Oso Negro Express and Nelson Freeride Jam - July 28 and 29

Just one week from today, some of the world's best will be gathering in the small town of Nelson, BC for the Oso Negro Express and the first annual Nelson Freeride Jam. We've got some pretty heady sponsors, including (but not limited to) Oso Negro, Baldface Lodge, NRG, Nelson Brewing Co., Gerick Cycle, the Sacred Ride, MPF Productions, Red Bull, Mad March Racing, Freeride Entertainment, and MTB Films, so you can be sure there will be tons of great coffee, beer, Red Bull and bike swag to be found. There's also some awesome prizes for competitors including a highly coveted video appearance for the winning amateur in the Oso Negro Express mass-start downhill race. Here’s a brief overview of what I’m throwing down on July 28 and 29th. For clarity, Nelson’s just 2.5 hours north of Sandpoint and any flights should be out of Spokane (again 2.5 hours south of here, and about a 90 minute drive from Sandpoint)



Arrive in Nelson on Sunday night (July 27th)

- For those needing accommodation, I have set up some sweet rates at www.baldfacelodge.com. Stay on site for just $30/night or camping on the mountain for just $10/night. Those looking to stay in town will find the Flying Squirrel Hostel a great, affordable place to crash. (contact mental@pinkbike.com for rate and availability information.

Monday July 28th

- Meet at Oso Negro (world’s best coffee roaster) to fuel up for 45 minute drive to Kaslo for Monster Shuttles
- For the uninitiated, the Monster is a 5000 ft vert trail (built by Sam Brown) that features stunts, steeps, awesome flow and exposure in addition to stellar views of Kootenay Lake, as well as the Valhallas, Selkirks and Monashee Mountain Ranges.
- After 2 shuttles, it’s back into Nelson for dinner (nothing organized but I’ll find a place that will treat us like kings)

- After dinner, those racing the Oso Negro Express will shuttle most of the way through town then hike 15 minutes to the Oso Negro Express (a trail specifically built for this event) for a mass-start Chinese Downhill back to the party. The race will be about 4-5 minutes of dirt/trail and 2 or 3 more of street DH.
Top male and female pros get a $250 bar tab (c/o Pinkbike.com) for Tuesday’s festivities and top amateur gets a cameo or feature in MPF Productions next video.
- RISE Nelson premiere to run at the Royal Inn on Baker St. with an all ages premiere planned for the Nelson and District Youth Centre. All proceeds from this premiere will benefit the NDYC.

Tuesday July 29th

- 9am Breakfast at Baldface Lodge

- Dirt Jump Jam for those interested (we’ll be building some killer jumps in the high alpine right next to the lodge)

- Shuttle Trucks roll for those who want to hit local goodies

- Around noon, we will heli-drop at a TBA location

- Back to Baldface for a peer judged dirt jump jam, DJ, BBQ and party (here’s where the bar tab comes in handy)

On Wednesday, July 30th, Mad March Racing will be hosting a freeride camp on Nelson's best local goodies, contact Shaums March for availability and pricing information.

Here's your chance to ride with the likes of Kirt Vories, Shaums March, Derik Olsen, Douglas Fink and Mike Kinrade on some of BC's best trails. Ride with the pros in true Kootenay style.

In an effort to accommodate all interested attendees, I'd love to hear from those planning on attending. I can provide you with up-to-date event information and the best rates on accommodation.

See you in Nelson!
Mike Porter