EPHRATA — Ephrata’s Vicious Cycle members are hosting a weekend of bicycle races for every age level.

Beezley Burn 2010 is a weekend mountain bike festival featuring two days of racing action. The fast-paced “Short Track Showdown” is Saturday and the endurance-testing “Beezley Burn” is Sunday.  

“Anyone can come and participate,” said Jake Maedke, organizer. “Kids 12 and under get in free and go on a shorter, smaller course. Every kid gets a medal; we make a big deal out of it because we want to encourage the younger participants to get out and ride their bikes.”

Saturday’s Short Track is a short course lasting 15 minutes. Beginners, children and pro riders compete at separate times throughout the event.

“Saturday’s course is very spectator-friendly because you can watch people the whole time,” Maedke said.

The first race starts at 2:30 p.m. and the last race begins at 5 p.m. The race is at Oasis Park, located at 2541 Basin St. S.W. in Ephrata.

“The great thing about this event is that it brings in people from out of town to race,” Maedke said. “It’s also important to have fitness activities in the community to encourage a healthy lifestyle.”

Vicious Cycle members have hosted the race since 2005. They noticed an increase in local participation last year, Maedke said.

“Every year we see more and more locals out there biking,” Maedke said. “It also creates an interest in cycling for people.”

Sunday’s race is an eight-mile lap starting on a gravel road, taking participants across an irrigation canal and up onto Beezley Hill. The course is rough and challenging because it includes some rocky sections and steep hills.

Sunday’s race is at Lion’s Park, next to Parkway Boulevard in Ephrata. Pro bikers race at 9 a.m. and go four laps, those participating for sport go two laps at 11 a.m. and beginners race one lap at 12:30 p.m.

Awards are presented as each race finishes on Sunday. There are many different prizes handed out and a $2,000 pro payout given to the fastest cyclist based on overall finish times from both races.

Vicious Cycle meets for bicycle rides at 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Maedke’s house, located at 139 E. St. S.W. in Ephrata.

For more information, call Jake Maedke at 509-754-6361 or visit www.beezleyburn.com.