WAIKIKI, HI (BRAIN)—A new mountain bike race is hitting the shores of Hawaii in October with a $166,000 prize purse—with the winner receiving $15,000.
The Hawaii Pro-Am three-day stage race, October 29-31, is being managed by Tournament Vacations in association with Quick Release Hawaii—a company responsible for putting on such events as Xterra and Ironman.
Former ski and mountain bike racer Chris Parmalee, co-owner of Tournament Vacations, wanted to have an epic mountain bike race in Hawaii at year’s end.
“We wanted to reward all of the racers for their hardwork,” Parmalee said.
Parmalee is rewarding them with an all-inclusive, six-day, luxury vacation that includes accommodations at the Sheraton Waikiki, and an awards party the last night at Rum Fire restaurant on Waikiki Beach. The $1,990 registration fee ($2,990 after June 30) covers five-nights accommodations, daily transportation to and from the race venue, catered lunches, two gourmet dinners and mechanical support.
Parmalee said many of the 58 racers that have already signed up to race are bringing their families.
“We’re definitely catering to the children,” Parmalee said.
As for the racing—which includes a time trial and cross country and short track races—it will be held at the nearby 4,000-acre private Kualoa Ranch. This area is the remarkably lush, mountainous landscape where Jurassic Park and a number of other movies were filmed.
To register go to www.hawaiiproam.com (click on link).
—Jason Norman
