ESCAPE XVI
Results 2003
Race #2 - Sunday, June 8 — The ESCAPE XVI, Potts
Mountain, Virginia (midway between New Castle and Covington, 35 minutes from Roanoke).
This is the best--an adventure if there ever was. Take on Craig County’s mightiest crag: Potts Mountain. Standing over 4000 feet tall, this monolith is legendary, hosting the state’s—and one of the world’s—oldest living race (circa 1988). Mere words won’t justify; make it if you can. Now, moved to late spring, a fresh breath is breathed into the life of the grand old race. Plus, a new course configuration will provide an extra sprinkling of spice to boot!
The mountain is big and the course is big. Expect a good 4000 feet of climbing, balanced with 4000 feet of descending. Expect rocks, lots of rocks. Beginners and juniors take an abbreviated course, but a tough one nevertheless.
Because of the remote nature of this outstanding venue, bring with you all that you might need.
As with Dragon's Back, special thanks go to the New Castle Ranger District of the Jefferson National Forest for all their invaluable assistance, not the least of which is putting up with us all these years. If you get the notion, scribble them a line to let them know you like this kind of thing. mailto:Jacobsen_Jerry_L/r8_gwjeff_newcastle@fs.fed.us
Epic XXC Course Pre-extension Map
To Get There:
From south I-81 to Roanoke/Salem: Take exit 141 off I-81 just as if you’re headed to Dragon’s Back. Go past the Dragon’s Back entrance to New Castle on 311. In New Castle, take 1040 to the right (it becomes 615 just past town). Go 3 miles out of town on 615 until you see Pine Top store and restaurant on right. Just past, take the left "vee" of 609 until it ends 2 miles later on a bridge over Barbour’s Creek. Take a left, which is route 611. Go 4 miles until you cross a concrete bridge. Take the next turn to the right on 617 towards the Pines Campground.
From north of Roanoke/Salem headed south on I-81: This is a backwoods route, but it saves about a half-hour, so bear with it. Take exit 156 (Troutville) to route 640 headed toward 220 (northwesterly). Take 220 north towards Fincastle. At the Captains Table Seafood Restaurant, take a left on 606 in Fincastle. 606 turns right less than a half-mile in, so watch it. Follow 606 for about 14 miles until it butt ends at route 615. Take a left, go less than 2 miles. Upon reaching 611 (at 4 Corners Church), go right for 5 miles until you reach 617. Turn right, taking 617 towards the Pines Campground 6 miles up 617. Staging is in the Pines Campground.
From White Sulfur Springs West Virginia, 311 south: After cresting and descending Potts Mountain (you can’t miss it), headed towards New Castle, look for route 611 to the left. Follow 611 until you reach 617. Take 617 towards the Pines Campground. Staging is in the Pines Campground.
Here's a couple DeLorme brand maps to get you here.
Race Date: Sunday, September 8, 2003
Course Length: 26 miles (beginner approximately 10 miles) XXC - 39 Miles
Pre-register by 6.4.2003: $20, $25 pro/semi-pro.
Race day $30, $35 pro/semi-pro (with East Coasters Virginia State Championship Mountain Bike Series T-shirt available to racers for a shameless discount. TBD.)
Race Registration: 8:30am to 10:30am
Race Begins: 11:00am EDT all classes except XXC, which begins at 9AM.
Starting Order Divided by 1 minute intervals: 1) Expert men classes 2) Expert Women classes 3) Vet & Senior Sport/Clydes 4) Junior Sport/Beginner.
Special note: Some of the above details may change as needed to create the optimum racing conditions.
