Palace City Mountain Bike Classic Set to Promote Health and Community Engagement

MITCHELL — This Saturday, Lake Mitchell will host the Palace City Mountain Bike Classic, an inclusive event designed for participants of all ages and skill levels. Now in its fifth year, the race will kick off at 8 a.m. from Sandy Beach, featuring various race formats to accommodate different cyclists.

The race offers a range of distances: an eight-mile lap for beginners, 16 miles for those looking to push their limits, and a challenging 32-mile route for expert riders. Races will begin in five-minute intervals, starting with those completing the most laps. Young cyclists can participate in a five-mile lap, ensuring opportunities for everyone. The trails will be clearly marked with race tape to guide participants.

Riders will embark from Sandy Beach, navigating the scenic trail alongside Lake Mitchell towards Windy Point and back through Firesteel Park. Cody Denne, the event organizer and owner of Ron's Bike Shop, emphasized the straightforward atmosphere: "We just have some music playing on a boombox, and that's about it. Then everybody's racing," he stated.

The primary aim of the race is to encourage outdoor activities and foster community health, while also generating funds for local initiatives. Proceeds will support the Mac Events, which is working toward establishing outdoor gym equipment at Cadwell Park. Denne anticipates the event concluding by noon or 1 p.m., sharing that he can complete a lap in roughly 35 minutes, with the fastest riders finishing in about 20 to 25 minutes.

To enhance the community spirit, a social gathering and check-in will take place on Friday evening at Blarney's Sports Bar and Grill, where participants will receive a complimentary beer with their registration. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category, with the number of awards determined by the total participants. In 2025, the event attracted 63 riders, with a significant number expected to come from neighboring Iowa and Minnesota.