February 16, 2005 – Big things are brewing for two-wheeled enthusiasts of all ages! On March 4th- 6th, 2005 Boerne’s Tapatio Springs, and Comfort’s Flat Rock Ranch will play host to the opening race of USA Cycling’s Shimano National Mountain Bike Series (NMBS). The NMBS is the premier series of events for top U.S. and international professional mountain bike racers. The TMBRA NORBA National Texas Supergrind at Tapatio Springs has been designated an E1 event by competitive cycling’s international governing body, the Union Cycliste International (UCI). An E1 event is the highest designation given for an international mountain bike competition.

Last year’s NMBS event, held in Waco, Texas, was a huge success and with the E1 designation of the Texas Supergrind, well over 2000 racers, support staff, product exhibitors, media representatives, and spectators are expected to be on hand for the event. Over 1,000 racers from around the world will come to compete bringing a $1.2 million dollar economic impact on the community.

Spectators can watch competitors race in the Cross Country, Short Track Cross Country, and Time Trial events on the multi use trails created for this event at Tapatio Springs. Additionally, the 100 kilometer Cross Country Marathon Event will be contested over the 27 miles of mountain bike specific cross country trails at Flat Rock Ranch near Comfort, Texas. Also on the agenda is the Adult/ Junior Team Time Trial on Friday afternoon. For this event, kids can pair up with Mom or Dad, cousin, brother or sister and race as a team against the clock -all ages are welcome.

In addition to the competitive events, spectators can peruse the expo area at Tapatio Springs which will feature pro team and manufacturer’s representatives from around the country and Canada. There will be professional riders on hand throughout the weekend to sign autographs and talk to the crowds.

Texans will be well represented in the event as the Texas Supergrind will also be the 3rd race of the Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association (TMBRA) Spring Championship Series. Competitors from across the state will compete in 45 different classes and categories from juniors under 10 years old to beginner and expert adults.

Numerous free events will also be available as a part of the TMBRA Spring Championship Series.

The popular Kid’s Kup will be held on Saturday, March 5th for kids who are 12 years old and younger. This free event will feature nature programs, a bicycle skill and safety workshop, and a bicycle race for the competitively inclined.

Older kids and aspiring racers of all ages who might want to give mountain bike racing a try are invited to attend the free First Time Racer’s Clinic. This clinic will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday March 4th and will feature workshops about nutrition, strategy, bike set-up, rules and regulations. Following the clinic, a pre-ride will familiarize participants with the subtleties of the course. If you still want to know more, join the Pro Women’s Ford Cycling Team Friday evening for a “Last Minute Race Cram” and get some more insiders tips to be on top of your bike come raceday!

The Texas Supergrind, with its professional and amateur races, exposition, Kid’s Kup, and First Time Racer’s Clinic offers something for everyone, so mark the date now and make it a point to become part of the first professional mountain bike race hosted in the Texas hill county.