DS&G 2008

[Tumbler]

I got the following email stating that DSG is set for May 3, 2008.

"Howdy-

We hope everyone is having a great summer so far. We at Dirt Sweat & Gears wanted y'all to be the first to know that we have set the date for the 2008 Dirt Sweat & Gears. When the weekend of May 3rd rolls around next year we hope to see you all again at The Cotton Mill Preserve in Fayetteville, TN. We've got another shindig on tap that is sure to please, so be sure to reserve your spot now."

Regards,
The fine folks at Dirt Sweat & Gears
http://www.dirtsweatandgears.com



I am already excited about it and am dying to get riding again. I would like to try a four person team this time around. If any of you maybe interested let me know. 'Cause I got my money in hand and I'm ready to roll!!!

For those that are curious about the event I have included a link below to the registration page.

http://dirtsweatandgears.com/?page_id=5

[GNC]

All,

I thought I'd offer an update on the second installment of the Dirt, Sweat and Gears 12hr Race.

First the main event:

DIRT, SWEAT AND GEARS ANNOUNCES 2008 RACE DATE

Entries to be capped in 2nd year

August 1, Fayetteville, TN- The inaugural Dirt Sweat & Gears 12 hour endurance race was a smash hit with racers, spectators and support crew – because, as men’s pro rider Champion Nat Ross puts it, “…mountain bike racing has made a strong comeback!” Ross goes on to say that “…[DSG] is truly one of those events that is pure mountain biking, it’s grass roots, it’s got all the flavor.” Post event feedback was outstanding and humbling at the same time. The secret is listening to racers like Fuzzy John Mylne, reigning DSG Single Speed Champion: “If you only do one race, do this one next year.”

With the field expected to cap out for the 2008 running of DSG, everyone wants to put the race date in red ink on their calendar and get online to reserve their entry for May 3, 2008. “We’re limiting the field this year because the goal is to keep the race challenging and competitive while keeping things running smoothly on-course,” says Race Director Clay Higgins, adding “as for the rest of the weekend we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves.” Given the overwhelming success of 2007 race, raising the bar won’t be easy. With Dejay Birtch helping to stir the festival’s pot, “single speeders beware” says Higgins.

DSG is listening to racers and critical feedback from their crews, “This event is a MUST DO FOR ALL!” said Team Ergon’s Jeff Kerkove, “Sweet singletrack with a ’supa sweet vibe make this an event not to be missed!” DSG offers a salt of the earth mountain bike experience.”…it is one of the best designed courses we have ever seen in the US…” says Ron Sawicki, husband and crew chief for Monique “Pua” Sawicki, the defending women’s champion. With a $10,000 purse, DSG is recognized as the first race to deliver equal pay for male and female professionals and without doubt the inaugural DSG offered the richest Single Speed purse in US history. It’s a classic mountain bike festival weekend you don’t want to miss. With a limited number of racers allowed on this private course online registration will be available but limited starting August 1st, 2007. “Talk about Southern Hospitality at its finest. I’m already signed up for Dirt, Sweat and Gears for next year.”—Nat Ross.


Press Release Link: http://www.cyclingnews.com/mtb.php?i...7/aug02mtbnews

Second SSUSA:

SSUSA TO ADD "SINGLE" FOCUS TO DIRT, SWEAT & GEARS 2008 SHINDIG

A Race before the Race and a Race within a Race set to travel the US

September 5th, Fayetteville, Tennessee – Organizers of Dirt Sweat & Gears today announced plans for the advent of SSUSA – a cross country and quite possibly a cross-dressing event for the single speed freaks of the world. The festivities will coincide with the Dirt Sweat & Gears shindig set for the first weekend in May of 2008. "On the heels of last year's success with DSG and a little prodding from Dejay and Fuzzy we've decided to spice things up a bit for the single speeders," said Race Director Clay Higgins. Reigning single speed champion Fuzzy John Mylne of this year's race added, "If you only do one race this year, do this one!"

