MSC Stop #3: the 21st Annual Chili Challenge

The third stop in the Mountain States Cup mountain bike series is this weekend at the Angel Fire Resort in New Mexico. Racing categories at the 21st Annual Chili Challenge include cross country, downhill, dual slalom and super-d.

The MSC features eight races this year with the Chili Challenge being the sol race outside of Colorado. The Chili Challenge draws a big crowd being only one of the two UCI related events in the series. The UCI is the international/world racing organization and racing at a UCI events adds to your national points.

Things kick off Friday the May 22, with registration and package pick up. Friday is open to practice day for riders in Pro/Cat 1 classes. Festivities for this event are varied and fun. Drink specials are being offered at local restaurants and bars, there will be a Red Bull Bike Polo match at 6pm, and on Saturday at 7pm there will be a short skirts and mustache contest at Zebediah's Bar and Grill.

Along with the regular bike vendors that attend these events and the Tech Expo, there will also be quite a few vendors and activities for non-racers. Tethered balloons rides and carriage/horse rides will be offered racers, family members and spectators. Live music is scheduled for the event.

Camping is available in the resort parking lots and port-a-johns have been setup.There is a minimal fee being charged for those hunkering down for the parking lot camp out. The Angel Fire Lodging company is offering 15-25% discounts to racers and the Angel Fire Resort Hotel is offering a 20% discount. Checkout the RaceMSC sight listed below for more boarding and fee information.

Online registration for this event was closed on May 19th though on-site registration is still available with an additional $15 fee.

This is a fun event that only comes around once a year.The MSC is one of strongest race series in the country and riders and non-riders should take time to check out the fun and competition.

The next stop on the MSC schedule is the Wild Flower Rush in Crested Butte, Colorado June 19th.