APPALACHIAN CLASSIC SPONSORSHIP - Donations Must Be Confirmed By May 1

(04/30/2003)

Submitted by Diann Clothier

The Appalachian Classic will soon be here - June 7th and 8th! Businesses and individuals wishing to help sponsor the Appalachian Classic Mountain Bike Race & Festival are reminded that in order to have your logo on the free race T-shirt, your donations must be confirmed by May 1st.

So, if you have not yet made that call, please contact Jim Bennett or Rich Welch at the Calhoun County Bank in Grantsville, or send your donation to The Classic, PO Box 1008, Grantsville, WV 26147.

If you plan to donate products, please contact Jim, or call Diann at 655-7561 to arrange delivery or pick-up.

The Classic is a great weekend event which brings hundreds of spectators from all over WV and neighboring states!

On June 7th, the racing will start at 2 p.m. with the Middle School/High School Races - the Middle School division is for youths in - or going into - grades 5 through 8. The High School division consists of JV (grades 9 and 10) and Varsity (grades 9-12). Graduating Seniors may race in the Varsity division through July 31st. These WV Mountain Bike Association races are designed for beginning & experienced racers - the Middle School and JV racers will complete a course of 2-3 miles. The Varsity racers will bike 4-6 miles. The race fee is $5.

The POND JUMP will begin at about 4 p.m. While there is no fee for this weird event, participants must be at least 12 years of age, and will need parental permission if under 18. For those not familiar with this ever-popular event, think: Hill. Bike with NO brakes. Ramp over pond. Water ...Contestants are judged on distance, style & splash!

Racers and spectators alike can then wander down to Grantsville to help wrap up the Wood Festival & enjoy the concert at Underwood Field.

June 8th at 10 a.m. brings on the Shimano Youth Series for the kids 12 and under. This is another free event, with parental permission required. Classes are grouped by age: 6 and under, 7&8, 9&10, and 11&12. The race course will match the age group, T-shirts and medals will be awarded!

At noon the Cross Country race will begin, so be sure to be there for this colorful event! Due to the February ice storm, it will be even easier to see the riders race through the woods from a number of vantage points!