Bear Lake Monster Cross News and Update

We are less than two weeks away from the inaugural Bear Lake Monster Cross event and we know many of you have several questions - because we've received those questions in emails and Facebook messages.

So here's the scoop.

As you should know, Bear Lake Monster Cross was postponed from its original June 29 date because of a serious car accident that sent me, your event director, to the ICU for a few days. We know the date change was not ideal and has caused many of our pre-registered riders to rethink their participation in the ride. We totally understand that.

Some of you have asked for refunds and we will be processing those shortly after our September 28 event has concluded. Our registration company will process those refunds, but has told us they can not do that until after the event has occurred. Everyone who has preregistered will receive a complimentary entry to our 2014 Bear Lake Monster Cross as a sorry-thank you gift. Those who have requested refunds for the 2013 ride will get that, too.

For those of you who are coming, we're going to make it well worth your entry fee.

Our numbers will not be huge - the date change is primarily responsible for that. But we had already ordered a ton of gear and SWAG. What this means is everyone who does show up to ride is going home with a boatload of stuff. We've got jerseys, hats, t-shirts, stickers, pint glasses, shot glasses, etc.

Long story short: Those who request a refund will get one. Those who show up for the ride will go home with a lot of stuff to help promote the race for next year. EVERYONE gets a 2014 entry.

Also, we've been asked what kind of bike is best for Bear Lake Monster Cross. We recommend a cyclocross bike because the vast majority of the ride will be on gravel/dirt roads. We'll have about 15 miles of paved road and about 5 miles of semi-rough double-track jeep trail. A mountain bike will handle everything perfectly well, but a CX bike will get you through the course faster and with very little difficulty. Just load up the Stans and bring an extra tube or two with you.

The 2013 Bear Lake Monster Cross event will be fairly low key. We'll still provide full-supported aid stations and SAG, but some of the other bells and whistles at the start/finish line will be kept to a minimum. One thing is for sure, the route is beautiful and those who do ride with us will experience a century ride like none other.

Hope this answers your questions.

bearlakemonsterride.com