Bike Magazine Monster Park Slopestyle Back to Conquer

Dana Point, CA (August 4, 2004)

The top freestyle mountain bikers are back for Bike Magazine's Monster Park Slopestyle Invitational, August 5-7, 2004 at Marquette Mountain, Michigan. The event was originally scheduled for July 7-8 but postponed due to abnormally heavy rains. A partial list of athletes includes Crankworxs winner Paul Basagoitia, Specialized athlete Darren Berrecloth, Red Bull's Aaron Chase and Oakley's Wade Simmons.

"We're excited to be working with some of the world's best athletes," said Ron Ige, Bike Editor. "This event reinforces Bike Magazine's commitment to the progression of mountain biking." The unique course, designed by world famous dirt-jump and freeride athlete John Cowan, integrates all of the gravity elements—-including dirt jump, street, big-mountain and technical stunts—-and will have a few surprise features that have never been seen in bike competition before.

"There are a multitude of rider line choices, leaving the creativity limitless for the athletes," said Kona Clump rider Cowan. "Because the guys at Marquette Mountain are letting us create the sickest bike course and are committed to making this the most amazing bike event ever Monster Park will push the limits of freestyle mountain biking."

Monster Park format will simulate a snowboarding slopestyle event by incorporating a variety of hits and jumps, as well as judging each rider on the better of two runs. Not only will the top athletes be there but one of the most prestigious film companies in the bike world, Freeride Entertainment, will be on hand filming for their next video, New World Disorder V. Disorder IV won Video of the Year at 2004's first annual Bike Magazine Reader Poll & Video Awards.

Marquette, Michigan, was named one of "America's Five Best Mountain Biking Towns" by Bike in 2001. With its vast terrain and rugged beauty, Marquette is the ideal home of the first ever Monster Park. The course will be built on Marquette Mountain, which recognizing the growth of the sport, now offers lift service for riders through October.

Monster Park is supported by: Freeride Entertainment, Oakley, Red Bull, Kona USA, Marzocchi, Viosport Camera Systems, Sombrio, Hayes Brakes, Race Face, Marquette Mountain and Nordic Bay Lodge.

To learn more about the event, please log on to www.bikemag.com or contact Michelle Lindsay, michelle.lindsay@primedia.com.