Motocross riders ready to rock Red Bull event in Calgary this weekend - Action News
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Motocross riders ready to rock Red Bull event in Calgary this weekend

Organizers are promising a new and improved course for this year's Red Bull Rocks and Logs enduro motocross event in Calgary which means it will be tougher for riders, and more exciting for fans.

More than 260 pro and amateur riders competing at Wild Rose MX Park

Red Bull Rocks and Logs

6 years ago
Duration 0:41
More than 200 riders will take part in the Red Bull Rocks and Logs enduro motocross event in Calgary this weekend.

Organizers are promising a new and improved course for this year's Red Bull Rocks and Logs enduro motocross event in Calgary which means it will be tougher for riders, and more exciting for fans.

Using a head-to-head, knockout format, 264 pro and amateur riders will compete on the custom track, navigatinga number of specially-designed elements.

"We've been doing this for quite a while so we've been tweaking it as we go, and every year we learn more," said race director Shane Cuthbertson.

"We're trying to find different variations of rocks and logs but we try to cater more to the rider and make it rideable while still providing a spectacular show for the spectator."

This year's track will feature varying levels of difficulty.

"We have several different areas on the track where it splits. We send amateur riders on an easier route and we'll send the pro and expert riders on a more difficult route," said Cuthbertson.

"We try to keep it so every skill level can get a good experience and still accomplish the track while still having fun and not making it too difficult. It takes a lot of throttle and clutch control, and control of the motorcycle. There's a lot of special techniques to be able to do it."

Race director Shane Cuthbertson explains one of the elements riders will have to navigate during the Red Bull Rocks and Logs event in Calgary. (Monty Kruger/CBC)

One feature riders and spectators will recognize is the waterfall, which will see competitors climb a stepped rock ledge that will be slick with running water.

Onenew challenge will be the log pit near the grandstand.

"We have quite a sharp radius turn in there, so that will really catch a lot of guys and gals off guard this year," said Cuthbertson.

"It's one of those things that's very technical, only the top level riders can get through a section like this. The spacing of the logs make it very difficult you have to be absolutely precise and perfect landing of your tires to get the momentum. Once you've messed up your timing one little bit, you're kind of stuck in there, it's hard to get out."

Lexi Pechout says she's happy to see more female riders trying motocross. (Monty Kruger/CBC)

Calgary rider Lexi Pechout said she's happy to see growth amongfemale riders in recent years.

"It's definitely male dominated but there are so many women coming to race ... all I can do is encourage more girls to come out and try," she said.

"It looks really intimidating but once you get the hang of it everyone is so passionate and willing to share their experience, you will fall in love with it just like I did."

The event was rained out on Saturday but will run Sunday at Wild Rose MX Parkstarting at 11 a.m.