Tinker Juarez promoting North Carolina event

Juarez in action

Photo: courtesy

World and national mountain bike endurance champion, two-time Olympian, and Mountain Bike Hall of Famer David “Tinker” Juarez partners with Cowbell Challenge Inc., in presenting the National Mountain Bike Oktoberfest at Fisher Farm Park in Davidson, NC, October 24-26, 2008.

The three-day, family-oriented mountain bike festival features the last race of USA Cycling’s 2008 National Ultra Endurance Calendar, as well as short track, time trials, and children’s races. The race venue is uniquely designed to take advantage of the early sunset, giving racers the opportunity to ride the trails at night. Proceeds from the festival benefit Davidson Recreation & Parks Youth Scholarship fund.

“I’ve been a professional cyclist for 35 years,” says Tinker. “I love this sport, especially endurance racing, and this chance to step off the trail and give back to sport is tremendous. We can’t wait to come to North Carolina for this world-class endurance cycling event and festival.”

National Mountain Bike Oktoberfest kicks off on Friday night with short track races, sponsored by Niterider Lighting Systems. Kids can get in on the action with special Kids Kompetition races on Saturday morning, including a chance to try out the Strider balance bikes, designed specifically for one to five year old children. The featured event of the weekend, the Oktoberfest 8-Hour Endurance Race, starts at noon on Saturday. Time trials and a special combination event known as “the Beast” round out the weekend on Sunday. Races conducted after sunset will require adequate front and rear lighting.

A drawing for a five-night stay at Anse Chastanet Resort in St. Lucia will also be held on Sunday. “This is a true mountain bike festival with something for everyone with a bike and a little energy,” says Taylor Sullivan, president of Cowbell Challenge. “We’re designing an endurance course that will challenge the top pros and amateurs, and the whole weekend will be filled with chances to ride for fun and for prizes.” The 8-hour endurance race boasts equal cash payout for men and women in the solo (Open) categories and prize packages from sponsors including MonaVieCannondale.com and ODI Grips. Other activities include Halloween costume contest for kids and adults, and bike demos by Cannondale and Specialized Bicycles.

Fisher Farm Park in Davidson, NC, is the site of a former dairy farm owned and operated by the Fisher family since the mid-1800’s. Davidson, approximately 25 minutes from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, is a beautiful college town situated near Lake Norman for an idea combination of small town ambience, outdoor recreation, a flourishing Main Street of local businesses, and a unique sense of community.

Sponsors for National Mountain Bike Oktoberfest currently include Niterider Lighting Systems, Cannondale Bicycles, MonaVieCannondale.com, ODI Grips, Specialized Bicycles, iBert Safe-T- Seats, Strider Running Bikes, Anse Chastanet Resort in St. Lucia, Summit Coffee ,The Cyclepath, and Bicycle Sport Registration for short-track, combination, and time trial races begins at $10, and the 8-hour endurance race begins at $50. There is no charge for children’s races, but they must be registered. For more information on registration, purchasing raffle tickets, new sponsors and activities, and the schedule of events, visit www.NationalMtbOktoberfest.org.

Cowbell Challenge, Inc., a 501C3 nonprofit corporation, is a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting and organizing endurance mountain biking events which raise funds in support of charitable causes that promote health, well-being, and strong communities. Its signature event, the Cowbell Challenge 12-Hour Endurance Mountain Bike Race finished its seventh year in 2008 with more than $16,000 raised in support of numerous local and national non-profit organizations that support those facing catastrophic illness, families in crisis, maintaining natural spaces, and promoting cycling and fitness.