Peanut Butter Festival Mountain Bike Race Saturday Septerber 13th

I haven't done this race but Brian did this race last year and had all kinds of good things to say about it. He said it was a ton of fun. Not all that far from Pittsburgh, New Bethlehem is an hour and ten minutes north east of Pittsburgh. The race is part of the towns annual Peanut Butter festival. Take Route 28 North for 59.9 miles and you are in the heart of New Bethlehem. Registration is 9:00 AM in Gumtown Memorial Park on Water Street and the race start is at 10:30 AM. More info can be found here, scroll down to Peanut Butter Festival: http://www.newbethlehemarea.com/events.htm


The Mountain Bike Race covers about 15 miles through the countryside, up and down hills, through a lighted tunnel with some single track and a wide variety of conditions. The scenery on the single loop track is terrific. It’s a fun, but challenging ride. Previous riders have commented that it is their favorite race, they appreciate the number of volunteers on the course and find the course well-marked. There are five checkpoints and water stations, and a number of road crossings where riders can make a right to come back into town early if they wish to do so. All racers are asked to check in at the finish line so that we can account for all participants. Participation is at the rider’s own risk.

A single speed class was added last year. New this year is a shorter, approximately 7-mile course for novice riders that still provides a good variety of conditions and challenges. Awards and cash prizes will be presented in an Olympic Style format after the race on the stage in Gumtown Park to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall and in each class. Shirts and pins are guaranteed only to pre-registered riders who register by August 4, 2008 at the reduced rate of $20. The registration fee is $25 after August 4th through the day of the race. More information can be found on the registration form which can be downloaded from this website. Come to the race with your friends and family and enjoy the 13th Annual Peanut Butter Festival, including the parade at 3 and fireworks at 9 PM!

UPDATE:
Race report by Justin from Dirty Harry's

Race Results: http://www.smileymiles.com/