Race Update - Suzuki 24 Hours of Big Bear Communique

The Race of The Summer is About to Begin For mountain bikers from across the region and across the country The Suzuki 24 Hours of Big Bear is the race of the summer. The course is one of the finest 24-hour courses in the country. The fun and excitement is incomparable. If you haven't sign-up yet, there's still time. Online registration is open until midnight Wednesday night >>>Register HERE

2X Champ Steve Schwarz Defending Against Tinker Juarez in Solo Class
This will be Tinker's first time racing Big Bear. East-coast roots and rocks are not his favored terrain but have no doubt, Tinker will give Steve a run for his money with a world-class performance.

For Steve's part, having bagged 45 laps in the last three years, and proving both his riding skill and endurance, he'll be no easy mark.

Let's the racing begin!

Other notable contenders include 2005 Big Bear Champion Ernesto Marenchin, 2007 Series Champion Rob Lichtenwalner, Stewart Staton, and Robert Mika.

You can read some of Tinker's comments about his Big Bear efforts in the pre-event press-release.

Ellsworth Test Rides
Many western riders are passionate about their Ellsworths but the brand is not as well know here on the East coast. I've been riding one this spring and I'm very pleased to report the super-efficient suspension that they designed and patented works incredibly well. I felt the difference in the first 100 yards and by the end of my first ride, I was a full-fledged convert.

Burn a lap on an Ellsworth. You are in for a treat. Models of the Ellsworth Truth and Epiphany will be available for test rides on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Give 'em a go. You'll be impressed.
Check 'em out on the web >>> www.ellsworthbikes.com

For those of you who go out and burn a lap on a test-bike, Ellsworth will be having a contest for the most improved lap time on an Ellsworth. Winners receive a free Ellsworth messenger bag or hydration pack.

Trials and Tribulations
Some of the most amazing fan-fare will be available to your friends and family as the North American Trials Series returns to Big Bear.

Pros and amateurs will be competing on Saturday with the pros strutting their stuff Saturday afternoon. National Champion (and winner of last year's bunny-hop competition) Brian Yezierski will be attending, along with Michael Schiavone, Trevor Young, Thomas Ligon and Vaughn Micciche, among others.

Don't miss the breath-taking performances of these talented athletes. There's also a Dual Speed-Trials competition on Sunday. >>>See the Schedule of Events for full details

Custom Designed Nutrition
Free samples of Infinit's race supplements will be in all race team swag bags with the special 24-hour formulation designed by Monica "Pua" Sawicki. Sports nutrition that you custom design for yourself and for the way your body works. That's the benefit of Infinit Nutrition's new on-line formulation system. >>>www.infinitnutrition.us

Click here to go to the Infinit Nutrition website

Volunteers Make it Happen and We Make it Fun for 'em
Your friends and family will have a blast volunteering at the log tables. There are openings on the last two shifts. We'll take good care of them with a commemorative T-shirt, a meal during their shift and plenty of hot coffee and cocoa during the wee hours.
>>>On-line Volunteer Sign-up
or call Moriah at 304-614-5093.

Volunteers at The 24 Hours of Sunlight Ski Race.
Temperatures at The Suzuki 24 Hours of Big Bear are expected to be a little warmer.

Princeton Tec Rentals
Princeton Tec will once again be on sight providing lighting support and rentals with all three Switchback models. All Switchbacks are equipped with high powered LEDs, lithium Ion batteries, and charge in only 2 hours. Burn times range from over 5 to 7 hours on high depending upon the model. Rental rates are $20 for a Switchback 1, $25 for a Switchback 2, and $30 for a Switchback 3. To reserve a light, email to jkline@princetontec.com. For additional information visit www.switchback321.com or www.princetontec.com. Quantities are very limited so don’t be left in the dark.

Weather or Not, Here We Come!
We just dodged a tornado! This last weekend a tornado with 80-mph winds stuck just a few miles from Big Bear. The long-range forecast has improved but is still showing a chance of showers and thunderstorms through the Saturday. Be prepared for all conditions. Meanwhile, keep tabs on the forecast with this link >>>Hazelton Weather Forecast

Lighting Your Way Since 1992
Sponsors of Granny's 24-hour races for 17 years! That's saying a lot! Quite simply they are there for you and they will be here at Big Bear, too, keeping your batteries charged-up and lighting your your way into the night. >>>www.niterider.com

More to Come! Stay tuned for the next e-mail and we'll tell you more about this weekend's festivities. We're so looking forward to celebrating 17 years of West Virginia single-track and 24-hour racing! Thanks for coming out to play with us! Have a great time at this year's Suzuki 24 Hours of Big Bear. See you soon!