Gravity East Series Under New Management, 2015 Downhill and Dual Slalom Schedule Announced

In its 9th season, and as the longest running gravity race series in the U.S., the Gravity East Series is officially under new management for 2015. Mike Hartlove, of The Racer’s Edge, and Steve Coleman of Gravity Soul, have formally taken the reigns. The two have plans to grow the series by adding a dual slalom format, increasing purses and prizes, and focusing more specifically on the East Coast’s mid-Atlantic region.

Mike Hartlove, who was part of the original collective body of promoters who founded the GES in 2006, has witnessed Steve Coleman’s desire to put on great events in the dual slalom category through Gravity Soul. When presented with the opportunity to partner with Steve on the GES, Mike jumped at the chance. The two share a passion for the sport, and its lifestyle. Their roles will be carved out as follows:

Steve – Planning, permitting, sponsorship solicitation, pre/post event publicity, social media ambassador, event executions, post event reports.
Mike – Venue negotiations, agreements, planning, sponsorship solicitation, event executions, announcing, post event reports.


New for 2015 is the support and integration of the Mid-Atlantic Cup (MAC) Dual Slalom races. One of the races in this series will combine with GES finals to give riders an opportunity to race dual disciplines on the same weekend. The dual slalom format is something Coleman and Hartlove have heard racers ask for in high demand. They are answering accordingly and are dedicated to growing the dual slalom genre along with the downhill race series.

Mike has also brought his long-standing relationship with Wisp Resort to the table for GES in 2015. Through Wisp, the Gravity East will leverage Monster Energy as a major GES sponsor. Monster will be providing product, clothing, and other give-a-away / prizes for podiums and raffle winners. When asked for specifics, Hartlove replied that Monster was able to provide a complete bike, boom box, hoodies, and “cases and cases” of product to an event he threw in 2014. With this as the precedent, he expects Monster / Wisp to step up big for 2015 considering the number of race participants GES will be bringing.

“The relationship with Wisp has huge potential for the GES. We have a contract with Wisp to grow their MTB park. The possibities are infinite,” says Hartlove. “We are on the ground floor for developing this mountain to become an MTB destination. Wisp has made their heavy equipment available at our disposal and also given us the most latitude in terms of what we want to build, link up, create, you name it. And they are big supporters of the dual slalom format.”

With Racer’s Edge being a long-time sponsored GT team, Mike is also bringing GT Bikes to the table. “The goal is to solidify a deal to give away a complete bike at GES finals this year,” says Hartlove. “We’ve also set a goal to have the cash and prize pool double in 2016. Fox Racing Shox has stepped up and given us multiple dual and single crown forks to give away this year too. We’re growing this series and making it the best we can possibly make it for the riders, the fans, the sponsors and the families. It’s all about putting on the best possible event, growing the sport, and providing as much value as we can for our sponsors, and especially our racers”

Also back for 2015 is the branding, PR, web and social media firm Vitamin, who has helped raise brand awarness for the GES since originally redesigning the series web site in 2013. For 2015, Vitamin will again be a presenting sponsor providing media relations, an updated look/feel for the web site and web updates throughout the season. “We couldn’t be happier to see two proven guys like Mike and Steve at the helm of the GES,” said Vitamin COO Michael Karfakis. “These guys have the track record and the passion to make thier vision for the GES come to life. We’re looking forward to being a part of it all.”

About Mike Hartlove
In 2000, Mike formed The Racer’s Edge, a mid-Atlantic BMX race team. Over the years, the team would flourish and grow to be one of the top Pro teams in the country with sponsored riders Lars Tribus, Todd Bosch, Holly Kuhn, Derrick Nobman and Kevin Liebig. In 2002, Mike founded the Mid-Atlantic Cup Downhill Series and started building tracks at local venues in the mid-Atlantic. By 2005, Mike was recognized a top promoter and builder.

About Steve Coleman
Steve formed Gravity Soul, LLC. in 2010 to promote and facilitate riding of all types with an emphasis on gravity disciplines. The name “Gravity Soul” represents the feeling or momentary perfection achieved when riding passionately, almost effortlessly, over an entire run or section of trail. In 2011, Gravity Soul built its initial dual slalom track. Steve purchased and operated timing equipment, and started holding events in 2012.

Click here for complete bios on Mike and Steve.

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GES 2015 – Downhill Race Schedule

#1 – April 26 – Massanutten Resort, Va.
#2 – May 3 – Dureya DH, Reading, Pa
#3 – August 23 – Blue Mountain, Pa.
#4 – Sept. 6 – Seven Springs, Pa.
#5 – Sept. 20 – Wisp , Md., Series Finals*

*Finals are a double points race – two-Run, combined-time format.

Saturday the 19th, Wisp will also host the 3rd round of the MAC Slalom Series. That same day just so happens to also co-inside with the Savage-Man Triathlon, which starts and ends at the resort….we expect this to provide a huge spectator draw for DH run #1 and slalom finals!

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MAC 2015 – Dual Slalom Race Schedule

#1 – June 13 – Wisp, Md.*
#2 – Sept. 19 – Wisp, Md.
#3 – Oct. 17 – Frederick, Md.**

*Short Track XC in the morning, Slalom in the afternoon, Beer, Food and Music ALL DAY!
**MAC Series Finals , double points – Gravity Soul Fall Festival and GES Awards Banquet.

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2015 Gravity East Series Sponsors

MAXXIS – Title Sponsor
Spoke Apparel – Presenting Sponsor
Vitamin – Presenting Sponsor
Gravity Soul – Presenting Sponsor
Fox Racing Shox – Presenting Sponsor
The Racer’s Edge – Presenting Sponsor
Profile Racing
GT Bikes
Massanutten Resort
Wisp Resort
Seven Springs Resort
The Wheel Mill
DH Productions
Camp Three

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MENTIONS: @Maxxis, @foxracingshox

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