WELCOME BACK for 2010.

Our HF Mtb Race Series is unique from a typical Norba weekend event in that it is more about affordable local recreation, training and friendly competition.  So encourage your friends and neighbors to come out and give it a try.  

One of our primary objectives the last few seasons has been on the "affordable".  In 2009 we had to increase the nitely race fee to $6 because of a $1 increase in the insurance cost.  At the beginning of our 2007 season we solicited (a painful excercise) donations from local sponsors .  We have been able to eke out our meager financial existence with the help of that boost but it has dwindled substantially.  We continue to be grateful for those sponsors' generosity and hope that race participants support these local businesses listed below and express their gratitude to the sponsors directly when the opportunity arises.  Basically if folks wonder where their $6 went to it's pretty simple; $3 per racer per nite to USCF insurance, $2 per racer per nite to Holiday Farm community programs, and the balance to season-end prizes and trail and equipment maintenance costs.  With all that in mind, here are the Plans for 2010: 

Entry Fee:  The nitely race entry fee this year will be $6.  A USCF license is needed to participate; cat 3 & 2 can purchase a 1 day license at registration, cat 1 / pro requires an annual license.

Season Length will be 4 scheduled weeks: June 23, 30, July 7 and 14.      

Race Categories.  In an attempt to align more closely with USCF and NORBA, the race categories will be 3 Lap Open Male or Female, 2 Lap Open Male or Female, 1 Lap Open Male or Female   ["open" meaning no age distinctions].   There also WILL BE A KIDS RACE!  This will make for a total of 7 categories. 

Season-End Prizes.  Everyone has always enjoyed the HF Maple Syrup and trophies that have been awarded, and those will continue for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each category, based on the total amount of accumulated points at season end. 

Race Courses.   This year we will again use 2 pre-established (and pre-marked) courses which will each be used forward and reverse.  In the past, one of the weekly challenges has been to get a unique course layed-out.  While this has produced some 'creative' courses, it takes time, causes confusion and means a lot of trails to maintain. 

Prize Qualification.  To qualify for a prize in any given category : 1. racer must have participated in at least half the available race dates.   2. there must be at least 3 competitors in that category.

Times.  Kids Race starts at 6:00 pm.  The 3 Lap race category starts promptly at 6:30 pm, 2 Lap race category starts at 6:32 pm, 1 Lap race category starts at 6:34 pm.  Please register by 5:45 pm for the Kids race, register by 6:00 pm for all other categories.

Location.  Holiday Farm is located ~ 1 mile east of the center of Dalton on Rt. 9 & 8A.

There will be no Freebies this year.   Every person involved in running this series has done so on a volunteer basis.  There is a $6 per racer cost which must still be paid from somewhere when a freebie is given.

Trail Boss.   Many thanks to Brad Herder who undertook this responsibility for the trails in 2009 and laid out and marked a couple of awesome courses.  However, due to an already overwhelming load of mtn bike advocacy and volunteerism, Brad is not able to do this job this year. 

Event contact information:  Dave Wallace at dewalla0724@yahoo.com  or  Russ Sears at sir_sears@yahoo.com

Looking forward to seeing you all at the farm soon !

Please support our local business sponsors:

• Arcadian Shop, Lenox
• Berkshire Barns, Dalton
• Berkshire Bike and Board, Great Barrington
• Berkshire Outfitters, Adams
• Berkshire Therapy Works, Pittsfield
• Ordinary Cycles, Pittsfield
• Plaines Bike Ski Snowboard, Pittsfield
• Shawns Barbershop, Pittsfield
• Milltown Tavern, Dalton
• Juice 'n Java Coffe House, Main St Dalton

 Mount Greylock Ski Club Info:

Since 1937 the Mount Greylock Ski Club has operated its own small, reasonably priced ski area in South Williamstown, Massachusetts. The club offers a very affordable way for families to enjoy uncrowded downhill skiing and telemark skiing on weekends and holidays. Trails range from easy meadows for beginners to twisty runs through the woods for more accomplished skiers. New Members and kids are welcome!