SSUSA will begin on Friday May 2, 2008, a day before the DSG 12 hour, with a race on the grueling and technical Cotton Mill Preserve trail where riders will throw down to see who takes home the belt. According to single speed 24 hour world champion Dejay Birtch, "It'll be like the Stanley Cup of the single speed world." Higgins adds, "This year Fayetteville, next year who knows," as organizers plan to share the single speed love by passing the event around the U.S. to other promoters.

With racers coming from 31 states for last year's DSG, entries are likely to fill up fast for both SSUSA and the second coming of DSG. For those planning to "do the double", both SSUSA and DSG, promoters have come up with a "costume encouraged" single speed team event for Saturday's 12 hour fun. As an added bonus the Yazoo Beer Team - teamremax-yazoo.com will be on hand to do their things as 'Ambassadors of all things single speed and beer'." Just one more reason to pack up the van, show up a day early and get ready for the weekend of fat tire love.

Press Release Link: http://www.dirtragmag.com/blogarific/2007/09/

More to come and stay tuned at: http://www.dirtsweatandgears.com/

Thanks,

Grant

[mike neumeyer]

Hi Grant, it is Jeanie, I am being sneaky and using Mike's name ........Actually, I was just too lazy to log him off and sign it under my own name. Anyway, in your post above you list DSGII for May 17th.........but on the website it is May 3rd. Which is it?

Thanks,

Jeanie

[GNC]

SSUSA Friday May, 2nd., 2008

DSG II Saturday May 3rd., 2008


Thanks again.

Grant

[Paddlechris]

Plan to do it.. need to get my team together..

Grant did you all see that for 2008 the three mountain century is the same day..

2 rides on my to do list .. looks like DSG will win out..

C

[GNC]

Originally Posted by Paddlechris

Plan to do it.. need to get my team together..

Grant did you all see that for 2008 the three mountain century is the same day..

2 rides on my to do list .. looks like DSG will win out..

C

I just saw that. The Three Sate, Three Mtn. was fun last year, but it's tough to beat dirt, and beer, and flying Tifosi's.

We are trying to stay two weeks after Sea Otter as that date seems to work well for most of the pro's. Last year we bumped up against the Music City Marathon, but again dirt, beer, flying Tifosi's...you get the picture.

Thanks,

Grant

[Paddlechris]

Originally Posted by GNC

I just saw that. The Three Sate, Three Mtn. was fun last year, but it's tough to beat dirt, and beer, and flying Tifosi's.

We are trying to stay two weeks after Sea Otter as that date seems to work well for most of the pro's. Last year we bumped up against the Music City Marathon, but again dirt, beer, flying Tifosi's...you get the picture.

Thanks,

Grant

No doubt that is why DSG is my choice.. I just started loven on my X9 group I won last year..

Chris

[Tdub]

Mixed Amateur looks like it could be a ton of fun. I'd be up for a "fun but competitive team" although to say I'd be an asset to the team is overstating things a bunch. I can promise to bring a smile and good attitude with a desire to finish, if anyone else is in the mindset, count me in!

[RedFSR]

I thought it was this thread but must have been another where I posted that I'm looking for 3 teamates. If I can find 3 other people, I planned on doing it, if not, I will do the 3 state 3 mountain road ride.

[1cor1422]

Originally Posted by RedFSR

I thought it was this thread but must have been another where I posted that I'm looking for 3 teamates. If I can find 3 other people, I planned on doing it, if not, I will do the 3 state 3 mountain road ride.

John, I am interested in being on your 4 man team. Count me in! I think Terry Myers (Orange) mentioned wanting to get in on this race as well.

[Chewieez]

Originally Posted by RedFSR

I thought it was this thread but must have been another where I posted that I'm looking for 3 teamates. If I can find 3 other people, I planned on doing it, if not, I will do the 3 state 3 mountain road ride.

