Posted: Thursday, March 6, 2008
WVMBA News Letter: MARCH
A Series Update from WVMBA's Executive Director, J.R. Petsko

Race and ride with WVMBA in 2008

Hello, and good day mountain bikers! In 30 days the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association (WVMBA) racing season will be kicking off with the Pipestem Challenge.

Two weeks after that, a joint race will be held with the WV and Ohio Series at Mountwood. Don't miss The Challenge at Mountwood. Lets all come out and show Ohio what we're made of!

For the full race schedule go to: http://www.wvmba.com/races.php

Please pre-register for the series online!

To make the wait at registration less painful for everyone, please go ahead and sign up for your WVMBA 2008 Membership online at: http://www.wvmba.com/register/contact.php

This will save time, allowing me to enter your information into the computer before race day. Since there are only 30 days until the first race you will be able to pay your membership fee at Pipestem, but pre-register online.

WV Mountain Bikers Take Action

Most of you are aware of the issues mountain bikers are facing with the new wilderness bill proposed by our legislature in Washington. If it pass it will close hundreds of trails here in WV. Make sure you sign the on-line petition to show your disapproval of this bill.

2008 Pay Dirt and Trail Work

Photo by J.R. Petsko

In 2007 I think some of you were surprised by the difference doing trail maintenance did to the point standings.

This year, I want to keep a running list on trail work dates on WVMBA.com, so finding a date for trail maintenance should not be a problem.

Look for the trail work dates page to be up sometime this week. For those of you who are unsure about what I am talking about refer to: http://www.wvmba.com/trail_maintenance.html

In the WVMBA point series you can earn up to 20 points, to be added to your total points. You must complete 10 hours of trail maintenance, see Pay Dirt form online: http://www.wvmba.com/paydirtform.html

These points will be added to your total points for 2008 and will help determine your final series standings.

2008 General Rule Changes for the Series

New Rules For Number Plates In 2008

• 1) No changes or alterations to a WVMBA number plate are allowed in 2008. This includes cutting down the size of plate, placing stickers on plate, or any type of writing on plate. If a plate has been changed from its original state, a replacement fee of $20.00 for a new number plate will charged to the racer that the plate was originally assigned to and said racer CAN NOT compete in a WVMBA event until the plate is replaced.

• 2) Every rider is required to use the same number plate at each WVMBA event. If a new plate is required by a racer due to the original plate being lost, left at home, or stolen, the racer will be charged a $20.00 replacement fee. Note *** If a plate is lost during a race please notify a WVMBA official after finishing the race. If the plate can not be located, a new plate will be issued at no charge.

ULTRA Series Rules for 2008

Betsy Shogren, Mountwood photo by J.R. Petsko

Classes: Male Open // Single Speed // Male Vet (+45) // Female Open

Awarding of ULTRA Points:

• 1) Points will be awarded similar to WVMBA point series. 20 points for 1st, 19 for 2nd, 18 for third, etc.

• 2) Anyone finishing said event will be awarded 1 point if they do not finish in the top 20 of their class.

• 3) Points will not be awarded for DNF or DNS.

• 4) A racer must compete in 3 events + Series Final to qualify for series awards.

Join Us for 2008 FUN RIDES

WVMBA is also not just about racing any more. Check out the new fun ride schedule for 2008 and come ride and hang out just for the fun of it. Go to: http://www.wvmba.com/funrides.php

Thanks,

J.R. Petsko of Nature's Essence Photography and iPlayOutside, Inc.