Freewheel Bike Continues Thursday Night at the Races at Buck Hill

Image Credit: Freewheel Bike

For those of you that were wondering if Thursday Night at the Races at Buck Hill would continue on  after Freewheel Bike's purchase of Penn Cycle, the answer is yes.  Thursday Night Mountain Bike Racing return for a 28th season on May 23rd making it the longest running weekly mountain bike race series in the country.  What Pat Sorensen started decades ago with 45 riders the very first night has grown and evolved into something truly special.  "Whether you’re a first-timer or local hero, these weeknight races continue to rank as the best bang for your entertainment Buck by every mountain biker in the world."

The Thursday Night Mountain Bike Races series brings together beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain bikers for some great racing and good times.  This season's races will consist of a Spring and Summer Series of race dates.  The Spring Series kicks off May 23rd for six weeks and the Summer Series on July 18th for seven weeks.  Advance online registration for each full series and individual dates is now available.  Spring and Summer Series registration is only $50 and individual races are $10 each.  Night-of registration will also be available for $15.  This family friendly event is also a great opportunity to get the youngsters into mountain biking with a free kid's race and under 16 race for only a $1.

Night of registration opens at 5:00 pm, closes promptly at 6:00 with racing starting at 6:30.  This year there will be three classes, Beginner (20-minute race), Recreational (40-minute race) and Advanced (60-minute race) with series prizes for the winner of each category.

This is a great opportunity to test yourself in a race setting on a challenging wooded course at Buck Hill.  For Minnesota High School Cycling League racers, here's a chance to get in some early practice for the upcoming season.  Food, drink and "shenanigans" will be available all evening long.  "Cancellations due to weather will be refunded in full for all pre-registered riders. Race times are approximate and may be modified to adjust for daylight."

Penn Cycle's 27th Season of Thursday Night at the Races Starts May 10th

Image Credit: Gal Alon

Penn Cycle's long-standing tradition of mountain bike racing at Buck Hill returns on May 10th due to two mid-April snowstorms.  This one week delay allowed for snow melt and trail work so racing can begin for the 27th season making it the longest running weekly mountain bike race series in the country.  What started out with 45 riders the very first night a long time ago has grown and evolved into something truly special.  "Whether you’re a first-timer or local hero, these weeknight races continue to rank as the best bang for your entertainment Buck by every mountain biker in the world."  Thursday Night at the Races brings together beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain bikers for some great racing and good times.  This family friendly event is also a great opportunity to get the little ones into mountain biking with a free kid's race after the adult races.

Image Credit: Gal Alon

"You won’t find a more family friendly, cycling event anywhere and I am really proud of what we have put together and continue to do so on Thursday Nights." - Pat Sorensen, Penn Cycle President.

Image Credit: Gal Alon

If you've never raced before, this is your chance to give it a try.  The Beginner class race only costs $5.  For the intermediate and advanced racers, $10 will gain you entry into the Advanced, Recreational A & B, NICA or Fat Bike class races.  Registration for the races starts at 5:00pm and ends promply at 6:30pm in the Hillside Room below the restaurant.  The new Rec B / NICA start time is aimed at high school riders and adults who wish to not race with Advanced class but want to do more than one lap.

The new schedule for racing this season is as follows:

6:30 Advanced Men 

6:32 Advanced Women 

6:32 Fat Tire 

6:34 Rec A Men and Women 

7:30 NICA 

7:30 Rec B Men and Women 

7:32 Beginners: All ages, all genders

7:45 Free kids' races

2018 Buck Hill Race Schedule

May 10
May 17
May 24
May 31
June 7
June 14
June 21
June 28
July 12
July 19
July 26
August 2
 August 9

After the races, the adults take to the kid's course on kids bikes.  Watch the hilarity ensue as Pat shoots for the win in the longstanding rivalry with Charly Tri.

This is a great opportunity to test yourself in a race setting on a challenging wooded course at Buck Hill.  For Minnesota High School Cycling League racers, here's a chance to get in some early practice for the upcoming season.

After the races there will be loads of door prizes and food and drink is available all evening long. For additional details you can visit the Penn Cycle Events page or call the Bloomington store at 952-888-1427. A little rain may not always cancel the races, so give them a call if weather becomes an issue.



For a history of Thursday Night at the Races and more detailed information, listen to the Mountain Bike Radio interview with Pat Sorensen.

