cRamp Alexander

Hello peeps,

It's finally time to let the word out about the first ever cRamp Alexander MTB Race. After much deliberation we folks down here in Emporia have decided to put on a race at our very own Camp Alexander trails. I'll give you some info now, but in the future you will want to visit crampalexanderrace.blogspot.com (which is linked on the right hand side of my page) to get all your race info. First and foremost, block off July 19th on your calendar's. That is when the race is going down. That's also only a couple months away, so I would greatly appreciate it if everyone would help spread the word and put a link up to the race blog. Thanks! Not all details are finalized, but here is a taste of what you can expect:

Laps will be approximately 6-7 miles. 2/3 of which will be singletrack and a couple miles of gravel for added mileage. Experts will run 4 laps, Sport/SS 3, and Beginners 2. Fast lap times will be around 30 minutes. Experts can expect some cold hard cash if they crack the top 3. Sport and SS can expect sweet prizes along the lines of Ergon grips, CO2 pumps, and saddle bags to name a few. Top Beginner finishers won't be going home empty handed either. The plan is for gift certificates to the lovely High Gear Cyclery in Emporia. I know we all love those shiny medals, but seriously, mine are in a box in storage. We want to give things that can be used towards the betterment of your cycling life! Age brackets for all classes is simply 34 and under, and 35+. (Sorry, keepin' it simple!) Entry fees will be $20 for Beg/SS/Sport and $25 for experts. Here is the trail description given by High Gear:

These trails are located within riding distance of Emporia just 3 miles East on Old Hwy. 50 to Camp Alexander. This 4 mile trail is easy to moderate in skill level from twisty single track to open double track but will challenge even the most physically fit rider. --Throw in a couple miles of wide open gravel to test the legs and you won't be disappointed!

That seems to be all I can think of. If you have questions leave me a message, post a message to the race blog, or go to ridehighgear.com. Look forward to seeing you all July 19th!

Wilson Lake

I was glad a few of the Emporia crew made it out to Wilson Lake for the Fat Tire Festival. I was a little sad that I couldn't make it for the whole weekend of events, but Sunday was well worth the one day trip. Others turned out as well, some even from Colorado, and made this year's race a lot larger then last year. Mike and myself decided if we came all that way we might as well step up to the expert plate and get a few extra miles of riding in. Garret, Bobby, and Dusty all had a go at the well stacked sport class and first timers Slayton and Brett made their racing debut. A heck of trail to do your first race on!

On the start line Mike and I decided we might have bitten off a little more then we could chew with a strong looking expert field. After the race, my body reminded me how brutal Wilson lake is. Not to mention there was a considerable amount of new trail that added to an already tough trail. I was glad to have gotten the extra riding time though. Garret and Dusty had a strong showing in the sport class. Bobby was able to escape the day with no bike part casualties. That usually makes for a better day. Slayton did great and is hooked. It only takes one race. I'm sure full results and pics will soon be up at golden belt's website. Check it out.