Hey this 2 thread thing is confusing...

anyhow, I send you a PM and replied to your other thread.
------

John, per my PM, Phil Zimmer, Eric Manaskis (Jacobran) and I are looking for a 4th person for our "yet-to-be-named" team. We'd love to have ya if you're interested. Reply or send me back a PM and we start the wheels moving with registration.


Ron-- if John is out would you be interested?

[Orange]

Yeah, I'm definitely interested in being on a DSG team this year!

[GNC]

All,

I thought that I'd post a link to the video from Tennessee Wildside (an outdoor show on TN Public tv) of DSG 1.0. They showed this a couple months ago. The link below takes you to the Cannondale Midwest site which is the home of a couple folks from MI that came down for the race. Steve Kinley and company are a great group and were interviewed during the race.

Check it out at: http://www.cannondalemidwest.com/modules.php?name=Video_Stream&page=watch&id=35&d=1]Video - Dirt, Sweat & Gears on Tenneessee's Wild Side

We have just completed our video of the race as well and will get links up soon. The above video offers a good feel for what DSG is all about. Thanks Steve and Thanks TN Wildside!

[Reedly]

That's a great promotional video!! Even saw several from the local area in there - not just the pros, etc...!! Can't wait for next year's DSG!

Thanks Grant!

[GNC]

All,

Please check out the link below for the just released and hot off the presses Dirt, Sweat and Gears video. This one (not to be confused with the fine work done by Tennessee Wildside) was filmed and produced to give folks another glimpse at last year's event:

http://dirtsweatandgears.com/?page_id=6

Thanks for watching!

Grant

[papa]

Very nice. Good to see some NMBr's in there.


Aaron

[GNC]

All,

Dirt, Sweat and Gears is all about the love...the love of bikes, good times, and the joys that come from being outside with like minded crazies. We are also committed to a good cause. In 2007 we raised money for Al's Pals, a charity founded to get the word out about Crohn's Disease. This partnership was a great success as we were able to contribute $2,500 to a great cause and hopefully increase awareness about this illness. Al's Pals founder Alex Page also had the unique opportunity to meet Pro Mountain Bike Endurance Diva Monique “Pua” Sawicki. They hit it off well and as a result, Pua is giving Al's Pals a portion of the proceeds from the sale of her Team Mata Gear. Get the gear and support this great cause at:
http://www.teammata.com/gear.html

Learn more about Al's Pals at:
http://www.alspalsfoundation.org/pag...s_mtb_race.htm

For year two we are teaming up with The American Cancer Society. This is a cause that hits especially close to home for us. Earlier this year DSG teammate Mark Cleveland's wife Sheila was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The good news is that Sheila is one tough lady and is doing great, having recently completed her last round of chemotherapy treatment. Sheila's battle has served to really bring this disease into focus for us and were excited about the opportunity to contribute to The American Cancer Society's efforts.

On a personal note, I had the opportunity to vist the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge in Nashville. This is a hotel of sorts, that offers free lodging and facilities to those undergoing cancer treatment in Nashville's hospitals. My tour of this place made a big impact and served to add even more focus on this cause.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/SHR/content/SHR_2.1_x_Hope_Lodge.asp

I'm more excited than ever about DSG 2.0 and SSUSA and can tell you that in addition to supporting this cause we are well on our way to even more great schwag (think bikes and frames) and good times.

Thanks,

Grant

[GNC]

All,

I wanted to offer a DSG Update as we make our way towards race day on May 2nd (SSUSA) - May 3rd (DSG) of 2008.

We have had a large number of conversations with sponsors, and I can say with confidence that the schwag bags and raffle items should be extry heavy for DSG 2.0. Over 90% of last years sponsors have re-upped and we're still working out the details with several exciting new additions.

As you probably know, we are partnering with SORBA/IMBA to give $10 back to this organization for every current member that signs up for DSG. (If you've already signed up, we'll be making this retroactive.) As an added bonus, the fine folks at Ergon are giving a pair of Ergon GP1 grips to the first 25 members who sign up and Ergon Pro Endurance Racer Jeff Kerkove will be on hand to install the grips at the event. We are also working on a few other give away items and potentially a SORBA/IMBA raffle for the race.

