Cyclists on a roll with lots of races to choose from

It's kind of hard not to notice, especially with the weather turning warmer and the roads clearing — it's cycling season.

Whether you are a hard-core competitor or someone who simply likes to pedal down the Jordan River Parkway with the kids, the time has come to dust off the bike and start rolling.

The first big ride of the year has come and gone with several hundred cyclists taking to the roads from St. George to Springdale on Feb. 24 for the Zion Country Early Spring Century. That was followed by four days of riding at the Moab Skinny Tire Festival in early March with funds being raised to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

For those seeking an opportunity to ride a long distance with a group, Yellowstone Cycling Days runs from April 1-19 with free park admission and virtually no car traffic to compete with.

For something a little closer to home, cyclists can ride the closed course of the Salt Lake Marathon before the runners take over on April 21. Last year, more than 1,000 cyclists cruised down the marathon course, finishing at The Gateway.

No cars or stoplights to worry about, just 25 miles of open roads through the heart of the valley.

CRIT SERIES KICKS OFF: More than 200 racers showed up at Rocky Mountain Raceway for the first criterium of the season on March 17. With that many racers eager to test themselves early in the season, the race was split into the usual flites with 2006 series champ Dave Harward taking first place in the A Flite. He followed that up with another win on March 24.

After Saturday, the crits will move back to their traditional schedule of a Tuesday, 6 p.m. start at RMR beginning Tuesday, while the DMV (2780 W. 4700 South) races will start up Wednesday at 6 p.m.

The first Salt Air time trial of the season is slated for April 12 at 6 p.m.

INTERMOUNTAIN CUP: A little bad weather or rough roads has never stopped the mountain bikers. The first race of the Intermountain Cup was held in St. George on March 3 with the Classic Desert Rampage, and Jason Sager grabbed the win in the Pro division ahead of teammates Bart Gillespie and Thomas Spannring.

Kathy Sherwin was the top finisher in the Pro women, followed by Kara Holley.

The Intermountain Cup will hold its second race of the season on April 7 in Hurricane at the Cholla Challenge.