This trip is being organized by Coaches George Hodder and Sergio Buzzini. George has been to Dirtfest each of the last five years and will be there again this year along with first timers Coach Dave, Julie, Jim(at Susquehannock) and Sergio (at Seven Points). Coach George has been there more than any of the other Coach, and therefore, he is our official expert.
Here is the skinny on Dirtfest according to Coach George:
Where:
Dirtfest is a special mountain bike event held at Raystown Lake.
When:
It happens every May (this year 18th-20th).
Who:
The event is sponsored by Dirt Rag Magazine, and attended by tons of bike manufacturers and vendors of bike related products.
How:
This year several of the coaches from our team are going and a few student athletes are going with their parents as well.
Not a team sanctioned/NICA event
This means that wheelies, jumping and generally having a good time is not going to hurt anyone's feelings. For those that wish to go, let's coordinate and then keep an eye out for fellow Hammers. With some luck maybe we can coordinate a group ride at some point.
Riding:
Given the nature of the venue it is difficult at times to coordinate meeting places/times due to minimal cell phone coverage, few modern amenities and having to bike to meeting locations. Additionally the trails are quite full/busy so it is vital that any groups of riders are pretty close to the same skill level/speed when you ride together, otherwise keeping together proves to be challenging over the course of the day.
Expo
The event has an expo where you can demo the latest high end bikes from several manufacturers, try out new wheel sets, helmets, lights etc. all at no cost (just valid id and sometimes you have to supply a credit card).
Ammenities
There are skills clinics, guided rides(for varying skill levels, kids only, women only), live music, movies and other things for your entertainment. Plus there is a mountain bike skills park at Raystown and over 30 miles of flowing mountain bike trails that are fast and fun... for your riding pleasure!
Camping:
There are two venues you can camp at. Susquehannock campground, and Seven Points campground. Both have their own expo and events, and there is a trail connecting the two allowing you to visit both/either during your stay.
- The Seven Points side is more family friendly, while the Susquehannock side can get quite rowdy.
- Seven points has some facilities with running water and hook ups for campers.
- Susquehannock is tent camping only without hookups and with no running water.
Here is link for more information:
https://www.dirtragdirtfest.com
Register for either event at:
https://www.bikereg.com
Other factors to consider:
- Coach George believes the campgrounds will be booked full, feel free to check the campgrounds website for updated info.
- There are several area hotels or people can consider, and doing a day trip is also an option.
- There may also be privately owned cabins near the venue that are available as well.
If you have any questions, comments or want to organize with us, please contact:
Coach George Hodder
Phone: 570-672-2823
Email: gtsefam1@ptd.net
Coach Sergio Buzzini
Phone: (570) 428-3112
Email:sbuzzini@hotmail.com