Cowbell Challenge offers double header

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In an area better known for motorsports racing, human-powered racing takes center stage at the 2009 Cowbell Challenge on June 20-21 at the Fisher Farm Park in Davidson, North Carolina. A marathon, part of the USA Cycling National Ultra-Endurance Calendar (NUEC) event, will take off from
downtown Davidson at 10:00 am on Saturday, and is followed on Sunday with a cross country that is part of the US Cup East series.

"We're thrilled to have the Cowbell Challenge back in Davidson again this year," said Steve Fraher, Director of Recreation and Parks for the Town of Davidson. "Having the marathon start from downtown will be exciting for residents and spectators." Davidson Mayor John Woods will serve as "Celebrity Bellringer" to start the race. More than 200 racers will follow a five-plus mile route to Fisher Farm Park where they will complete five laps on a nine-mile course.

"Cowbell Challenge has always been a racer's race, and this year is no exception," said Taylor Sullivan, the race director. "The pros who've competed here before rave about how much fun it is." Rebecca Rusch (Specialized/Red Bull), current 24-Hour World Solo Champion, is one pro who will be there. She is looking for her third consecutive win. 2009 Ultra-Endurance points leader Harlan Price (Independent Fabrication) will be looking to extend his lead over Ernesto Marenchin (Asylum Cycles) in the 2009 points standings.

Saturday's festivities will conclude with a showing of "Freedom Riders," a movie produced by Gravinetic Productions that tells the story of a group of free riders who move from building trails covertly, to working with the National Parks Service to create some of the best free-riding trails in the country.