SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
The Bloody Rose Mountain Bike Hillclimb, sponsored by Watson Rounds LLC, provides mountain bikers with one the most challenging courses in the western United States. On Saturday, Sept.r 17, riders will face a 12.2-mile climb with nearly 4000’ of elevation gain to a high-altitude finish at over 10,000 feet.
Riders begin their climb at 9 a.m. in Washoe County’s Galena Creek Regional Park. Staying near the Mount Rose Highway, riders climb a mix of single track, fire roads, and sections of pavement all the way to the highway summit at 8,900’. After a short downhill to rest weary legs, they begin the 4-mile trek up the Forest Service road to Relay Ridge. Those that make it up almost 4,000 feet to the 10,128 foot finish will be treated to amazing views of Lake Tahoe and Washoe Valley. Volunteers will staff several aid stations along the course to help riders and cheer them on.
Now in its third year, the Bloody Rose began as one of several events held during GalenaFest, a festival celebrating the Galena community, just south of Reno. Because GalenaFest, Inc. has postponed the 2011 festival in order to provide an even better festival in 2012, the Reno Wheelmen club has stepped forward to manage and produce the 2011 Bloody Rose to keep this popular mountain biking event continuous. “We are already in the planning stages for Galena Fest 2012 with great activities in the works which will help raise awareness and funds to support outdoor recreation in our community,” said Richard Keillor, President of GalenaFest, Inc. “We are delighted that the Reno Wheelmen have partnered with us to keep this mountain bike event alive as we gear up and build capacity for Galena Fest in 2012.”
New for this year’s event are multiple age group categories and a $300 cash purse to the top male and female riders. The fastest male will also receive a light system from Jet Lites and the fastest woman will receive a cruiser bike from Black Rock Bicycles. Pre-registration is currently open on Bikereg.com for $40 and includes a commemorative longsleeve t-shirt. There will be race day registration available for an additional fee. For more information, visit www.renotahoebloodyrose.com.
- When: Saturday, September 17, 2011
- Where: Galena Creek Regional Park (off the Mount Rose Highway)
- What Time: 9am race start
- How to register: www.bikereg.com
- Pre-Reg fee: $40 (includes a long sleeve t-shirt and aid stations along the course)
- For detailed information on the race visit: www.RenoTahoeBloodyRose.com
