The “Dirt” on June Events at Holiday Valley Resort
Summer is coming ... no really it is. I mean, it has to be … right? Heck, it was 80 degrees in March already. Well, maybe we should say it will get here eventually. However, no matter what the temperature and conditions, the promised seasonal change will bring with it some of the first outdoor events of the summer here in Ellicottville, NY.
Holiday Valley Resort plays host to many exciting events this summer, among them the Dirty Duathalon (produced by Mark Lawrence / Heart Rate Up) and the newly created Holiday Valley Mudslide (an in-house production by the Win-Sum Ski Corporation.) Let’s take a quick peek at what these two summer kick-off events are all about:
THE DIRTY DUATHLON
The Dirty Duathalon actually includes two events - separately scored - and will take place Sunday, June 10 at the Holiday Valley Mountain Sports Center (Training Center) at 10am. The main event, a.k.a. Dirty Duathalon consists of an intense trail run and mountain bike race, which will test even the most seasoned athlete. Heartrateup.com describes it as “… all guts, no novelties – just an amazing venue featuring performance demanding trails including a 620’ vertical climb per lap, gnarly single track, roots, rock gardens and white-knuckle downhills.” One lap run, two laps bike, solo and team format entries available … are you up for the challenge?
If this sounds a bit out of reach for you, or if you’re not a mountain biker, you can opt for the 4-Mile Dirty Bit Trail Run – a one lap, “run only” individual event that uses the same course as the Dirty Duathlon but still promises to get your adrenaline pumping. Registration ranges from $25-$50 depending on which event you choose.
We caught up with local cyclist/race enthusiast Pat Wallace for his take on the Dirty Duathalon. Pat quipped, “Why wouldn’t you do it; it’s fun, challenging, takes only a few hours AND there are free hot dogs at the finish!”
For more information on registration, the event itself, or if you are interested in finding other teammates, visit heartrateup.com.
1st ANNUAL MUDSLIDE
New for this summer is the recently created Holiday Valley Mudslide, taking place at Holiday Valley Resort Saturday, June 16. The first annual Mudslide is a mud run/adventure race with an emphasis on fun. Yes, you'll get muddy, yes there is running, yes there are 8 obstacles to tackle along the way, but none of the ‘what was I thinking’ situations found a la ‘Gladiator’ or ‘Tough Mudder’.
Participants can register for $45 presale at active.com ($60 day of) and then choose from a 3.5 or 5.4-mile course kicking off at the top of the mountain, at Spruce Lake. (They’re even going to give you a ride up on the chairlift.) A Kids’ MiniMudslide course will also be offered … a perfect excuse to bring the whole family out (and one of the very few times that kids can be kids without getting chastized by mom and dad.)
Marketing Director Jane Eshbaugh reveals, “We’re really proud of what we have been able to put together for this event as a company. Everything from the course design, obstacles, and branding have been done in-house. We think people are going to really enjoy this!” Eshbaugh added that costumes are encouraged, and prizes will be awarded to the most creative.
Obstacles to overcome range from a log pile, a “slalom” course, a maze, and a few other surprises along the way. The final challenge is a giant mudslide (sponsored by West Herr Nissan) down lower Yodeler slope, where you’ll cross the finish line to vie for prizes. The snowguns will be hooked up and running to rinse off muddy racers, and yes, changing facilities will be available. Stay for the post-race party and reward yourself with food, beer, music and whatever other craziness pops up along the way.
While browsing the internet, you can click on over to holidayvalley.com/mudslide to get all the dirty details. With event partners like the North Face on-site, you won’t want to miss out!
So there you have it … your first hearty serving of ways to get dirty and physically exhaust yourself, right here in Ellicottville, NY. After all, nothing makes a Monday morning at the office than a few bumps and bruises that may or may not call for an explanation …
