The Tour de VEISHEA Mountain Bike Race is hoping for good weather and turnout Sunday to kick off campus festivities.

Eight different divisions are available to riders in the event, which will take place at Peterson Park. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and costs $25. The race starts at noon.

“It’s the first event as a part of Veishea, so we hope to put on a good start,” said event co-chairman Garrett Skaar, freshman in food science. “Our main goal right now is to have a good event.”

Skaar said he is hoping for a turnout of at least 50 bikers.

There are beginner, expert and sporting categories for men and women, as well as junior divisions. The lengths of the races will vary on the skill category and the condition of the course.

Peterson Park has a 5.1-mile dirt trail course. The men’s sporting level riders may compete up to six laps, said Skaar.

A National Off-Road Bicycle Association license is required to compete in the event. A one-day license can be purchased for $5.

Participants will receive a T-shirt, and there will be a hamburger cookout for riders and their families. Medals will be awarded, as well, and prizes from the event’s sponsors – Jax Sporting Goods, 4723 Lincoln Way, Bike World, 126 S. Third St., and Seven Oaks Recreation, Boone – will be given.

Peterson Park is located in Story County approximately four miles north of Ames on Highway 69, then two miles east on 180th Street.