Pinnacle race series adds gravity to summer line up

Downhill, Super D, Mountain Cross and Uphill/Downhill added

Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s (CBMR) Pinnacle Race Series returns this summer with five mountain bike races showcasing the resort’s legendary trail system, and featuring a new component: gravity.

The series includes a variety of courses and racing categories for all abilities and interests, as well as the new gravity disciplines and the Youth Series kids races. Pinnacle Series races are scheduled for Thursdays at 5:45 p.m. Dates for 2009 are July 16, 23 and 30, and August 13 and 20.
The Pinnacle Series is a regional racing series created by CBMR in 1998. Races are geared toward fun and friendly competition and provide an ideal introduction to recreational racing thanks to multiple race categories, including Expert, Sport, Beginner and Single Speed options for men, women and juniors. The series also features a variety of course lengths and levels of difficulty to challenge riders of all abilities.
Races take place on Mt. Crested Butte’s extensive network of trails and winding single-track and each race begins and ends at the base of Mt. Crested Butte. Course information will be posted at www.crankcollective.com prior to each race.
Back and better than ever, the Pinnacle Series includes the Youth Series for children 12 and under. The kids races run simultaneous to the adult races and are designed to give kids the opportunity to compete in a positive, encouraging environment, just like mom and dad.
Prizes will be awarded to top riders in each category at the after-party following each race at Butte 66. In addition, complimentary pizza, pasta and beer will be provided.
Race registration is held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the Butte 66 deck before each race. Check the schedule for race start times depending upon discipline. Cost is $15 per race, per rider. For more information call (970) 349-2217 or visit www.ridecb.com/pinnacle.

2009 Pinnacle Series Schedule
July 16: Hill Climb
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Race registration
5:45 p.m. Race start
July 23: Cross-Country and Downhill
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Race registration for both races
5:45 p.m. Cross-country race start
4:30 to 6:15 p.m. Downhill practice
6:30 p.m. Downhill start

July 30 Super-D
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Race registration
4:30 to 6:15 p.m. Practice
6:30 Race start

August 13 Cross-Country and Mountain Cross (4X)
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Race registration for both races
5:45 p.m. Cross-country race start
4:30 to 6:15 p.m. Mountain Cross practice
6:30 p.m. Seeding
 7 p.m. Mountain Cross race start

August 20 Uphill/Downhill race (team and individual categories):
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Race registration
5:45 p.m. Race start