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Thanks to everyone who came out and either participated or cheered on all the participates of the Suburban Assault Series race this last weekend. It was a perfect day for a race. A special thanks goes out to all the sponsors and volunteers that helped make this event and others possible for all of us to enjoy.

Photos are trickling in so check back often. Photos can be viewed on our flicker page on the right of this home page.

Why Are The Races In Bent Creek So Awesome?

Why should you be part of the Bent Creek Park races? These photos only show one reason why. We have so many good people dedicating a lot of time to making sure everyone who shows up for a Bent Creek Park event has a fantastic time. The reason we can charge such a small registration fee is because of all the people and sponsors that help us out. This is all about helping a park grow and not lining the inside of a promoter’s pocket. We are excitied to see you all on Saturday

Reason #1 why Bent Creek Park rocks - Handmade trophies by Gabe @ Smoke Bikes

The Crew

Are You Ready To Rumble?????

This Saturday is the big race! The Crew is working hard to prep the course and get the park ready for a day of fun (hopefully in the sun). With the weather acting more like Fall we are all very excited for this weekends race. The 5k course is going to be a very challenging course that you’ll never forget. The short track mtb race (designed with spectators in mind) is sure to produce some great high speed entertainment for the riders and the spectators. So….come on over to Bent Creek Park and either try our challenging 5K race, or throw on a pair of biking shorts and hit the mtb short track race. If you’re not the competitive type join in on the fun run or mtb ride. If none of these sound like fun you can always help cheer on the racers and drink a cold FREE beer from French Broad Brewing Co.. After the race there will be a pot luck dinner and a movie in the park. This is Bent Creek Park at its finest. Come be part of the exciting action and help a park grow. We look forward to seeing you all this Saturday.

The Crew

Attention!!!!!!! The Sep 26th Race Has Been Moved To Oct 3rd.

Please make note that this Saturday's race has been moved to next Saturday, Oct 3rd.  Due to all the rain falling and still falling we have made a decision to move the race in hopes of a better day.  

A Few Items Were Left Behind After The Cross Race

A few items were left behind after the Sunday cross race.  If you noticed your missing anything please send us an e-mail to regionrep@blueridgefam.com and let us know what you left behind. If you know what it is I guess it's yours. 

Also...check out some of the photos on the flickr page on the right side of the blog.  True cross racing! 

The Crew  

What A Day For A Cross Race!

The rain made a great day for racing! The mud was flying and real cross racing was happen in Bent Creek Park. We will post photos to the flickr spot on the blog so check back for the photos. Thanks to everyone who came out and raced, and for those of you who didn't....well you missed on heck of a good time.

Cross Race Tomorrow!

The Crew has been working hard this morning getting the course marked and ready to roll for tomorrow's race.  If you live in the area your welcome to come out and ride the course.  The full taped course will not be done until tomorrow morning but pin flags are out so you can follow them.  Until tomorrow.....

The Crew

Cross Race This Sunday, Sep 20th!

Bent Creek Park is hosting their first cross race! Come on out rain or shine….it’s cross racing you know! No fair weather riding in this group. We will try to have the course marked (in some capacity) by Saturday afternoon in case you would like to swing by and check it out. Tell you friends and family members to come on out and help a park grow. Even if your not a racer come on out and cheer the of us nuts onto victory. This is in a park so you have a place for the kids to play. All proceeds go to the Bent Creek Park Association. See you on Sunday!

Racing In Bent Creek Is Right Around The Corner

Here's the official flyer for the Sep 20th cross race. Come out and either race, or watch the racing and be part of road and mountain bikes rowdy cousin Cross!

United Way's Day of Caring At The Park. Bent Creek Racing In 2 Weeks!

The Day of Caring event here in the Bent Creek Community Park was very productive. The folks from The Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention showed up in force with 12 volunteers and cleaned out five flower beds of all the weeds. Many thanks to all who participated!

It Official....A Cross Race Has Been Approved!

We are going to have a cross race on Sunday, Sep 20th. If you have never seen a cross race this is your chance. A very fast paced race with people pushing themselves to their limits. Here is a video to show what a cross race is like. Come out and race or be a spectator and cheer on your spouse or friend. Check the right side of the blog for more info on the cross race. Remember the Suburban Assault race is the next Saturday, Sep 26th. Bent Creek Park is the place to be!

