[Beast]

Check it - no gravity at Big Bear means the whole venue is moving to Brian Head

"Six weeks after the news broke that that there would be no more gravity racing or riding at Snow Summit Resort in Big Bear Lake, California, word came Tuesday that the NORBA national mountain bike series event that was scheduled there for May 13-15 has been moved to Brian Head, Utah, where it will take place on July 29-31."

The rest of the article is here -

http://www.velonews.com/race/mtn/articles/7422.0.html



Bummer on being the same weekend as the Mtn. States Cup Telluride venue...

 

[Darryl]

Weee, a national in my back yard!

 

[Zutroy]

That's kinda a bummer, no NORBA in SoCal. I thought it woulda been funny to have the gravity events at Fonatana. I'd love to see how fast though guys would rip that course.

 

[bikenweed]

Brian Head sounds like a cool place. I think we just need to focus on the positive fact that we will still have a complete national DH circuit. I was hoping for NORBA to host the race at Northstar, but I guess life isn't perfect. I'll definitely take Brian Head over nowhere. How far is it from Boulder, CO?

 

[shock]

Wow. I'm bummed. Not that Big Bear was ever the best course, but I've been going there for.... I don't know, 10 years? I'll miss it.

Not to start up the debate about what started this in the first place, but if we don't change something (like the laws), this can and will happen again, and that sucks.

 

[SuspectDevice]

I wonder if TBB will invest a few hundred dollars in proper course markings?

 

[Threepointtwo]

YES! Two local courses for nationals this year! That rocks. Brianhead is real small, it will be interesting. Better book your place to stay now.

 

[Darryl]

I dunno how far Boulder is but Brian Head is about 3-3.5 hours from Vegas, the nearest city being Cedar City. It's only about 25 minutes off the I-15. I'll take it's terrain and locale over Big Bear any day of the week. This year was their first year trying to really accomodate bikes off the lifts and they made some really cool efforts, stunts and jumps and what not. They don't have a ton of vert so it will be interesting to see how they rise to the challenge of a National level course. The XC course however, whatever it is, is bound to cover some absolutely gorgeous terrain.

This is really some huge news for little old So. Utah, I think it's awesome.

 

[Darryl]

Oh man, and they have to build a MtnX course, this rocks!!!

 

[James | Go-Ride]

Welcome to Utah, the 51st state of American racing. Er . . . Welcome to Utah, the new province of California. SoCal, NorCal . . . UteCal.

Yeah. Time for me to shut up about that. Anyway this is off the nose, for anybody that hasn't raced in Brian Head, the mountain is one of the most fun places to race I have ever been, although the altitude is a killer. There's also somehow always a need for a destroyer sprint section right near the finish . . . hey, sounds like Mammoth.

Addendum: Actually I feel obligated to give some info since there aren't many guys on the board (to the best of my knowledge) who have been to BH. If you think you might go, you should probably get your digs in now because housing is fairly limited, and the closest town is 35 minutes away, and I don't think there's much for hotels there either, although some of the guys down south might correct me on that.

Also, if you get bummed on limited practice time, you should look into booking a few of the shuttle rides. Brian Head has a gang of super epic 30 - 45 minute DH runs that are equally sweet on trail, 4X, and DH bikes.

One of the most important things to remember while you're down there is that in Utah, you can only buy liquor from state-run liquor stores. The exception to this rule is in the Brian Head "Giant Steps" parking lot, where the country store also is loaded with Jack Daniels.

Dude I'm so stoked. Brian Head is the shiznit. It was the place I raced when I had a "real" DH bike (if my removable-head-tube Titus Quasi DH counts ), the only place in Utah I ever won a JrX cross country race, and the scenery is absolutely incredible. BE THERE.

 

[leprechaun]

Go to this race if you like to RIDE at races...Mega huge shuttles all over the mountain-like 6000 descents that start at the volcanic peak at 1100 down to 1/2 way up the canyon at 4000..Or ride from the resort at 9000 down to the lake at the very bottom for a swim.
Techy beautful sigletrack that'll make you giggle to yourself.
Awesome camping right up the road in old growth pines.
Super psyched.

