January 15th, 2014 5:57pm
Its official, the start of the 2014 MTB season is just days away from the official season kick off and there is something for everyone.
Starting with the XC race scene – the MBAA – Mountain Bike Association of Arizona State series begins with its classic race at McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Fountain Hills AZ. The event site has held numerous national races in the past and the course is a great way to test the early season legs. The course is most often described as a “roller coaster” with frequent small climbs and descents. A fast course with minimal technical parts, it is a favorite ride anytime. The MBAA Point Series then has races around the state of Arizona approximately every 3 weeks. This year the series has added a new venue in Lake Havasu making the series a true statewide series.
Even if you choose to not compete for the overall title in the points series you can enter races individually.
The Arizona mountain bikers have put a lot of volunteer hours back into the Competitive loop where this weekend’s race will be run – so if you are looking for some fair weather riding, this is the one to hit up. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 70’s for the race.
Information on course maps etc. is here: http://mbaa.net/racing/mcdowell-meltdown/
Sign-ups for the event can be done on-line at www.arizonareg.com – or at the event. But registering early will save you a couple of bucks and check one more thing off of your to-do list for the race day.
All MBAA RACE info can be found at http://mbaa.net
The full Arizona points series race schedule is as follows:
Bootleg Canyon starts the season off right with everything on the line at the Nevada State Championships. I know Fontana has had a couple of warm up events, but Bootleg has something on the line with a state champ title in the balance. Like NASCAR (hope I don’t get sued for saying that), Nevada has its biggest race of the year first, which is cool because the class winners get to rock a championship jerseys all year.
Bootleg Canyon is also a points series race with three races making up the series. Attendance at this race is usually pretty solid with stiff competition. The pro category is always stacked with the boys from KHS there to see how their off season training is paying off and testing bikes and suspensions. Guys like Aaron Gwin, Mitch Ropelato, Mike Sylvestri and more also come out to play making this one of the more stout early season competitions.
The event has classes and courses for everyone from Beginner to Pro so don’t be shy about trying this one out. I highly recommend burly tires or at least higher tire pressure as the Bootleg Rocks have taken its toll on many a rider. Bring spare tubes and all of your protective gear. Going down on the Nevada rock is not a fun experience.
The promoter, Downhill Mike, is also hosting a Super D event on Sunday. If you are making the trip you may want to consider entering the Super D also…
Signup and race info can be found here: http://www.downhillmike.com/
Just two weeks after the Nevada State Champs comes the big Bootleg Canyon Banzai Enduro race.
This new endure race put on by race promoter Dave Grove will feature a 3 stage race (6 stages for Pros) covering pretty much the entire canyon. The trails should be in great shape and temperatures should be perfect as well.
If you have been getting the itch to go out and race good old fashion MTB Style in the ever booming Enduro / Super D style this is your chance.
All the details including maps can be found here= http://gearworksproductions.com/bootlegenduro
If you are a rider who knows how to make decision and are ready to register – Go straight to the start line and register here: https://www.bikereg.com/Net/bootlegenduro
It’s going to be a great year.
Location: News >> MTB Season Kicks off with Gravity in Vegas and XC in Arizona
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