A Big Thank You To Another Great Sponsor

The Crew would like to say thanks to Bill and Kari Williams (Bent Creek Residence) for becoming a sponsor for the race. Bill and Kari are going to supply us with oranges, bananas, h20 and so on. Both Bill and Kari are dentist and have a practice in Fletcher called Williams Family Dentistry. If you need any dental work please visit their clinic at: 3272 Hendersonville Rd, Fletcher, NC 28732 or call 828-681-8888. Thanks Bill and Kari.

The Crew

Only About 1 Month Until Another Fun Event In The Park

So the Crew is running hard to bring you yet another fun filled event at the Bent Creek Park. Here are some little updates for your reading pleasure. Please check back often or become a follower on the right of the page.

5K - (Loop course, 1082 feet of climbing, mix of technical trail, grass road, pavement) "Toughest 5K in WNC" - It is also being dubbed "Baby Shut - N" or "Son of Shut- IN". Can be billed as "The perfect Shut-In training race" - Approximately the same amount of pavement, the same amount of elevation change per mileage as Shut-In and a good mix of technical, steep climbing and descending.

MTB - 45 minute short track race. A very good race to get your legs ready for cross. Multi lap race based on time.

Lots of great sponsors:
- French Broad Brewery is once again going to grace us with their beer. The French Broad Brewing Company is nestled in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. Since opening our doors in 2001, our goal has been to create traditional European style beers while maintaining the unique flavor that is Asheville. Our tasty creations can be found all over North Carolina, Virginia, and Eastern Tennessee.

- Two of our local well known bike shops in town are on board Carolina Fatzs & Bio Wheels. Make sure to check out their shops when you need anything from a tube to a new bike.
Carolina Fatzs down the street from Bent Creek at: 1240 Brevard Road Suite #3, Asheville, NC 28806 / 828-665-7744
Bi Wheels is located downtown at: 81 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 / 828-236-BIKE

- One of our great outdoor stores know by many Black Dome. Black Dome is Asheville's full-service outfitter and core climbing store, independently-owned for more than 25 years. Located a few, short minutes outside of historic downtown Asheville, their store is fully-stocked with outerwear, packs, sleeping bagsck country gadgets and cookwear, footwear for hiking and trailrunning, snowboards and longboards, and has the most comprehensive collection of climbing gear in the region. They are located at: 140 Tunnel Raod, Asheville, NC 28805 / 828-251-2001

- Our very own Bent Creek Park community helps with a lot of the volunteer work (setup and clean up) for the races and events. Thank you neighbor for all your support and help with these events.

- Gabe over at Smoke Bikes has been a huge help and Crew member of this since the beginning. Gabe loves his torch and welder and you never know what going to come out of shop.

- Check these guys out. In the whitewater video industry Penstock Productions is recognized as both an innovator and leader in providing quality entertainment to its viewers. Since its home grown beginnings, Penstock Productions has been dedicated to providing a high quality DVD featuring the freshest and most exciting video footage of the latest expeditions, regional and international river trips, whitewater competitions and festivals, in addition to introducing many of the faces (and musings) of those whoes lifestyles are immersed in the sport.

- Mission Rehab & Sports Clinic is helping us out. If you have: severe pain, swelling, discharge or deformity shortness of breath, dizziness, severe headache inability to move or use the injured area.... do not wait! Make an appointment with a personal physician, go to an urgent care center or hospital emergency department.

The Bent Creek Suburban Assault Series 2.0 Is In The Works

The Crew is working hard to put on another fun event in the greatest park around Bent Creek. So far the 5K looks more changeling vs. the last one. Rumor has it there's over 2000ft of climbing in this short race. People are calling the course the toughest 5k race in WNC. The trails are getting attention once again for the MTB race. Sponsors are coming aboard to help us out. This should be another fantastic event to bring your friends, family, or anyone else to participate in a good cause...help a park grow. All money goes to the park. Stay tuned for more info.

Race In The Making For Sep 26th, 2009

Due to the great turn out and fun times we had with our first STAR race last spring the Crew has decided to organize another race for this fall. The date has been set for Saturday, Sep 26th. Check out blog often, because as things come together for the race updates will be posted. These races would not be possible if it wasn’t for all the volunteers, Bent Creek Park Association, and all of our sponsors. Mark down Sep, 26th on your calendar and come out and enjoy a fun day at The Fun Park. Once again all money raised from this event will go to the Bent Creek Park Association.

