July 25, 2006 (Comox Valley, BC) – In the world of mountain biking, Slopestyle could easily be described as the most spectacular and visually appealing event type in the world today. With freeriders pulling off stunts that would make Evil Knievel jealous, it’s no wonder why freeride mountain biking and the Slopestyle event in particular, are so popular with the legions of mountain biking aficionados.

Darren Berrecloth, who is better known around the industry as Bearclaw, is considered one of the leaders in the world of freeride mountain biking. Consistently raising the bar at each comp he enters, Bearclaw has helped set the new standard for freeriders around the globe.

Darren Berrecloth and Mount Washington Alpine Resort are pleased to officially announce that the Bearclaw Invitational, the newest and most progressive Slopestyle on the freeride circuit, will make its debut at Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island on September 2, 2006.

If you’ve never seen a Slopestyle comp in action, picture yourself launching your mountain bike off the top roof of your house. What do you mean you’ve got to be kidding?! While you’re at it, throw in a 360 or front flip for good measure and land with a touchdown that would make a Boeing 747 green with envy! That’s only the start. Add another five to ten stunts, all equally death defying, thousands of screaming fans and you might have a slight idea of what to expect on September 2nd.

“I’m inviting 20 to 30 of the world’s best freeriders,” says Berrecloth. “There’s no doubt in my mind that all of the spectators will be blown away by this contest. The Bearclaw Invitational is the first Slopestyle built by riders, for riders. It’s also nice to be able to pull this event off where I grew up riding.”

Mount Washington Alpine Resort, located on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, plays host to the Bearclaw Invitational. The area is flanked by the Pacific Ocean on one side and spectacular Strathcona Provincial Park on the other. It is viewed by many as one of the most scenic locations on the West Coast.

The advantages of the mountain as a site for a Slopestyle comp can be summed up in one word, lumber. With towering fir, cedar and hemlock inundating the region, the Bearclaw Invitational will showcase some of the burliest log stunts to date.

Vancouver Island has long been a haven for freeriders from multiple disciplines and seasons. The climate, terrain, forests and abundant winter snowfall have helped to create some of the world’s finest, and arguably craziest, athletes!

Darren Berrecloth is considered one of mountain biking’s big guns after claiming numerous 1st place finishes. His portfolio includes top of the podium finishes at the Crankworx Slopestyle and most recently at the Adidas Slopestyle in Austria a couple of months ago.

“Mount Washington is honoured to be host site for this comp,” explains Brent Curtain, PR Director at Mount Washington Alpine Resort. “We value Darren’s expertise and we can’t even begin to tell how stoked we are to see these riders come out and perform for the crowds. It’s going to be nothing short of spectacular!”

Mount Washington Alpine Resort is one of the top mountain bike and summer alpine destinations in British Columbia. Scenic chairlift rides and lift-accessed mountain biking run daily until September 24th. The Resort is located 30 minutes above The Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. WestJet, Central Mountain Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines service the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ). For accommodation and package information, call Mount Washington Alpine Resort at 1-888-231-1499 toll free or locally at 338-1386. Surf to <http://www.mountwashington.ca>www.mountwashington.ca for additional information including the live mountain cam.

Documents

This file is available in Microsoft Word Document Format (97-2002). Click the following link to download the file:

<http://media.mountwashington.ca/documents/slopestyle.doc>Bearclaw Invitational Primed and Ready For The World’s Best Freeriders