So I'm left to wonder where and when to race. Here's what I've discovered so far.
The Derailler Series fell apart - so much for a serious, organized series in our half of the state. This is sad to see when other areas seem to be organized with sponsors and cooperation from clubs, Parks and Recs departments, bike shops, other businesses etc.
There are a few options: The Southern Classic Mountain Bike Series is based in North Carolina. I raced one race in this series last year down in Greensboro - the people were nice and the race was well run. The Virginia Off Road Series looks like it's essentially in the Richmond and northern VA area. The folks up around Harrisonburg and Staunton like long races, see here.
In drudging through those websites, I found a few things that interest me. I'm not ready to race next weekend, but there are two races on the 22nd. One in Winston-Salem and one hosted by the Blue Ridge School wherever that is. I found this interesting ditty on the Shenandoah Mountain Touring website. It looks like an option for me, and I'm really considering it if I can get another chicky to go along and ride together - at least the 20 mile option.
Here's what else is grabbing my eye:
April 26 - Caraway Hills MTB, Sophia, NC *** [2+ hr drive to get there]
May 3 - Middle Mountain Momma, Douthat - [may just do this one]
May 16 - Fat Tire Frenzy, Bedford, VA [definite]
May 23-24 - Burn 24 [tentative SS chicky team]
May 31 - Shootout on Angler's Ridge, Danville, VA *** [see previous entries about Danville]
July 12 - Walnut Creek Chimney Chase, Charlottesville, VA [never ridden here either]
July 19 - The Sizzler, Greensboro, NC *** [raced it last year and can definitely handle the course now that I know what it's like]
Aug 23 - Dark Mountain, North Wilkesboro, NC*** [2+ hr drive to get there]
Sep 26 - Southside Scramble, Danville, VA [late September might be ok]
(*** are races in Southern Classic MTB Series)
After all of this, I'm still wondering what happened to the Dirty Dawg, Rowdy Dawg, the Commonwealth Games races and what will happen with Lynchburg's races at PVP and Liberty. Also, I know there will be a race in Montvale hosted by Bedford County Parks and Rec.
I'm really wondering what it would take to organize a new series in and around this area. We are loaded with trails and options.... Hmmm, maybe I'll dream up something.
3 comments:
Ahh planning for race season.Im glad to see dragons back up for another year.A tough but fun in a twisted sort of way.Douthat a cant miss lots of climbing but a truly epic race.I tend to enjoy thease longer races more.Also the Massanutin Hoo Ha is another good one to plan for.The burn 24 is a awesome course and a great intro to 24 hour racing.
Douthat ROCKS....Dragons BAck..not so much..esp on a single speed..
The Burn..Awesome event...we have to do it!!!!
April 4th...there's a 6 hour race at the same place the Burn is held....possible option...
Hoo Ha will be big this year..lots of pros & fast people. Hoo Ha is fun too..long but fun...I remember a lot of climbing the couple years I raced it.
Although nothing is set yet, the word is that there will bwe a race at PVP and Candler's (Liberty) Mtn. Possibly a 6 or 12 hour event at the latter. Douthat is awesome! You come with us for that one. I think you should seriously consider the Shenandoah 100.
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