Norba National promoter Team Big Bear along with title sponsor Sho-Air International are hosting the first ever multiday U.S. mountain bike stage race. Patterned off such legendary events such as the Cape Epic, TransAlps and the Baja Epic, the Trans Brian Head is scheduled for August 21-24, 2008.

Each stage is based around the town of Brian Head, allowing competitors intown amenities and crew setup. Tentative right now is a Stage 1 loop of 60 miles, culminating in 30-plus miles of legendary singletrack along the Virgin River Rim Trail. Stage 2 is planned to be 70 miles, with Stage 3 and 4 respectively coming in at 60 and 50 miles. "It's going to be huge," says Team Big Bear's Tom Spiegel.

"I've wanted to be the first to do this in America after racing La Ruta myself a few years back. Mountain bike stage races are the biggest thing right now. I wouldn't be surprised to see a good 400 competitors at the inaugural event." Anyone interested in coming onboard as a Trans Brian Head sponsor, or is interested in getting involved, contact Tom Spiegel at teambigbear@aol.com.