Jeep 48STRAIGHT - New Season. New Format. New Jersey!

Whether you are a competitive cyclist, casual rider or just a fan of music, entertainment and the arts, Diablo Freeride Park at Mountain Creek in Vernon, N.J., is the place to be on August 22-23. Jeep 48STRAIGHT, the largest sports, music and entertainment event in the U.S., will roll into town with some of the top professional riders in the world, backed by a full line-up of musicians and a host of social and environmental activities – all designed to empower people to celebrate and connect with the outdoor lifestyle. The event will be headlined by the Jeep 48STRAIGHT Mountain Bike Series, featuring top ranked racers from across the globe battling in dual slalom format for the richest payout in professional mountain bike racing. Competitors such as World Champions Brian Lopes and Eric Carter, as well as National Champions Rich Houseman and Melissa Buhl, are just a few of the elite athletes who have already signed on to make a run for the title. Local professionals and semi-pros will also have a chance to grab one of the spots in the competition through an open qualifier which will be capped at 75 men and 25 women. Other highlights of the event include the Rookie Rally, where non-elite amateurs and club riders can test their mettle and earn prizes by trying to beat a blistering pace on the Indy Cross track set by one of the top riders in the sport. Off the dirt, guests may walk the race grounds and take in the Sponsor Expo, Environmental Eco-Alley and Beer Garden, while also watching the entertaining Dirt Derby before settling in for a prime-time free concert featuring top national and area musicians! Full event information, including dates, times, and locations, as well as registration for the cycling competitions, may be found at www.48STRAIGHT.com