2011 Mellow Johnny’s Spring Classic Kick-Off Party to Benefit the Texas High School Mountain Bike League

AUSTIN, Texas (March 30, 2011) – Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop is excited to announce that its 3rd annual Mellow Johnny’s Spring Classic Kick-Off Party will benefit the Texas High School Mountain Bike League for the first time ever on Friday, April 29 at 7pm. The league is part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and will host its inaugural season in 2012.

Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop will serve as the venue and host for this unique event that will unite the league’s athletes and coaches with top male and female pro riders from around the country. The free and open to the public event will offer attendees a chance to enter raffles for cool prizes and learn more about the league. Additionally, athletes from the league will have the opportunity to shadow the pro teams and receive even more valuable advice during the Pro XC Race the following day. “The chance to be up close and personal to see how a professional mountain bike racer prepares for a world class level race like the Mellow Johnny’s Classic is a once in a lifetime opportunity for athletes and coaches,” said Vance McMurry, Founding Chair of Texas High School Mountain Bike League.

“We wanted a chance to pair the young athletes up with pro riders, so they could see firsthand how the pros approach race day, hopefully learn a lot, and get some inspiration along the way,” said Mellow Johnny’s Team Coordinator, Ted Arnold. “With Suburu-Trek riders stepping up, along with Adam Craig (Rabobank-Giant) and Team Jamis Riders, the response from the pro community has been great – we’re still looking for more and expect additional team commitments.”

Held on Lance Armstrong’s Juan Pelota Ranch in Dripping Springs, TX on April 30 and May 1, the Mellow Johnny’s Spring Classic is the 4th stop on the USA Cycling Pro XCT Series. Participants can chose from two registration options. The LIVESTRONG registration option is currently open and allows participants to raise $250 or more for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, in exchange for a guaranteed race spot, access to the VIP/LIVESTRONG tent, and other special events throughout the weekend. Standard registration opens April 15 through BikeReg.com. Interested Texas High School MTB teams can contact Vance McMurry, Vance@texasmtb.org plus, interested pro teams and sponsors can contact Ted Arnold Ted@mellowjohnnys.com.  

http://www.livestrong.org/Take-Action/Team-LIVESTRONG-Events/Ride/Mellow-Classic

http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=13173