 

[MikeD]

They don't have a ton of vert so it will be interesting to see how they rise to the challenge of a National level course.

here's also somehow always a need for a destroyer sprint section right near the finish . . .

Hm, Derek...sounds like they're gonna have the Fontucky racecourse up on top of old BH, eh? No vert, loooong sprints to the finish... And in comparison, So. Utah is actually less redneck than Fontana, so you're sort of a step up for us SoCalians.

I'll be shuttling BlowHard the entire time myself, thanks...

MD

 

[Darryl]

Oh man, don't give away all the kush camp spots.

 

[Darryl]

Hm, Derek...sounds like they're gonna have the Fontucky racecourse up on top of old BH, eh? No vert, loooong sprints to the finish... And in comparison, So. Utah is actually less redneck than Fontana, so you're sort of a step up for us SoCalians.

I'll be shuttling BlowHard the entire time myself, thanks...

MD

Hmm, the sprint this year was like 50 yards at the most out of the trees, the rest was stupid fun and fast, just short. It'll be really interesting to see where they put the DH. I know there was some talk about a new lift on the other side of the mountain that would provide more vert for this year but no clue where that stands. They have tons of vert, just not vert covered by the lifts.

But yes, either way, Blow Hard repeatedly is never a bad thing.

 

[MikeD]

Awesome camping right up the road in old growth pines.
Super psyched.

No there isn't. Staying in a motel in Cedar is the way to go. Beautiful buxom blonde Mormon girls everywhere, too, and they love mountain bikers. Especially mountain bikers who aren't in my campsite.

Nope, no camping anywhere near there. And there are bears, big dangerous ones, that eat anyone who's not in a hotel.

Nothing to see here, especially not here at the base of da...waitaminit. (ha, you thought you were going to trip me up and get my campsite location, didn't you!!! I stole it from Darryl fair and square and now it's mine...!!!)

MD

 

[narlus]

brian head is a cool venue. nice choice, TBB.

and the top is over 11K i believe. bring yr EPO.

 

[T-Pirate]

I love Brian Head....I seriously have to go back.

 

[downhillzeypher]

Welcome to Utah, the 51st state of American racing. Er . . . Welcome to Utah, the new province of California. SoCal, NorCal . . . UteCal.

Yeah. Time for me to shut up about that. Anyway this is off the nose, for anybody that hasn't raced in Brian Head, the mountain is one of the most fun places to race I have ever been, although the altitude is a killer. There's also somehow always a need for a destroyer sprint section right near the finish . . . hey, sounds like Mammoth.

Addendum: Actually I feel obligated to give some info since there aren't many guys on the board (to the best of my knowledge) who have been to BH. If you think you might go, you should probably get your digs in now because housing is fairly limited, and the closest town is 35 minutes away, and I don't think there's much for hotels there either, although some of the guys down south might correct me on that.

Also, if you get bummed on limited practice time, you should look into booking a few of the shuttle rides. Brian Head has a gang of super epic 30 - 45 minute DH runs that are equally sweet on trail, 4X, and DH bikes.

One of the most important things to remember while you're down there is that in Utah, you can only buy liquor from state-run liquor stores. The exception to this rule is in the Brian Head "Giant Steps" parking lot, where the country store also is loaded with Jack Daniels.

Dude I'm so stoked. Brian Head is the shiznit. It was the place I raced when I had a "real" DH bike (if my removable-head-tube Titus Quasi DH counts ), the only place in Utah I ever won a JrX cross country race, and the scenery is absolutely incredible. BE THERE.

Good God! 45 minute decents?!! That's nuts. They should do some enduro/DH races there. That'd be either suicide or heaven after commiting suicide.

Sounds fun!

 

[Darryl]

I live just an hour or so down the road and would be more than happy to answer questions people have. Cedar boasts quite a few hotels actually but the U there also hosts the Shakesperean festival which I think will be in swing at that time, how it affects lodging I dunno. July will be hot as hell so unless it rains camping isn't unreasonable and the place is surrounded by Dixie National Forest. Panguitch lake is close and has some camping too. I'm not ratting out the kind spot.