Will enjoying the new section of the course

Our future athletes ready for the fun run

A very fast and fun section of the spring race course. Get ready for more fun this fall.

A few Of Us Went to the DSG 12 Hour Race

On May 8th myself and Gabe headed over to Fayetteville, TN for the Dirt, Sweat & Gears 12 hour race. I was asked by a friend of mine and well know frame builder from Napa, Ca Curtis Inglis http://www.ingliscycles.com/ to race with him. He decided he wanted to fly out and do the race so I agree to join him. I didn't want to drive over there by myself so I wrangled Gabe into going with me. The race was a disaster. It rain way too much and during the race it was so muddy everyone was walking almost 9 of the 10 mile course. Lap times were in the 3 hour mark. Everyone was breaking their bikes and most of us just quite and some of us never even rode due to the conditions. We still had a good time and it was great to see Curtis but it was the worst conditions I have every seen for a mountain bike race.

Here is a video of Andy a local racer from Black Mountain. Lots of mud.


Here is a link with a few more videos and photos:
http://www.cyclingdirt.org/videos/coverage/view/234968-2009-dirt-sweat-gears

Give Us A Few Days

The racing was a huge success.  We had almost 80 racers and a lot of spectators for the big blow out.  We raised almost $800 for the park which was awesome for our first year holding this event.  We have had a lot of request for photos and info about the races.  We will have more info post shortly.  Please hang tight.  

The Crew

Only A Few Days Away Until The Fun Begins

Saturday is approaching very fast. We have started going through our check list.

Awesome trophies made by Gabe and Smoke Bikes….check.

Prizes from our sponsors….check.

Music….check.

Volunteers……thanks a million to all of you, check.

Beer……heck yes a big check on that!

New trail broken in……secret weapon helped to accelerate the break in process and it’s rocking, check.

I think we are going to be ready to roll. I hope we see a lot of you on Saturday. Registration starts at 8:30am and stops 30 minutes before each race. The more people that participate, the more money our park gets for improvements. What a great cause to race. No excuses if you have kids because this is being held in a park with great spectator views and an awesome place for the kids to play. Families are what we want, along with you die hard racers. Did I mention it going to be beautiful weather for a great day in the park?

The Crew

These people love racing. Be like them and come on out to the Bent Creek Star Race this weekend.

Photos Of The New Trail

Did you see the weather forecast for Saturday? 77 degrees! Sounds like a great day is shaping up for some racing. Bent Creek bragging rights are on the line. Here are a few photos of the new trail. By race day it should be broken in pretty nicely.

Mike out on a run and helping break in the new trail.
Thomas making laps

Porter even got in a few laps.

We Have A New Trail For The Race

Over the last few weeks we have been riding the course and getting a good feel for it. Thomas noticed a trouble spot and decided to figure out a new game plan. With the help of Jim “The Bent Creek Mayor” that found a new section to add some trail. It’s perfect and adds huge fun to the already good course. Yesterday Thomas and I built the new trail. It’s going to be awesome. Photos to come real soon. We look forward to seeing all of you at the race next week on April 25th.

The Crew

Thanks NCCX

Tim Hopkin & the NCCX (North Carolina Cyclocross) club has helped us out with real stakes to help mark the course. If you don't know much about cyclocross you must be living under a rock...:) Just kidding, but seriously if you have ever wanted to learn about cross, or even better participate in a cross race (once you do you will be hooked), check out the NCCX website http://www.nccyclocross.com/4436.html for the 2009 / 2010 race calendar. NCCX has hosted a two day UCI race in Hendersonville for the last 3 years. Again this year they will be hosting a UCI race weekend. This is a must do if your a cyclist. I've been hooked since 2000 and the sport is truly spectator friendly.

Here's a photo of some of the NCCX gang members. Tim is sporting the NCCX jacket. Thanks for your help Tim


Here are a few videos from youtube of our local NCCX races with the local racers





Here are a few videos of cross around the US

They Are On Their Way To The Race

The trophies are getting really excited about going to the park. Gabe is having a hard time keeping them in the yard. They keep breaking out. They are so excited about finding a new home. Adoption day is April 25th. Be there for all the fun.

You can print out a registration form on the right side of the blog. It’s labeled “Printable Registration Forms For The Race:” .

