DOWNIEVILLE, CA (BRAIN)—Now under a month away, this year’s Downieville Classic might take on a different feel than in years’ past.
This year’s event, July 10-12, will focus on bringing together wider range of riders by having several all-mountain categories—even one for single speed participants, according Yuba Expeditions Wayne Hoffman, who puts on the event each year. It used to be that there was just downhill, which perhaps can be intimidating for those looking to get their feet wet in the sport.
“What this does is encourage more riders to come out,” Hoffman said. “Downieville isn’t just about downhill.”
The Expo area will be jumping just like last year, with about 30 vendors. In fact, Hoffman said he will put some smaller vendors behind his shop just to accommodate everyone.
“We have a big field of names,” Hoffman said of this year’s race participants. “We’ll have more World Champions and former World Champions than any other race in the United States.”
As many know, Downieville isn’t just about the racing and product. Chris King and Scott USA will be dishing out some tasty food for the masses, too.
WTB has had a booth at Downieville since the event’s inception many years ago.
“Downieville offers a rugged, bike-battering landscape, a captive audience and challenging terrain—with trails that people flock to from around the country all season,” said Dain Zaffke, marketing coordinator for WTB. “These three features create a great proving ground for components and people actually pay attention because they’re most likely in the town for a few days. Add to the fact that—between ripping trails and post-ride entertainment—both spectators and competitors are having fun, and you have the ideal combination.”
While all-mountain is filled up, there are still spots open in the cross-country field. To register, go to www.yubaexpeditions.com (click on link).
—Jason Norman