On the subject of The American Cancer Society (our charity for DSG 2.0), we have recieved committments and have signed up several of the world's best professional woman's mountain bikers to race and also support this great cause. Monique "Pua" Sawicki, Rebecca Rusch, Carey Lowery, and Namrita O'dea will all be hand to throw down at DSG. SS'er's watch out for Namrita and Eddie O'dea on May 2nd during the SSUSA event as they are both sure to be crushing the course aboard their super fast full rigid Vassago 29'ers.

Finally, if you've been wondering what SSUSA is all about, I think the picture below probably does as good a job as anything to describe the event...that's race director and all around donkey lover Clay Higgin's jumping aboard his single speed!



Thanks,

Grant

[robinscurr]

If you were at the 2007 event you may have been aware that Tennessee Public Television's outdoor show "Tennessee's Wild Side" was on site taping a piece about the race? Well, the story finally aired and can be seen at Cannondale Midwest Racing's website, under the "Videos" section!

Enjoy!



Robin Scurr
Team Manager

[GNC]

All,

Some good news from USA Cycling: Dirt, Sweat and Gears will once again be a part the USAC Ultra Endurance Series. Last year we were one of only six events to make this series and while the calander is not out just yet, we've received word that DSG is on the list again.

On the sponsorship front I thought I'd offer an update on some of the returning sponsors as well as some new additions to the the event:

Harpeth Bicycles is once again providing neutral support for racers. This means free bike repairs with racers only needing to pay for parts at DSG. This was a big hit last year and we are thankful to have them back. Harpeth has also got some exciting schwag to throw into the ring...stay tuned. Last year Harpeth joined forces with Lynskey performance to offer up a custom frame to one lucky racer.
http://www.harpethbicycles.com/

Murfreesboro Outdoor and Bicycle is back for year two and will be sponsoring the Solo Amateur Class as well as adding a sweet frame to the mix. Last year MOAB brought an Ellsworth Moment Frame to the party. MOAB also has the four person amateur title to defend at DSG.
http://moabbikes.com/

REI is also back in the game for DSG. These fine folks came strong in year one with a Redline Monocog, a Fox Fork, and a full SRAM Groupo, etc. Look for an even bigger presence for year two.
http://www.rei.com/

Sun and Ski Sports is back! These folks gave away huge schwag including two Haro Mary's last year and are bringing the big guns out for year two. Sun and Ski will also be sponsoring the Duo Amateur Class. Rumor has it that Sun and Ski wrench Carl will be throwing down in the Solo Amateur SS class this year.
http://www.sunandski.com/

Lynskey Performance is back in the game for year two and will be offering up another fine custom Ti frame for another lucky racer. You can also expect to see Lynskey's own Jamie P. rocking the course aboard his extree fancy Ti 29'er.
http://lynskeyperformance.com/

New to DSG, but well know among the SE racing scene is Wood n' Wave Bicycles and Watersports. Look for lot's of orange at DSG 2.0 and expect some great schwag as WnW is coming strong to sponsor the 4 Person Amateur Class and bringing a frame to the party as well.
http://www.woodnwave.com/

The Biker's Choice is back for year two after hosting women's pro Rebecca Rusch (and world champ) last year. David Hardin and company are planning to offer up special prize for this year's throwdown (think frame or bike...) and will once again be offering support for Rebecca at DSG.
http://www.thebikerschoice.com/

Bicycles Etc. in Huntsville is coming to the big dance this year and bringing some really cool party favors. Stay tuned for details.
http://www.bicyclesetc.us/

Swiftwick Makers of MAGIC Socks will be back for year two and you can expect some fun stuff from Sharpie that make your dogs smile.
http://www.swiftwick.com/

New to the party, but certainly not unknown to North Georgia MTB'ers is Addictive Cycles. The one and only Hodge will be making an appearance at SSUSA and DSG and is planning on bringing along a set of his legendary custom wheels and an extra surprise for racers.
http://www.addictivecycles.com/