Penn Cycle's 26th Season of Thursday Night at the Races Starts May 11th

Penn Cycle's long-standing tradition of mountain bike racing at Buck Hill returns in 2017 for the 26th season.  What started out with 45 riders the very first night a long time ago has grown and evolved into something truly special.  "Whether you’re a first-timer or local hero, these weeknight races continue to rank as the best bang for your entertainment Buck by every mountain biker in the world."  Thursday Night at the Races brings together beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain bikers for some great racing and good times.  This family friendly event is also a great opportunity to get the little ones into mountain biking with a free kid's race after the adult races.

"You won’t find a more family friendly, cycling event anywhere and I am really proud of what we have put together and continue to do so on Thursday Nights." - Pat Sorensen, Penn Cycle President.

If you've never raced before, this is your chance to give it a try.  The Beginner class race starts at 7:30 pm and only costs $5.  For the intermediate and advanced racers, $10 will gain you entry into the Advanced, Recreational or Fat Bike class races that start at 6:30 pm.  Free kids' races start at 7:45 pm.  Registration for the races runs from 5:00-6:15 pm.

2017 Buck Hill Race Schedule

Series 1:  May 11, 18, 25, June 1, 8, 15 and 22.

Series 2:  June 29, July 13, 20, 27 and August 4.

Make up race August 11. 

After the races, the adults take to the kid's course on kids bikes.  Watch the hilarity ensue as Pat shoots for the win in the longstanding rivalry with Charly Tri.

This is a great opportunity to test yourself in a race setting on a challenging wooded course at Buck Hill.  For Minnesota High School Cycling League racers, here's a chance to get in some early practice for the upcoming season.

After the races there will be loads of door prizes and food and drink is available all evening long. For additional details you can visit the Penn Cycle Thursday Night at the Races page or call the Bloomington store at 952-888-1427. A little rain may not always cancel the races, so give them a call if weather becomes an issue.

Penn Cycle's 25th Season of Thursday Night at the Races Starts May 5th

Penn Cycle's long-standing tradition of mountain bike racing at Buck Hill returns in 2016 for the 25th season.  What started out with 45 riders the very first night a long time ago has grown and evolved into something truly special.  "Whether you’re a first-timer or local hero, these weeknight races continue to rank as the best bang for your entertainment Buck by every mountain biker in the world."  Thursday Night at the Races brings together beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain bikers for some great racing and good times.  This family friendly event is also a great opportunity to get the little ones into mountain biking with a free kid's race after the adult races.

"You won’t find a more family friendly, cycling event anywhere and I am really proud of what we have put together and continue to do so on Thursday Nights." - Pat Sorensen, Penn Cycle President.

If you've never raced before, this is your chance to give it a try.  The Beginner class race starts at 7:15 pm and only costs $5.  For the intermediate and advanced racers, $10 will gain you entry into the Advanced, Recreational or Fat Bike class races that start at 6:30 pm.  Registration for the races runs from 5:00-6:15 pm.

2016 Buck Hill Race Schedule

Series 1:  May 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, June 2nd and 9th.

Series 2:  June 16th, 23rd, June 30th, July 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th.

If you're still not convinced to join in on the fun this year, watch the video below for a week by week recap of the fun, thrills and competition of the 2014 races.

After the races, the adults take to the kid's course on kids bikes.  Watch the hilarity ensue as Pat shoots for the win in the longstanding rivalry with Charly Tri.

Image Credit: Gal Alon

This is a great opportunity to test yourself in a race setting on a challenging wooded course at Buck Hill.  For Minnesota High School Cycling League racers, here's a chance to get in some early practice for the upcoming season.

After the races there will be loads of door prizes and food and drink is available all evening long. For additional details you can visit the Penn Cycle Thursday Night at the Races page or call the Bloomington store at 952-888-1427. A little rain may not always cancel the races, so give them a call if weather becomes an issue.

Pat Sorensen Talks Almanzo 100 on The Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Podcast

Penn Cycle owner Pat Sorensen recently joined Mountain Bike Radio's Ben Welnak on the seventh episode of the Riding Gravel Radio Ranch podcast to talk about the Almanzo 100.  This is a special race to Pat for very personal reasons.  He describes why he rides, the challenges the course presents and how Penn Cycle got involved to help Spring Valley Tourism with the giant task of putting on a free gravel race for over a thousand cyclists.

Details of Almanzo weekend including registration, Friday night packet pick-up, the Royal 162 and Alexander 380 are also discussed.

