On October 15th, 2023, in Calgary Alberta Canada, the first Urbduro - ever - will take place. But what is it anyways? And why should you come out and participate? And can a tropical vine actually ride a bicycle?
Read on to find out...
So what is Urbduro? Well, it is definitely NOT a race, but you will require endurance. And a sense of humour.
The 2023 Urbduro format is as follows:
The event consists of 5 mysterious stages.
Four of the stages will award points to the top 3 finishers.
At the final stage of the event (stage 5) each stage award point is swapped for one entry into the stage point draw.
The final stage, stage 5, will be a competition between 8 of the participants.
The 8 spots in the final stage are decided as follows:
Winner - Best Costume
Points leader - first 4 stages
Wild Card Random Draw - drawn at Stage 5
Wild Card Random Draw - drawn at Stage 5
Stage point draw
Stage point draw
Stage point draw
Stage point draw
Details
The event starts at 1pm on October 15th.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start, to pick up your participant package and sign the waiver form.
Opening your participant package before the ~1PM starting horn will result in immediate disqualification, embarrassment, and lasting shame.
Your event package will contain instructions directing you to the location of your first stage.
Helmets are mandatory.
You will need a smartphone. Obviously everyone has one, just make sure you have it with you and fully charged.
All the rules of the roads and pathways, and all local laws, must be respected.
All bicycle styles and types are permitted, however e-bikes will be heavily handicapped on the single timed stage.
The event is happening rain or shine, please dress accordingly and kindly review the somewhat coarsely worded Cycling Rule #5 https://rundan2011.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/the-rules.pdf
It is recommended that all participants bring a spare warm layer, there will be occasional waiting around - a warm layer will make this part much more enjoyable.
The event's conclusion (Stage 5) occurs at a location where locally made beer and award-winning food is available for purchase, the associated establishment has been booked for the event and will be closed to the public.
Participants will likely be pedalling home in low light conditions and/or darkness, please bring lights for your safe post-event return.
Course Marshals must be obeyed. Earl "the Pearl" Wegener will be patrolling the course with his band of mobile deputies to ensure compliance.
Hints
Only one stage is timed, but that stage has a time limit - it is not a time trial.
The costume theme for the 2023 event is "potted plant".
A road bike would be a poor choice for the Urbduro.
At any point during the event, a spot in the "final 8" can be garnered. It ain't over until it's over, hang in there! Heck, two random draws are happening at the final stage!
You will definitely want to witness the battle between the "final 8". Trust us on this one.
Finally - it would be prudent to familiarize yourself with the portion of the city presented below:
Prizes
The grand prize for the 2023 Urbduro is a gravel bike frame/fork combo from KRUCH High Performance Steel Bicycles - custom sized and in any colour under the sun, valued at $2600.00
There are various other prizes, some are quite unusual.
See you there, and good luck.
KRUCH