Breaking away from it all to head out to the Eastern Districts in an attempt to escape the rat race is a popular weekend pastime in Cayman.

Yet racing is the very thing that draws cyclists out to the Reef Resort in East End for the Reefathlon – that and a great weekend getaway.

The event combines a weekend staycation deal with a 19-mile time trial along the Queen’s Highway, down Frank Sound Road and back along Sea View road to the Reef Resort. The distance is achievable for even the most recreational of cyclist. At the first edition of the event on 27 September, one of theReef’s guests completed the course on a single speed cruiser bike borrowed from the resort.

“Our goal is to make The Reef the place to go for cycling vacations in the Caribbean. If you just want to cycle on vacation, we’ll make it easy for you cycle on vacation at The Reef. If you want to time it to enter an event to meet other cyclists, we’ll be putting on regular events so you can plan ahead to come and join in,” says Tom McCallum, organiser of the event.

The event received a resounding thumbs-up from the local sporting community, who were drawn out as much by the great staycation and relaxing on the beach as by the $1,000 prize offered for a cyclist able to average 27 miles per hour for the course. The grand prize may have remained unclaimed, but the event was most certainly a winner.

The second edition, set for 22 November, promises to be even bigger and better than before.

In order to give local cyclists something to aspire to, Tom has arranged for reigning US under 23 time trial champion Peter Stetina to compete in the event.

Peter is currently a member of the Garmin-Holowesko Partners-Felt under 23 team, which serves as a development team for the ProTour Garmin-Slipstream squad – home to 2009 Tour de France fourth place finisher Bradley Wiggins.

Peter’s presence is already motivating local competitors to bring their A-game and they can be spotted training all around Cayman. However, Peter will not only be racing but will also spend some time relaxing and socialising with local cyclists and cycling fans.

The $1,000 prize is still up for grabs and will go to the cyclists capable of setting a new course record. The record currently stands at 43:30. In case a visiting cyclist takes the prize, there will also be a prize for a new ‘local’ course record.

Although cyclist can drive the 40 minutes to the Reef Resort on race morning to take part in the event, turning the event into a staycation is what really makes it unique.

Subject to availability, participants whose booking is confirmed by 6 November can book a beachfront studio for two persons for the night of 21 November for CI$99, including one ticket to the pre-race barbeque and one race entry.

Bookings confirmed after 6 November will pay the regular staycation special rate of CI$119 for the same package.

Pre-entries for the event costs CI$15, with race day entries going for CI$20.

Race entry includes a Reefathlon t-shirt, a sport bottle and post-race refreshments.

The organiser will also make a donation to the Cayman Islands Cancer Society on behalf of each participant.   WH

For more information on the event, visit reefathlon.com. For reservations, call 947-0100 or e-mail reservations@thereef.com.