Image Credit: Gal Alon

The new Penn Cycle Support Ambulance will make an appearance at Almanzo, other gravel events and numerous cycling rides and races throughout the year.  Pat tells the story of how his idea for this support vehicle became a reality.  To finish off the interview he and Ben talk about his other passion that starts May 7th, Thursday Night at the races.

You can listen to the episode by visiting the Riding Gravel Radio Ranch podcast page, Stitcher or download the Mountain Bike Radio app to listen on your Apple or Android device.

Penn Cycle's Thursday Night at the Races Returns for 24th Year

Penn Cycle's long-standing tradition of mountain bike racing at Buck Hill returns in 2015 for the 24th season.  What started out with 45 riders the very first night a long time ago has grown and evolved into something truly special.  "Whether you’re a first-timer or local hero, these weeknight races continue to rank as the best bang for your entertainment Buck by every mountain biker in the world."  Thursday Night at the Races brings together beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain bikers for some great racing and good times.  This family friendly event is also a great opportunity to get the little ones into mountain biking with a free kid's race after the adult races.

"You won’t find a more family friendly, cycling event anywhere and I am really proud of what we have put together and continue to do so on Thursday Nights." - Pat Sorensen, Penn Cycle President.

Image Credit: Gal Alon

If you've never raced before, this is your chance to give it a try.  The Beginner class race starts at 7:15 pm and only costs $5.  For the intermediate and advanced racers, $10 will gain you entry into the Advanced, Recreational or Fat Bike class races that start at 6:30 pm.  Registration for the races runs from 5:00-6:15 pm.

Start of the Fat Bike Class Race

  
2015 Buck Hill Race Schedule

Series 1:  May 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, June 4th and 11th
Series 2:  June 18th, 25th, (No race July 2nd), July 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th. Plus a potential make up race on Aug. 6th.

If you're still not convinced to join in on the fun this year, watch the video below for a week by week recap of the fun, thrills and competition of last year's races.

After the races, the adults take to the kid's course on kids bikes.  Watch the hilarity ensue as Pat shoots for the win.

Post by Penn Cycle.

This is a great opportunity to test yourself in a race setting on a challenging wooded course at Buck Hill.  For Minnesota High School Cycling League racers, here's a chance to get in some early practice for the upcoming season.

After the races there will be loads of door prizes and food and drink is available all evening long. For additional details you can visit the Penn Cycle Thursday Night at the Races page or call the Bloomington store at 952-888-1427. A little rain may not always cancel the races, so give them a call if weather becomes an issue. 

Pat Sorensen Of Penn Cycle Interviewed On Inside Mountain Bike Radio

Penn Cycle President, Pat Sorensen recently went on the Inside Mountain Bike Radio Show on Mountain Bike Radio to talk with host Ben Welnak about some of the history of Penn Cycle, events Pat has coming up and the long-standing tradition of Thursday Night at the Races.

Inside Mountain Bike Radio-November 5, 2014
Pat Sorensen of Penn Cycle

Pat starts the interview with how his father Elmer got Penn Cycle going back in 1957 and details some of the history and growth of the business.

 Elmer at the Richfield store back in the early 1960's

Image Credit: Penn Cycle

Pat tells Ben about the upcoming Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists' 20th Anniversary Gala on November 9th, Penn Cycle's commitment by being the Title Sponsor and the great work that MORC does for mountain biking in Minnesota.  Tickets are available at bit.ly/morcGALA.

He then goes into how the Get Phat with Pat fatbike races got the name, the unique location where they are held (the Minnesota River Bottoms), some of the fun and prizes to be had and how these races help raise money for MORC.  Also discussed is the evolution of fatbikes in the last few years.  More information on the upcoming Get Phat with Pat races can be found here.

With the Cross For Tots race coming up on November 29th at Moir Park in Bloomington, Pat gives a little history on how this cyclocross race was started and how it will benefit Toys For Tots.

To wrap up the show Pat reflects on the 23 year history of Penn Cycle's Thursday Night at the Races at Buck Hill in Burnsville.  How the kids races started, the danger, mayhem and fun that comes along with the adults on kids bike races are also discussed.  Watch the video below to get a taste of what Thursday Night at the Races is all about.

A download link of this episode of Inside Mountain Bike Radio is also available here.