Charlotte, NC's own Blacksheep Cycles will also be back at DSG. Just like last year Ethan and the gang at Blacksheep are sponsoring all things Single Speed for DSG. Last year Ethan and Niner hooked up the winner of the solo amateur SS class with a new Niner One9 frame. Ethan brought along a pile oif other great stuff.
http://www.blacksheepcycles.com/

The team at Ergon is generously helping support the Sorba and Imba cause through their donation of grips to members that sign up for the race. A big thanks to Ergon USA for their help. Also, look for Mr. 24 himself as Jeff Kerkove will be in the house and maybe we can get him convinced to compete in a little SSUSA madness on Friday.
http://www.ergon-bike.com/

Mmmmm Beer...Yazoo Brewing will be back for DSG and you can expect the Beer Team to be in full effect as well. The rumor is that number of these crazies are competing in Trans Iowa (just a 350 mile unsupported race through the hills and dales of Iowa) the week before DSG, then partaking in both SSUSA and DSG. I'd like to say that I'm surprised at this, but really this is pretty typical for these folks. A big thanks to Linus at Yazoo. Support you local brewery.
http://www.yazoobrew.com/

For all of your lighting needs Princeton Tec will be back at DSG and with the 9AM to 9PM schedule for the 12hr race, the last lap will require both a tail and a head light. No fears though, Justin at Princeton Tec will be in attendance with lights for rent as well as some more great schwag. Last year Princeton Tec threw down a bunch of tail lights as well as some head lights and an uber high end head lamp set up to racers.
http://www.princetontec.com/

Hoss Technical Gear is back for year two! Karl is bringing another batch of Hoss gear including some of the most comfortable riding apparel you've ever slid into. These folks make great gear at great prices.
http://www.hossmtb.com/


That's all for now, but I'll post up as we've got a bunch more good stuff to come. BIG THANKS to our SPONSORS! These folks are why this event can happen and I'd encourage all to give them a look.

Thanks,

Grant

[Chewieez]

Holy Crap Grant!! You're getting me pumped for this!!

How is registration coming? I've been a slacker and haven't gotten my team registered. I need to do that real soon. Is it filling up?

[GNC]

Originally Posted by Chewieez

Holy Crap Grant!! You're getting me pumped for this!!

How is registration coming? I've been a slacker and haven't gotten my team registered. I need to do that real soon. Is it filling up?

Greg,

We've still got space left, but we're seeing registrations pretty much daily so I'd say getting in soon might not be bad idea.

Thanks,

Grant

[steves]

so what should i expect to take home this year when i win the solo am?

[Ricky D]

Hey guys! I've decided (with my wife's permission) that I'm going to fly back (thanks to frequent flyer miles) and ride in DS&G this year. It works out because my son wants to come back and visit his friends in Clarksville and we owe him since we're already sending my daughter back for a visit in a couple of weeks.

Anyhoo, I would like to ride in the Duo-Amateur category. Is anyone interested in riding with me? If I can't get any takers, no worries, I'll simply sign up as a solo and nug out as many laps as I can and hang out and have fun the rest of the time. I want to register by this weekend so if you'd like to team up, shoot me an email or PM and let me know ASAP. -- Rick

[GNC]

All,

I figured it's time for another DSG Update. Actually, I've got some news that is burning a hole in my head and I just need to let the cat out of the bag.

One of the cool things about this event has to be the opportunity to interact with top level pro racers. Last year we had a meet and greet session that involved folks like Monique "Pua" Sawicki, Nat Ross, Rebecca Rusch, and Tinker Juarez. This was a great chance for folks to hear from and meet these amazing atheletes. For year two this will once again be a part of the event on Friday evening.

