2006 Greenbrier Challenge AMBC and MD State MTB Championship Race

Washington, DC, USA --The tradition continues on Sunday, April 30, 2006 with the Greenbrier Challenge AMBC race taking place on the beautiful trails of Greenbrier State Park, just 1.5 hours drive from Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. A handsome awards Prize Purse of $16,110, 46 different classes, there are over 160 chances to win! In 2006 this race will also constitute the NORBA MARYLAND STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS. NORBA licensed riders from any state will be eligible for the State Championship medals and title for their class. Additionally, this race will also be a qualifying event for the National MTB championships in Mammoth, California where national championship jerseys’ will be won as well as "National Competition Jerseys" for Beginner and Sport Categories. Beginner and Sport riders in certain age groups will be competing for the red and stars jersey (sport) and the blue and stripes jersey (beginner).

The 2006 Greenbrier Challenge AMBC and MD state MTB Championship race, in its 3rd year, has slid down the MTB national calendar in an effort to accommodate the PRO mtb circuit, already this year the race is slated to host the Trek/VW East Coast team with several of the factory team riders expected, the KONA semi-pro team and several regional PRO MTB squads. The race course is 5.7 miles long, with 735 ft of climbing in each lap. Trails are heavily wooded, approx 60% old narrow double-track, 40% single track, with the start/finish alongside a beautiful lake. Climbs are moderate to steep and typically loose and rocky. 80-90% of the trails are well drained and rocky and remain fairly solid in wet conditions. Dry weather brings fast, rocky trails. Greenbrier State Park has ample parking, a magnificent lake, rugged mountains, large picnic grounds, camping, and a nature center. Bring the whole family out to enjoy the spring bloom at one of the regions most beautiful state parks! The Bike Lane Bicycle Shop in Burke, Virginia (www.thebikelane.com) will be sponsoring this year’s edition as well as providing neutral support for all races. The Bike Lane Bicycle Shop is one of Northern Virginia’s full service bike shops and supplier of mountain bikes and parts. All racers get 5% off bikes and 15% off accessories at The Bike Lane. Just bring in proof of registration.

Qualifier for the US National MTB Championships: The top 15 riders in each 5 yr age bracket of each Expert, Sport, and Beginner class will qualify for the National MTB Championships. Special Team Parking Available: Racing Teams/Clubs who would like to set up a team area in the parking lot closest to the start-finish area should contact GreenbrierAMBC@verizon.net with details of how many tent/trailer/car spaces they need, and they will get confirmation by return email.

LICENSE INFO - Licenses not required for Beginner, Sport, Juniors, Single Speed, and Clydesdale, but an annual license is required for Pro, Semi-Pro, Expert, and Jr Expert. Annual licenses will be available day of race.

DIRECTIONS - Greenbrier State Park
From the East: Take I-70 west to exit 42. Bear right onto Rt. 17 north (follow signs). Go into the center of Myersville and Rt. 17 will turn right. Follow Rt. 17 to the flashing lights at the intersection of Rt. 40. Turn left onto Rt. 40 west. Follow for three miles and the park is on the left.
From the West: Take I-70 east to exit 35. Bear right onto Rt. 66 (follow signs). Go straight to the stoplight at the intersection of Rt. 40. Turn left onto Rt. 40 east. Follow for two miles and the park is on the right.
Racing action starts at 10am on Sunday with races for riders of all abilities. PRO/Elite/Expert racing gets underway at 2pm.
Additional information and race details can be found at www.potomacvelo.com

For race registration, go to www.bikereg.com