Maple Ridge’s Pumpkin Cross delivers fun and opportunity

Maple Ridge, B.C., was the setting for the eighth annual Pumpkin Cross cyclocross races Sunday that attracted 220 people, some who were riding for the first time. Some riders donned post-Halloween costumes, competing for the best-dressed prize.

On Saturday, recent Canadian cyclocross championship bronze medallist Sandra Walter (elite women/Liv Canada) put on a racing clinic for women, one that also featured the expertise of another Canadian bronze winner, Maggie Coles-Lyster (under-17 women/Local Ride).

Pumpkin Cross 2014 also held a free children’s race, as well as the Specialty Wheel Race for kids on adapted bikes, trikes and chairs.

Walter won the elite women’s race in a jaunty cow costume, while 15-year-old Coles-Lyster, in her Princess of Maple Ridge get-up, placed third. Smithers, B.C.’s Craig Richey (Trek Red Truck) took the men’s honours scantily clad. Walter’s bovine entry won best costume for women and Tim Sherstobitoff dressed as a member of Devo won the prize for the men.

Local Ride’s Barry Lyster, the event organizer, said, “The day could not have turned out any better. One of the most impressive moments was the field of 30 beginner women who took part in the event. We have worked hard over the years to support and grow women’s cycling. With a co-ordinated effort from the other B.C. organizers, we are now starting to see the fruits of our labours.”