By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

The campus of the University of Montevallo will serve as host of the inaugural Max A. Bynum Agency Team Magic Crosscycle event Nov. 24.

Crosscycle takes elements of cross country running and traditional mountain bike racing and combines them to form a complete physical challenge. Riders take on a course full of obstacles, some manmade and others part of the natural environment. While some obstacles can be tackled by bike, others require riders to dismount and carry their bikes in order to cross them.

Event organizer Therese Bynum said the event will challenge riders, but also ensured a good time for those attending and participating.

“It’s the showcasing carnival of cycling,” she said. “We create (a) fun ride.”

The event is put on by Team Magic, a Birmingham-based race management organization that specializes in putting on multisport events such as triathlons and marathons. It will be a part of the organization’s Team Magic CX Series that features four races a season, the Montevallo race being the third in the championship.

Bynum, who runs Team Magic, said she takes a hands-on approach to ensure a good race.

“I have to design the course,” she said. “(It’s) on and off grass, all the area around the student retreat.”

Bynum said the group expects around 200 participants and attendees, and also hoped to get the attention of any UM students that might be on campus.

In addition to the crosscycle race, the event will feature a family fun run and a youth bike race.

Bynum said she felt the partnership between Team Magic and Montevallo was one of the best parts of the event.

“We already plan to come back next year,” she said. “Chris Hersey was the biggest inspiration to the lure of Montevallo.  We needed open raw space (and) land that we can dream and set up the perfect course for our racers. Montevallo fit the bill.”

For more information on how to participate or attend the event, visit www.team-magic.com