Exposure: The races

by Bruce Bumstead

*Chloe Penner leads a group of riders through the Brandon Hills during Stream ’N’ Wood mountain bike race.*

Standing alone, listening the sounds of nature. A pair of birds banter with their songs as a squirrel scampers through the rusting leaves left behind from two seasons ago. The springtime sounds of nature echo through the trees at the Brandon Hills.

As I stand, waiting patiently along one of the side trails, I hear what I have been anticipating. The sound of rolling tires, the deep panting breath of cyclists as they struggle to climb the narrow trail flanked by burly oaks and towering aspens. And as quickly as they approach, in a flash they are gone, whirling past on their way through the trees and out of sight.

*Back on the main trail, a rider cruises through a aspen grove on a downhill stretch on the course.*

*Riders race their way through the course.*

*Cody Brown cruises through the Brandon Hills.*

Two Sundays ago, the trails at the Brandon Hills played host to the Stream ’N’ Wood MTB mountain bike race. Riders from across Manitoba gathered to challenge themselves in a variety of class categories from expert riders to weekend warriors.

The course was laid out in a 6.5-km circuit incorporating both the main trail as well as several side trails, which offered a more technical ride. The top-level riders made five laps of the course. Here are a few extra shots from the weekend races.

*Dylan Harris cruising along the course.*

Riders race their way through the Brandon Hills during the Stream ‘N’ Wood mountain bike race. The race was open to all riders in a variety of categories from elite and expert through to youth sport and citizen classes.