The Pace is Right at the Big Bear Ultra
Originally posted on July 29, 2013 at 11:00 am
By Karl Rosengarth. Illustration by Stephen Haynes.
Team Dirt Rag is going racing. This time we’re headed to West Virginia for the Big Bear Ultra and Ultra Light on Sunday, August 4th. This fifth race on the WVMBA Ultra Series calendar promises 50+ miles of mostly singletrack racing through the rugged mountains near Hazelton, just east of Morgantown. Competitors in the "Light" version will sample roughly 23 miles of singletrack sweetness (or is that roughly sample, heh, heh).
The Big Bear Lake trails rank near the top of my list of my personal favorites. I look forward to challenging myself on the 50-miler. My Dirt Rag cohort Stephen Haynes has let better judgment rule, and has opted for the 23-mile light version. Either way, with the promise of ample aid stations (with food and water) the racing action promises to be fast and furious.
Dirt Rag is kicking down a free pint glass and sample of our fine publication to the first 100 racers who roll through the registration line. The early bird gets the worm, so don’t be late! Or better yet, join us for the free primitive camping the night before, right at the start/finish, in back of the Big Bear Lake Community Center.
Dirt Rag is also issuing "The Pace is Right" challenge to all Ultra racers. The rules are as follows: The Ultra racer (regardless of sub-classification) whose official finish time is the closest to the official finish time of me, Karl Rosengarth, without finishing faster, wins some Dirt Rag swag. The winner will be announced during the official awards ceremony, and you must be present to win and collect your swag. Decisions of me, Karl Rosengarth, are final. If something bizarre happens, or I DNF or DFL (could happen), I’ll make it up as I go along.
We’ll see you at the races.