Beech Mountain Opens For Summer Fun This Weekend

Year Number One Beech Mountain Bike Park Open for Business – Check. Surpassed Expectations After Year One – Check. Now who’s ready to do it all over again? Beech Mountain Resort will be opening for your Downhill pleasure this coming Friday June 6th, with first chair up for grabs at the strike of high noon. Who’s gonna grab the title of that first chair kicking off the 2014 Western NC summer lift assist season?

2014 park operations will kick off on Friday June 6th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Then weekend after weekend, the park will be open Fri 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. all the way through October 19th. We can't forget the Beech Mountain DH Race Series with Race One coinciding with the 5th round of the USA Cycling Pro GRT series and Beech's new classic annual Bikes Brews and Views on July 19th - 20th. Race two and three of the series will take place on August 23rd - 24th and September 20th - 21st.

So What’s New in 2014?

"5506"…. Say What? Whelp, it's got two meanings...... First, the elevation of Beech Mountain and second, the name of the new watering hole at the top-o-the-world. A beautiful little round glasshouse bar that is perched on a 2800 square foot deck with views that are second to none in WNC. Get some fuel to keep pounding in the laps or just enjoy your favorite brew during a short shred din break. 5506 is open during the same operating hours as the bike park.

Moar Beer!!!! The Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is open for business offering beverages brewed on site. Choose from the 5506 Pale Ale, a Cream Ale, and a Scotch Ale with an occasional seasonal favorite thrown into the mix now and again. Located right next to the Beech Tree, hours of operation will be Friday noon to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5:00 p.m. A great place to set a few back with your best riding buds. Read More about the Brew.

Wanna brush up on those skills, work on something to reduce that pucker factor, or just get the future GROM to be into the sport? Beech's PMBI certification is just about complete and soon thereafter the park will have both a morning and afternoon lesson blocks catering to all levels of riders and needs.

Just as soon as the snow burned off from an epic snow season, local yocal Mike Thomas (Terra Tek Trails) has been digging the dirt from under his finger nails daily. Look for the same set of trails each serviced with improved sustainability and most importantly mo-features and mo-fun.


And What's Coming Back in 2014?
What we all have been waiting for is the Beech Mountain Downhill Race Series. Ok, since local WNC resident and past National Champ Geritt Beytagh has finally retired for the second time in two years, one of two things can happen: 1. He comes out of retirement just as many times as he’s gone into retirement, OR 2. A new King of the Mountain will be crowned in 2014? Any takers?

2014 Series Schedule
Saturday (July 19th, August 23rd, September 20th)
- 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration
- 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Lifts Open

Sunday (July 20th, August 24th, September 21st)
- 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration
- 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- 1:30 p.m. Riders Meeting
- 2:00 p.m. First Rider

Signing Up:
- $50.00 On-site Registration
- $40.00 Pre-Registration per the link below
- 12 and under race free
Pre-Reg Website

Divisions:
Pro Men
Pro Women
Juniors 17U
Masters (+40)
Women Open
Cat 1/2/3 18-29
Cat 1/2/3 30-39

Your Bounty
- Prizes for podium finishers. Specifics TBA at each event
- Overall series winners/prizes at the end of the three race series.

The reigning King of the Mountain, Geritt Beytagh... question is will he stay retired in 2014?

How Many Benjamins:
- $30.00 Lift tickets
- $200.00 Season passes. They can be purchased on site in Ski Beech Sports/Magic Cycles during normal operation hours Friday – Sunday.
- $10.00 Scenic (Single) Lift Ride

What Else?

The Whereabouts:
Beech Mountain Resort
1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy
Beech Mountain, NC 28604
Map/Directions

Where to Crash:
Lodging via the Beech Mtn Resort Website

Interweb Links:
- Beech Mountain Resort Website
- Beech FB Page
- Peo GRT Webpage on USAC
- Beech Mtn on Pinkbike
- Emerald Outback XC Trail Map. Accessed from the top of the resort.

Still Got Qs??
Contact: Email Beech Mountain
Toll Free: 1-800-438-2093 or Direct 1-828-387-2011

Significant Others:
Giant Bicycles
Magic Cycles
SixSixOne
Cane Creek
Smith Optics
One Industries
Dakine
Skull Candy
The Beech Mountain Brewing Co.
Shimano