-day, point to point events is at an all-time high. The largest such events, including the Trans-Alps and Trans-Rockies are so popular, many participants are put on a waiting list. These events tend to start and finish in remote locations, away from heavy populations and often require several weeks between getting there and back, and the riding itself. Riders must then take significant time off work, fly to and from the event, and spend considerable money in the process.
Feeding off the demand for a more affordable event with good proximity to the GTA, Chico Racing is offering a 3-day event through Ontario's near north.
Crank the Shield offers a unique experience to riders of Ontario, while also offering a less time consuming alternative, or companion event, to the longer stage races available. Top level elite competitors should expect to finish the stages in approximately 4-5 hours with more intermediate-level participants riding about 6-7 hours per stage. |
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Chico Racing decided to offer this unique adventure once people settle into their post-summer routines. People are less busy, and riders have had the entire summer to get in shape. Also, Ontario has a long and sometimes brutal bug season. Imagine swatting mosquitoes and horseflies for 5 hours a day in late July? September will have virtually no bugs, and the weather can still be downright balmy. Lakes are still swimable, the leaves have yet to fall, and the humidity of summer has dissipated. Add to this the availability of summer camps that would otherwise be full, and it's obvious the best time for an event like this is late summer/early fall. |
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