Riders, climbers to take the challenge

Mark this date on your calendar. Sept. 23 is the day of two sporting events that are new to the region.

Bear Creek Regional Park will be the site of the Pikes Peak SuperCross. The event is a cyclocross competition that combines the speed of road racing and technical skill of mountain biking with running on a short course. Racers must be good at riding and running and be able to shift from aerobic to anaerobic modes throughout the race as they encounter rocks, tree roots, grass, single-track trail and pavement.

More than 200 riders are expected. The races start at 9 a.m.; registration is at 8 a.m. For more information, go to www.pikespeakvelo.com, or contact Dennis at 574-4057, or by e-mail: dennis@collardconstruction.com.

Same day, different park: An outdoor climbing competition that's the first of its kind in the city is planned at Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Sponsored by a coalition of local climbing groups, the event will use the redpoint format, which means climbers must reach the top of their climb without falling or weighting the rope.

Competitors will have five hours to complete as many climbs as they want although they will only be scored on their top 10 climbs. Climbers must provide their own belayers and equipment.

The competition is open to all ages and abilities although participants must demonstrate the ability to climb safely outdoors. A part of the proceeds will benefit Friends of Red Rock Canyon. Registration is at 9 a.m., competition is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call Lara Groshong at 481-9099 or go to www.climbingTHEROCK.com