A.J. bike race shifts gears with $5 entry fee

In this era of triple-digit entry fees, East Valley cyclists are going to find the Powerline PMBR '09 Mountain Bike Race in Apache Junction a refreshing change of pace.

"For me, price is important because no one should have to sit out because of cost," said Martin Loftus, who is organizing the race with Dan Wilson and Liz Langenbach of the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department.

The trio set an entry fee of $5, which is in stark contrast to the $115 it would currently cost a runner to enter the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon.

"A family of four can come and compete for $20," Loftus said.

The 14-mile flat and fast race course will start and finish at Prospector Park. The course is primarily hard-packed dirt following power lines, with some occasional sandy areas.

"The course is not technically difficult, so a high level of mountain-biking skill is not necessary," Loftus said. "We have a few fast local guys who I expect to show up. But I hope to attract people who are new to the sport so they can be encouraged to try other events as well."

Loftus said he helped create the event to encourage others in the East Valley to get fit and stay fit.

"The most common city-sponsored sports - football, baseball and soccer - all require teams of people and well-maintained fields," Loftus said. "How many adults participate in those sports on a regular basis? Cycling, on the other hand, can be done all your life. While riding in groups is nice, you can do it alone as well. I want to show that a bicycle race can be a cost-effective way to promote lifelong health and fitness."

And how are they able to put on such a cost-effective race?

"Dan Wilson and Liz Langenbach and I do all the planning and course marking," Loftus said. "Also, we give awards in fewer age groups than most races, and the awards - used sprockets - are donated by the Apache Junction High School Bicycle Shop. Since the course is on trails, we don't have to pay for barricades or police. And registration and timing is all done by volunteers."

But Loftus hopes participants take away more from the race than just knowing they got a bargain.

"Everyone should leave feeling a sense of accomplishment for having given their best effort for that day," he said. "First-timers should gain the confidence needed to train harder and smarter for the next test of their fitness."

Test yourself

What: Powerline PMBR '09 Mountain Bike Race

When: Saturday, Nov. 7. Registration will start at 8 a.m. and the race will start at 9 a.m.

Where: Prospector Park, 3015 N. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction

Cost: $5

Information: Contact Dan Wilson at (480) 474-5146 or visit http://www.globalbikesbikeshop.com/PowerlinePMBR.html

Note: Helmets are required