Countdown To The Canyons!

For a second straight summer, the top professional mountain bike racers in the world will descend on The Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah, and this time they will be accompanied by a bevy of music, entertainment and environmental activities for all ages. It's all part of Jeep 48STRAIGHT, an event whose mission from Sept. 19-20 will be to empower Utahns to celebrate and connect with the outdoor lifestyle while having loads of fun in the process. The event will be headlined by the Jeep 48STRAIGHT Mountain Bike Series, featuring top ranked racers from across the globe battling in a dual slalom format for the richest payout in professional mountain bike racing. Competitors such as World Champions Brian Lopes, Eric Carter and Melissa Buhl, as well as National Champions Cody Warren, Rich Houseman and Kathy Pruitt, are just a few of the elite athletes expected to contend for a share of the richest cash payout in the sport, topping $100,000. Local professionals and semi-pros will also have a chance to earn instant entry into the competition through an Open Qualifier time trial, which will be capped at 75 men and 25 women. Registration information can be found at www.Jeep48STRAIGHT.com. Off the dirt, guests are invited to visit the Sponsor Expo and pick up some great free gear from partners including Jeep, Paul Mitchell, Trikke, Michelin and Rossignol, among others. Jeep will host simulator rides, while Paul Mitchell’s professional stylists offer $10 haircuts with proceeds benefiting the Challenged Athletes Foundation. In addition, Jeep 48STRAIGHT has partnered with Park City’s own Heal the Snow environmental organization to create a Green Your Scene Eco-Festival offering educational and interactive features designed to raise environmental awareness and provide local level solutions. Some of the organizations taking part in the festival include Park City Municipal Corporation, Utah Moms for Clean Air, Eco Moto, SheJumps.org and Muev Electric Bike. Wrapping up the event will be a FREE concert by Rogue Wave, an indie rock band from Oakland, Calif., whose music can be heard on hit television programs such as Heroes, Friday Night Lights, Scrubs, The O.C. and Nip/Tuck, among others. www.48straight.com.