And yes, ware the mormons and bring your own alcohol.

 

[go-ride.com]

At this time there are two DH courses at BrianHead. The original one is fun, open, swoopy, bermed and has a few nice jumps. Then you hit a flat pedal section that is a killer at that altitude, and finally a tight woods slalom to the short finish sprint. This course is a lot of fun, but for that one section you do need to be fit to be competitive. Last years top Pro time was 4:20.

The new course (built by me and few friends), also has fast swoopy sections with good berms, one nice downhill jump, one 8' rock wall, a steep rock garden and tight tree slaloms. This course is just about all gravity fed and last years winning Pro time was 3:40. Unfortunately, because I built this course with minimal time and support, it's probably not up to a full Norba weekend of abuse.

I'll be calling the BH crew sometime soon to talk about building a new course or improving one of the existing ones. Hopefully, I'll get to do the design and make something fun and challenging.

 

[Transcend]

Hey Scott...think i can get the cuervo test ride in here?

 

[go-ride.com]

I'll see what I can do about having a small Cuervo available. For '05 I'll only have one, and it's set up for my GF, so it would be a bit soft for most guys.

Are you going to just the BrianHead race, or will you also be at the Deer Valley race?

 

[Mani_UT]

Actually I have heard about another small cuervo floating around I'd let the Transcend dude take a few runs on it for sure.

 

[BMXman]

cool...now I get to go to Utah twice...and I get to see Go-ride in person....D

 

[Transcend]

I'll see what I can do about having a small Cuervo available. For '05 I'll only have one, and it's set up for my GF, so it would be a bit soft for most guys.

Are you going to just the BrianHead race, or will you also be at the Deer Valley race?

Trying to sort out schedules for sure. The season is starting way early, as I am now off to Sea Otter as well. (90 days to get in shape..oh dear).

 

[Sir Happypants]

brian head definetly kicks ass... espeacially the more technical trails like deep hollow, or is it dark holloe... good times

 

[MikeD]

brian head definetly kicks ass... espeacially the more technical trails like deep hollow, or is it dark holloe... good times

Since when is dark hollow "technical?"

 

[narlus]

dark hollow was fun, but kinda boring over all, esp w/ that last 2000' foot or so fireroad descent. keep it in the trees!

my favorite ride of BH was the left fork of bunker creek, that was awesome (right fork was cool too). blowhard was fun too, but not long enough. didn't do virgin river (rim?) trail, which looked great.

 

[Darryl]

At this time there are two DH courses at BrianHead. The original one is fun, open, swoopy, bermed and has a few nice jumps. Then you hit a flat pedal section that is a killer at that altitude, and finally a tight woods slalom to the short finish sprint. This course is a lot of fun, but for that one section you do need to be fit to be competitive. Last years top Pro time was 4:20.

The new course (built by me and few friends), also has fast swoopy sections with good berms, one nice downhill jump, one 8' rock wall, a steep rock garden and tight tree slaloms. This course is just about all gravity fed and last years winning Pro time was 3:40. Unfortunately, because I built this course with minimal time and support, it's probably not up to a full Norba weekend of abuse.

I'll be calling the BH crew sometime soon to talk about building a new course or improving one of the existing ones. Hopefully, I'll get to do the design and make something fun and challenging.

We should attempt to pool some of our resources if you want. We've got 5-6 willing and able bodies available just an hour away. I forget the two trail guys names at the moment but they had expressed some interest last year in us coming out early season this year to give them some help and basically gave us some free reign over certain sections to build some hits and things if we wanted.

 

[-BB-]

This is cool for you UT guys, but c'mon!!
It is no where near SoCal.
Why not do another Mamoth, or a Notrhstar.
Ah... N*
Now THAT would be sweet.

