Big Sky XC - harescramble race at Big Sky Resort in Montana

For the first time ever, Big Sky Resort in Montana will host an off-road motorcycle event. The Big Sky XC, a harescramble format race will be held on Sept 18-20, 2009. The race course will start in the ski resort's base area and wind up and down the ski slopes of Lone Peak under the ski lifts.

Expect rocks, steep climbs, single track and much more. Saturday's racing will include youth and novice classes. Sunday's race course will be longer and more technical to challenge the intermediate and expert racers.

More race info as well as lodging info, pre-registration and travel directions will soon be posted on the event's website: www.bigskyxc.com.

Search "Big Sky XC" on facebook and become a fan. Photos and videos will be posted on facebook throughout the summer.  

Big Sky Resort will only allow motorcycles on it's amazing terrain once a year. Do not miss this.

Questions and comments can be emailed to: joem_nz@hotmail.com  
Big Sky XC
Sept 18-20, 2009
Big Sky, MT

Our basic website is up: www.bigskyxc.com
Our pre-registration form is available online. Make sure to pre-register for the event to save some cash.

We're happy to announce that Klim USA has become the event's title sponsor. Klim's technical riding gear was built for places like Big Sky, Montana.

You can follow along with this summer's progress on facebook (search big sky xc using the facebook search) or on our new myspace page: www.myspace.com/bigskyxc

Our race course manager got his first day of trail recon work done last week. A quiet guy normally, he was pretty excited about the quality of existing trails at the resort made by down hill mountain bikers. He went on-and-on about how fun the trails were on a motorcycle...and he's barely scratched the surface of available terrain.

His next recon mission is coming up in the next couple of weeks and photos will be posted somewhere online to give a glimpse of what to expect from the 1st ever Big Sky XC.

Check back for updates.  
Big Sky XC
Sept 18-20, 2009
Big Sky, MT

The berms built by downhill mountain bikers at Big Sky Resort are even more fun on a motorcycle.

 
Big Sky XC
Sept 18-20, 2009
Big Sky, MT

Sunday's race course may include a trip to the base of the Lone Peak Tram.

 
Big Sky XC
Sept 18-20, 2009
Big Sky, MT

This is the event I am planning to race this coming September...anyone interested in coming along?  I will be in the MastersB 40+ class on Sunday...I think my nephew will go with me, this would be his first race ever so he would ride the beginner class on Saturday...I think the terrain sounds exciting.  
///////////////////
NW Montana
Where the pavement ends and the fun begins  
2005 KTM300exc

Here is the link  
///////////////////
NW Montana
Where the pavement ends and the fun begins  
2005 KTM300exc

anyone want to cheer me on?  Or are you all cringing because I'm going to make a fool outta' myself?    
///////////////////
NW Montana
Where the pavement ends and the fun begins  
2005 KTM300exc

okay so I haven't raced in over 20 years, and I've lost the vision in my one eye.  What do you guys and gals think?  Do I have a chance, should I just go and have fun, or should I not even try?  
///////////////////
NW Montana
Where the pavement ends and the fun begins  
2005 KTM300exc

am i going to have to smack you up side ta' head?? of course you should go!! if i could  i would to! am i the only one who has wanted to flail my bike on a ski resort & MTB trails???  Paul make that katoom scream!
DavidS  
i take a lot of pride in what i am

___________________
ride: 02yz426
local: north east Oregon

terrain type woods with lots of roots & rocks

You should go and lay the smack down on them or atleast give it your best shot. I know where you are coming from. I can tell a big difference since I have been riding 2-3 evenings for an hour or so a week. I can get out of bed in the mornings all most normal now. Ha Ha just kidding. I cant. If we're not drag racing I may have to bring the wife out there for a little vacation. She would love going to Montana and the place looks great.  

Thanks David, the base area is at 7000' elevation, and race goes up from there.  So I have to rejet my bike if I want it to scream.  I have some hills around here I can test my jetting on.  The 4-strokes will have an advantage over me in this department, and on the steeper hills, buy my lighter and more nimble 2-stroke will have an advantage in the technical single track and rocks.  I used to ride around on the local ski area when I was a teen.  Ski runs are steeper than they look!  
///////////////////
NW Montana
Where the pavement ends and the fun begins  
2005 KTM300exc

Lennyiti:
You should go and lay the smack down on them or atleast give it your best shot. I know where you are coming from. I can tell a big difference since I have been riding 2-3 evenings for an hour or so a week. I can get out of bed in the mornings all most normal now. Ha Ha just kidding. I cant. If we're not drag racing I may have to bring the wife out there for a little vacation. She would love going to Montana and the place looks great.

Come out by all means Lenny!  Will you bring your bike and join me?  
///////////////////
NW Montana
Where the pavement ends and the fun begins  
2005 KTM300exc

Paul, Great post in the play ride forum.

Have you ever been out to Big Sky Resort on skis/snowboard? The front face of Lone Peak, at least as far up as the bowl, is filled with green/blue ski runs. Nothing too crazy steep, but all loads of fun on a motorcycle.

I think you'll find that 2-strokes are a lot of fun on our trail system!

Joe Miller
Big Sky XC  
Big Sky XC
Sept 18-20, 2009
Big Sky, MT

never been there for skiing or snowboarding.  I love to ski and snowboard.  To jet for the slopes I went from a 168 main down to a 155 main on my KTM 300.  Stock jet is 160 or 162.  My stock pilot jet is a 35, and I'm going to drop it down one size.  It runs okay on the 35, but not as crisp as I would like though.  I've ordered a 30.  Will this give me better gas mileage, or no?  
///////////////////
NW Montana
Where the pavement ends and the fun begins  
2005 KTM300exc

We explored the possible routes to/from the lower tram station this morning. A great view, but not really worth adding to the race course. I'm betting this is the only photo of motorcycles next to the tram station, so it was worth the trip for that alone!




 
Big Sky XC
Sept 18-20, 2009
Big Sky, MT