The Crew

We Would Like To Welcome Another Sponsor

It's official! We have another sponsor I'm sure all of you will love. Maybe you have heard of them? They call themselves French Broad Brewing Company. That's right.....French Broad Brewing Company is going to supply us with some great frosty beverages. I strongly recommend the Wee Heavy-er Scotch Ale. Their beers are served all over Asheville (Barley's, Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Tourists baseball games, Jack of the Wood, Earthfare, and Greenlife just to name a few). Come out and show French Broad Brewing Company how much you like their beverages. Please visit their website at http://www.frenchbroadbrewery.com/

The Crew

Another Sponsor

If you’re a runner I'm sure you are very familiar with our new sponsor. We would like to thank Footrx Running for helping us out. Check out their website http://www.footrxasheville.com/ or go by their store at 63 Turtle Creek Drive for your running needs.

Enjoying Bent Creek Park

A few photos of people helping with the course, and riding around the park. Everyone is welcome.

Porter hanging with dad

Matt, from French Broad Brewery, riding one of our log rides

A Few Updates On The Course / Sponsors

I would like to take a minute to say thank you to some sponsors. We have a lot of local sponsors stepping in to help. Carolina Fatz, Bio Wheels, Industry Nine, Mission Hospital, Smoke Bikes, Bent Creek Park, and just added City Bakery. Thank you for your support in helping us with this great fundraiser for our park.

Trails have been marked. Please come on out and ride the trails if you have time. The more people that ride the trails the better the course will be on race day. There have been sightings of several people checking out our work. Everyone is welcome. Below are a few photos and a little info about the markings:

Yellow arrows on the ground = MTB
White arrows on the ground = Running
Black arrows on the trees labeled MTB = MTB trails
Black arrows on the trees labeled Running = that right....running trails.

The Crew

Yellow arrows on the ground are for the mountain bike course

White arrows are for the running course

You will see a lot of these little white signs posted. Because the mtb and running courses intertwine with each other you need to pay attention to which trail you’re on. Of course on race day it will be completely buffed out but for now we are only doing the minimal marking possible.

Trail Marking Is Almost Complete

Yesterday evening and early this morning we have been working on getting the courses marked and ready for people to ride or run. This should help us buff out the courses for the race. A little more work this evening and we should have it done. Stay tune for more photos. The awards are looking pretty awesome.

The Crew

You Can Print Out A Registration Form Here Or There's A Link On The Right Side Of The Page

Below is a link to print out a registration form. We have also put a link on the ride side of the page called, Printable Registration Forms For The Race:. You can either mail in your registration before April 22nd and race for as cheap as $8 a race or do day of registration for $10. Super cheap, super fun, great cause, and some seriously cool trophies handmade by Gabe. I’ve seen them….they are really awesome. Come out and help us raise money for our community park. Can’t wait to see you all.

https://sites.google.com/site/bentcreekstarrace/

The Crew

More Riding & Smiling

Last night Thomas had a great idea and added a section of trail to help tie everything together. So...today I fired up the chain saw and cleared a few little trees (dead ones) to open up the section for the race. We have been able to add a few more sections to the mtb course to make it a little longer. We are looking at about 5 minute laps. This park is the coolest little park around. The crew (Thomas, Gabe, and myself Kris) made several laps around the course and it's riding really good. Here are a few photos of our outing tonight. Please pass the word along to your friends and family about April 25th. The course will be marked very soon so if anyone would like to come on out to the park and help break in the course that would be great.

Thanks for the photos Gabe.

Badonkadonk Hill
Riding Badonkadonk Hill

Thomas showing Badonkadonk Hill whos the boss

The Twins

Riding the twins....:)

Thomas smoking through the trees

Another lap?

The Race Course Is Being Marked

Today we spent time riding , thinking, and laying out the 5k and mtb short track courses. Lets put it this way, it's not going to be your normal race. It's going to tough, fun, exciting, and spectator friendly. Did I mention affordable and all the money goes to our Park? Great cause, good times, why not. Stay tuned more details to come.

The Races Are Under Construction

10am - 5 K race

12pm - 30 and 60 minute short track mtb race

2pm - volleyball tournament

You too could look as happy as these two nuts. 

Stay tuned to the blog for more details on the up and coming races during the Bent Creek Spring party on April 25th.