 

[MikeD]

This is cool for you UT guys, but c'mon!!
It is no where near SoCal.
Why not do another Mamoth, or a Notrhstar.
Ah... N*
Now THAT would be sweet.

But it's only 2 hours past vegas...takes about that long to get to Tahoe or Mammoth from here, doesn't it? I'm further south than you, too, though...

Edit: won't they be bringing Mammoth back after some rennovations are complete anyhow?

 

[James | Go-Ride]

It's not that far from SoCal, and it's pretty close to lots of places, sort of anyway. Vegas is about three hours away, Salt Lake is about a four hour drive, Boise is six, Grand Junction is probably five, two or three from Flagstaff, and I think San Diego is about nine hours out. It's actually a pretty good spot as far as equal access for a lot of different parts of the country. As for actual population demographics, that's a different story.

 

[Zutroy]

It's not that far from SoCal, and it's pretty close to lots of places, sort of anyway. Vegas is about three hours away, Salt Lake is about a four hour drive, Boise is six, Grand Junction is probably five, two or three from Flagstaff, and I think San Diego is about nine hours out. It's actually a pretty good spot as far as equal access for a lot of different parts of the country. As for actual population demographics, that's a different story.

Yeah, it's not to bad....I'm just bumming that I'm back to 8 hours of driving to nationals, AGAIN...that's why i freaking moved out here.....lol

Actually I think it's kinda a bummer that we keep getting farther and farther from populated areas, not doing the overall growth here much good.

 

[heikkihall]

I cant wait. It should be a good race.
Am I right or does this race fall the weekend after the Snowmass National? That wont be a terrible drive from Snowmass at all. Not to mention there is a ton of epic riding betweeen the two venues.

 

[dhtahoe]

Sweet that's now my forth week on the honeymoon. Whistler, Idaho, Snowmass, Brianhead. Nice little North to South sweep four weeks in a row. Wow they finally got a real schedule going.

 

[dhtahoe]

But it's only 2 hours past vegas...takes about that long to get to Tahoe or Mammoth from here, doesn't it? I'm further south than you, too, though...

Edit: won't they be bringing Mammoth back after some rennovations are complete anyhow?

Get a National in TJ

 

[heikkihall]

Sweet that's now my forth week on the honeymoon. Whistler, Idaho, Snowmass, Brianhead. Nice little North to South sweep four weeks in a row. Wow they finally got a real schedule going.

If you wanted to race the Angel Fire WC the week before Idaho you could make that an even longer honeymoon. Then Brazil WC the week before that. St Anne the week before that. And Deer Valley the week before that. Not to mention the 2 World Cups in Europe the 2 weeks before that. With it all starting off with the US Open the week before those. I bet there may be a couple of insanely crazy pros who could actually race 11 international level races all in a row. Who ever can pull that off will officially be my hero.

 

[Juano]

If you wanted to race the Angel Fire WC the week before Idaho you could make that an even longer honeymoon. Then Brazil WC the week before that. St Anne the week before that. And Deer Valley the week before that. Not to mention the 2 World Cups in Europe the 2 weeks before that. With it all starting off with the US Open the week before those. I bet there may be a couple of insanely crazy pros who could actually race 11 international level races all in a row. Who ever can pull that off will officially be my hero.

HEIKKI YOUR MY HERO! That's all that matter's and Durango is all the proof I needed. Watching you cuddle up under that box at the top of the DH before our start was magic in the making.

 

[Metal]

HEIKKI YOUR MY HERO! That's all that matter's and Durango is all the proof I needed. Watching you cuddle up under that box at the top of the DH before our start was magic in the making.

That was definitely one of the funniest moments of the year. How much did you have to drink the night before? I remember someone else up at the top telling us that you were using some whack East Coast drinking technique

 

[heikkihall]

That day was great. I still felt like a hero for the super-d race. I was probably somewhere up around the top 5 in pro when all of a sudden I crashed big time and my Jekyl blew up. After that the day started to get painfull. Waiting for the race to start was the worst. All I wanted to do was get in the shade and get some water to drink. Then it all ended with that big crash off the 3rd drop.