2014 Season Video Recap of Penn Cycle's Thursday Night at the Races Now on YouTube

Image Credit: Justin Williams Photos

Penn Cycle's Thursday Night at the Races has become a Thursday night summertime family tradition over the last 23 years.  What started out with 45 riders the very first night at Buck Hill a long time ago has grown and evolved into something truly special.  With the addition of kids races and adults racing on kids bikes over the years, it is a one-of-a-kind racing series.   

"You won’t find a more family friendly, cycling event anywhere and I am really proud of what we have put together and continue to do so on Thursday Nights." - Pat Sorensen, Penn Cycle President.





The video below is a week by week recap of the fun, thrills and competition of this year's series.  Stay tuned for a special thank you from Penn Cycle President Pat Sorensen at the end of the video.

The Penn Cycle Facebook page has more fun video shorts from this season of Thursday Night at the Races as well as a photo album from June 26th.  Scan through the Photostream for other pictures from this season, too.

Penn Cycle Shoots for a Record Turnout for Last Thursday Night at the Races of the Season

Image Credit: Michael Speake

The finale of Penn Cycle's 23rd season of the World Famous Thursday Night at the Races is bound to be a great event.  Thursday, August 7th at Buck Hill is where it all goes down.  Bring the whole family out for the racing fun, food and music that has made this a summertime Thursday Night tradition.

If you've never raced at Buck Hill, come out for the fun or the competition of mountain bike racing on the slopes.  Whether you are a beginner, recreational or advanced rider, there is a race class for you.  Registration begins at 5:00 pm with races starting at 6:30.

Highchair Kings Performing

Pat Sorensen has booked special musical guests, Highchair Kings to perform live for the crowd.  This Minneapolis band headed up by singer/songwriter Trevor Lettman and bassist Jared Hedberg will bring their indie rock sound with hits like Crush Gravel, Endo and Suckers of the World.  To download a free 4-track sampler of their debut EP, click the Free Download button below.

Giant & Liv Demo

Giant will be holding their Liv Women's Demo and Ride Life Ride Giant Demo with a fleet of road and mountain bikes in a range of sizes to test ride.  Liv models available include Avail, Brava, Envie, Obsess, Intrigue and Lust.  Giant models available include TCR, Propel, Defy, Revolt, XTC Anthem, Anthem SX, Trance, Reign and Stance.  Please bring your helmet, shoes, credit card and identification to demo a bike.

Image Credit: Wyatt Jirsa

Image Credit: Wyatt Jirsa

As always there will be plenty of food and drink on hand to purchase.

Image Credit: Gal Alon

After the adult races watch the kids get their turn at racing on the kids course.

The adults then take to the kids course on kids bikes.  Watch the hilarity ensue as Pat shoots for the win.

The last race of the season last year drew a record crowd of 292 racers.  Pat told me, "I hope we can beat the record from last year. Everybody come on out!"

Penn Cycle Thursday Night Mountain Bike Racing Returns to Buck Hill

Image Credit:  Griff Wigley

Penn Cycle announces the return of "Thursday Night at the Races" at Buck Hill in Burnsville.  This long-standing Thursday night summertime tradition brings together beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain bikers for some great racing and good times.  It is also a chance to get the little ones into mountain biking with a free kid's race after the adult races, so bring the whole family.

Image Credit:  Griff Wigley

If you've never raced before, this is your chance to give it a try.  The Beginner class race (approximately 20 minute race) starts at 7:15 pm and only costs $5.  For the intermediate and advanced racers, $10 will gain you entry into the Recreational (40 minute race) or the Advanced (1 hour race) class races that start at 6:30 pm.  Registration for the races runs from 5:00-6:15 pm.

*New this year, a Fatbike class has been added.

Image Credit:  Griff Wigley

2014 Buck Hill Race Schedule

Series 1:  May 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, June 5th and 12th
Series 2; June 19th, 26th, (No race July 3rd), July 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st. Make up race date Aug. 7th.

This is a great opportunity to test yourself in a race setting on a challenging wooded course at Buck Hill.  For Minnesota High School Cycling League racers, here's a chance to get in some early practice for the upcoming season.  After the races there will be loads of door prizes and food and drink is available all evening long.  For additional details you can visit the Penn Cycle Thursday Night at the Races page or call the Bloomington store at 952-888-1427.   A little rain may not always cancel the races, so give them a call if weather becomes an issue.

For more photos, visit Griff Wigley's photo set Penn Cycle Thursday night MTB Race, Buck Hill.