The Second Annual Gudrun Mountain Bike Festival, set for Nov. 13-15, will add two new categories this year to accommodate both rookie and e-bike riders.
According to a Visit Hot Springs news release, the e-bike category will be one of the first USA Cycling-recognized e-bike race events in the United States.
"E-Biking is becoming more and more popular," Northwoods Trails Coordinator Traci Berry said. "It allows cyclists to ride longer and further. It also gets more people on bikes that may not be able to ride otherwise."
Due to COVID-19, preregistration for the three-day event is required. Registration is open now through Nov. 12 online at http://www.northwoodstrails.org.
The 2019 festival had about 500 riders, the release said, but Berry said the pandemic may bring more riders out to this year's festival.
"I think the pandemic does play a part in that, because many events have been canceled people are looking for events to participate in," she said. "Mountain biking is a very social sport. Riders want to race and be around other riders."
Berry noted she believes the festival can be held with socialization among riders, while still remaining safe and taking the "proper precautions" to protect against COVID-19.
"We will have a few mandatory mask/face covering zones," she said. "There will be signage reminding people to social distance.
"We will also be constantly reminding participants and spectators to social distance over the sound system each time announcements are made. There will be hand sanitizer stations set up in various locations. We feel like we have a good health plan that will allow for the safety of our attendees and staff that will still allow for a fun outdoor mountain bike festival."
According to the release, competitive events will take place on the Northwoods Trails starting at the Cedar Glades Trailhead, and there will be non-competitive events in the downtown area, including a "creepy" nighttime Slow Roll Ride through the downtown area on Friday the Thirteenth.
"After the year we have had so far in 2020, having fun is much needed," Berry said in the release. "What better way than to be riding bikes? We know we can put on a safe, fun event for all ages following the proper COVID-19 social distancing protocols."