OK, so nowadays fewer folks wear flowers in their hair. But, this is the kind of venue where sitting, chilling, drinking in the tranquil, bucolic setting of the astonishing Mountain Lake is a natural and compelling practice. Often, the mountain IS misty, as the scientific fog testing station at its ‘4300 foot summit indicates. However, if you’re racing this one, you won’t likely be humming any sweet songs, save perhaps Taps. Misty Mountain Hop is you a tough and lengthy (10.6 mile) rock-n-roll experience, characterized the following way:

The course circles the majestic hotel and it’s spring-fed namesake (the lake), with easy spectator access throughout. With a starting line over 3900’ above sea level, and a max height above ‘4300, this is the highest race in Virginia. The views are simply unbelievable. The course is fast and open—a bonafied blast. Here's a look at a piece the nation's largest cycling periodical recently published about the place.

This time out, we'll add a new trail to the course, slightly lengthening the loop. Pro/experts  will do just 2 circuits with only one traipse up Stairway To Hell. Another upgrade is its status, now east region AMBC final. That’s a nice additional feature, which we expect to grow the event substantially. We’ll at least be able to say that the ’99 final was held in the mountains.

Also, we are adding, at NORBA's behest, Junior Olympic classes for the future pros. Age classes are broken down tighter than previous, with 10 and unders, 12 and unders, 14 and unders, and 16 and unders. These in essence replace the Junior Sport class. Junior experts will race their typical class.

Saturday, we’ll bring back the time trial, plus riding and repair clinics, and lake kayak demos from Smith Mountain Lake Kayak Company. Taylor Entertainment Group will again provide professional, hi-fidelity sound.

FEATURE! Saturday night (7pm) Marwi Moonlight Mile night ride, brought to you by the folks who make the high-quality Nightpro dark-blaster! Free!

Super Feature! New Double "X" Country ultra-endurance event, when 4 hours just isn't enough. Begins early Sunday morning at 9AM, and features 5 circuits for roughly 55 miles of rock-pocked, high end, long runnin' fun! One class fits all, with single day licenses available! If you sign up online, register as a beginner, but send us a separate email noting the XXC class. Pre-registration is required for this race for the stout of heart (and the weak of mind?). Time limit: 8 hours. Course may deviate slightly from cross country. Email your ideas to make this crazy format fly. More details to follow. 

Here's a shot of last year's XC winner, Trek's Chris Eatough.

And what self-respecting race would not have a theme song. This one's no surprise, but download this mp3 and crank your winamp til' the rafters cave in anyway.

Cross Country Race Registration Sunday, October 24: 8am up to 1/2 hour prior to race start.

Here's a downloadable (Word 6) registration form. If you get a password request, simply click cancel. For a couple of bucks, you can register on line.

To get there: Mountain Lake is located 15 miles west of Blacksburg. Take route 700 (to the right, or north) from Blacksburg. From the west, take route 613 (the same climb Lance Armstrong attacked on to twice win the Blacksburg stage of Tour Dupont). Climb 2500' vertical to the hotel. Stay on 700, passing the lake, until the road turns to dirt. Staging is at the horse barn to the right 1/4 mile up once the road turns dirt.

Here's a DeLorme brand map to the place where Dirty Dancing was filmed (Mountain Lake Hotel).

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