Jeep 48Straight Registration Now Open

When Jeep 48STRAIGHT, the largest sports, music and entertainment event in the U.S., arrives at Diablo Freeride Park at Mountain Creek in Vernon, N.J., on Aug. 22-23, opportunities will abound for mountain bike riders to test their skills. For some very skilled professionals and semi-professional racers from across the Northeast, the stakes are even higher as an open qualifier event will allow a select few to gain entry into the championship competition against the very best athletes from across the globe. Headlining the action-packed weekend will be the Sat., Aug. 23 Jeep 48STRAIGHT Mountain Bike Series, featuring top ranked racers 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. On Friday, Aug. 22, 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. Registration is now open at www.48STRAIGHT.com. Non-elite amateurs and club riders will also have their chance to shine and earn prizes in the Indy-Cross competition, staged in the woods on a somewhat slower course with tighter features such as hairpin turns and pumping rollers, rewarding those best able to maintain flow. Diablo Freeride Park will feature live online timing for the rest of the season so that riders may participate in a virtual race league against the top time posted. An equally dynamic line-up of events off the dirt will make for an electrifying weekend at Mountain Creek Resort. Guests are invited to enjoy a visit through the Sponsor Alley and pick up some great free gear from partners including Jeep, Paul Mitchell, Trikke, Michelin, Rossignol, Cycleworks Bike Shop and Adidas Eyewear, among others. Jeep will host simulator rides, while Paul Mitchell's professional stylists offer $15 haircuts with proceeds benefiting the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Visitiors may also test drive Trikke scooters and receive free safety checks for their bikes, courtesy of Cycleworks Bike Shop. Additional features include the Jeep 48STRAIGHT Beer Garden, featuring some of the most popular beverages from local and regional breweries, and a dynamic FREE concert from Hell’s Belles, the world-renowned all-female AC/DC tribute band. Full event information, including dates, times, and locations, as well as registration for the cycling competitions, may be found at www.48STRAIGHT.com