Among the big dogs you can expect to see at DSG are the likes of World Champion Rebecca Rusch (Specialized), reigning DSG Champ Pua Sawicki (Ellsworth/Ergon), reigning DSG Champ Nat Ross (Gary Fisher/Subaru), Tennessee's own Carey Lowery (Outdoor Store), Erika Teiszen (Giant), Tinker Juarez (Cannondale), Danielle Musto (Kenda/Titus), Namrita and Eddie O'Dea (Vassago), Harlan Price (Independant Fabrication), Ernesto "Solo Goat" Marenchin, Dejay Birtch (Niner Bikes), "Fuzzy" John Mylne (Sho-air), Mark Hendershot (Santa Cruz Syndicate) and a bunch more are likely as the field continues to fill out with racers setting their '08 schedules.

This is good stuff, and we're really excited to have these geat atheletes making the trip to DSG.

Now for an extra bit of good mojo the DSG team is pumped to announce that we may very well have the One and the Only Gary Fisher in the house for DSG! This is still in the planning stages, but chances are good that the legend himself will be at the event for a full weekend of fat tire fun.

More updates to come, so stay tuned.

Thanks,

Grant

[mike neumeyer]

Originally Posted by GNC

Now for an extra bit of good mojo the DSG team is pumped to announce that we may very well have the One and the Only Gary Fisher in the house for DSG! This is still in the planning stages, but chances are good that the legend himself will be at the event for a full weekend of fat tire fun.

Next time you talk to Gary, tell him I broke my Rig and see if he can expedite its replacement.
Thanks,

Mike

[GNC]

Mike,

We can see if Gary can build you a custom solid tube, chromo monster bike or maybe something out of rebar? Best estimate is that it will weigh just shy of 200lbs.

Then again, maybe they can hire you to be a product tester?

Grant

[GNC]

All,

Yesterday we sent out our most recent press release for DSG. This one is announcing our partnerrship with some of the top named women pros to support the American Cancer Society. I woke up this morning and found that the fine folks at Cyclingnews.com picked it up on their MTB Roundup:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/mtb.php?i...8/jan03mtbnews

Good stuff keeps on coming and we're finalizing details with a few more big sponsors. Most recently, we are working with Vassago Cycles: http://www.vassagocycles.com/

Vassago builds super nice 29'er frames and is planning on making a big splash as the title bike sponsor of SSUSA
SSUSA riders can expect to have a shot at a fine Vassago Jabberwocky SS frame!

They are also planning on going big for DSG while supporting our efforts to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Details to follow, but we may see an custom pink frame specially built and up for grabs to the ladies at DSG! That combined with a bunch more Vassago schwag and good times.

If you are in the market for a new ride, check these guys out.

Thanks,

Grant

[Uzzi]

Check it before you wreck.

http://reviews.mtbr.com/blog/dirt-sw...r-second-year/

[GNC]

OK, so it's not Doritos, but these chips are great none the less.

Your pals at Dirt, Sweat and Gears just signed a deal with AMB for timing at this years event. AMB is the company that produces the electronic timing equipment we used at last years event. Gone are the days of signing in at the scorer's table after every lap. Gone are the days of wondering where you are in the field relative to your competition.

Yep, with AMB's technology, riders are timed electronically via a chip worn on your ankle. Every rider in the field will get to wear this fine piece of jewelry and as you cross the start finish line, your lap time is automatically taken. Results are in "Real Time" and we'll again be placing a large screen monitor near the start for racers to check their times. Anyone who made last years race experienced this technology first hand.

The news this year is that we are offering a discount of $10 for any racers that BTOC..."Bring Their Own Chip". If you've got one, simply note that when you register for the event and the discount will be subtracted from your race registration fees. AMB will also be putting on a clinic of sorts for racers and promoters to get a look at their products. We'll be making an announcement about the details soon.

This technology is rapidly becoming the norm in bike racing and has become very prevelent in running events. If you are an endurance racing junkie, it might make sense to add your own personal chip to your gear collection. If you're interested in this, check out: www.amb-it.com

And no, the government will not be able to track you with these things...at least I'm pretty sure of that.

Thanks,

Grant