2012 Tara Llanes Classic - Registration Open

Registration has opened for the 2012 Tara Llanes Classic (TLC), taking place at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort on September 29 and 30, 2012. The TLC offers Cross-Country, Super-D and Industry Cup (a team event for anyone working in the mountain bike industry) events, as well as a Shimano Kid’s Race and a screening of “Where the Trail Ends”, a Red Bull Media House and Freeride Entertainment feature-length film by Derek Westerlund.


First held in 2007 to help Tara cover her medical costs after a crash left her paralyzed from the waist down and ended her 15-year racing career, the TLC now raises funds for spinal cord research and for mountain bikers who have suffered life-altering injuries. In 2011 the event raised more than $40,000 for a variety of groups, including the Reeve-Irvine Research Center, the Center of Restorative Exercise (C.O.R.E.) and the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund. The Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund provides injured mountain bikers financial grants for equipment, rehabilitation, and long-term disability assistance. The event raises funds through sponsorship, registrations fees, retail sales and a very successful raffle each year.

Tara says of the evolution of her event: “This sport is like a family to me and my family has been there for me since day one. There really aren’t any words to describe how that has helped me mentally and emotionally. Now that I can I want to be there to help others that have suffered from paralysis, I just want to make life a little easier!”


New to the TLC this year is the Super D. It will start on the Tahoe Trail, a super smooth track with lots of flow and fast turns connecting into the top of Vista. Racers head down to Flameout from there for even more flow, followed by some amazing berms and rollers as they make their way to Sticks & Stones. Racers then head straight into rock drops and woodwork before some big slab rock gardens. The 1,400 vertical feet, 2.25 mile long course finishes with smooth berms, sweet jumps and a final high speed fly-away feature at the finish!

Tara was a phenomenal competitor throughout her professional career, winning silver and bronze medals at the world championships, winning gold at the X-Games, and appearing in countless magazines, including Maxim. Her competitiveness, aggressive riding style, and never-say-die attitude are proof that she possesses the heart of a champion.

Event descriptions and registration information can be found at www.tarallanesclassic.org.