Jeep 48straight part II: Race Two of the Jeep 48Straight Mountain Bike Series takes place September 19-20 at The Canyons in Park City, Utah. Californians Cody Warren and Kathy Pruitt, who each pulled shocking upsets to grab titles at Race One in New Jersey, will no longer have the element of surprise working for them. And the field has grown much deeper for Utah, as top racers from the U.S. and abroad battle for a share of the $100,000-plus season cash purse.
 
Among the notables in the men's bracket include U.S. National Champions Eric Carter and Rich Houseman, as well as U.S. Junior Champ J.D. Swanguen of San Diego. Also in the mix from the American contingent are Kyle Strait of Redlands, CA, and Cam Zink of Costa Mesa, CA. No one will be overlooking local favorite Chris Van Dine of Park City, a rider with over 20 titles spanning all disciplines of mountain bike racing. The foreign contingent is equally as daunting, with commitments to attend from Great Britain’s Steve Peat, Australia’s Nathan Rennie and South Africa’s 2008 World Cup Champion Greg Minnaar.
 
On the women's side, Kathy Pruitt will have her work cut out for her as well. Her opposition is led by reigning World Champion and U.S. National Champion Melissa Buhl of Chandler, AZ, and Great Britain's Fionn Griffiths.
 
Jeep 48STRAIGHT will hold an Open Qualifier in Utah for local professionals and semipro's, capped at 75 men and 25 women, Friday, September. 19. Additional details can be found at www.48Straight.com.
 
Also of note for cycling fans is the addition of the 48STRAIGHT Cyclocross, presented by Scott USA, to the schedule. There will be two categories of racing, including the more advanced Group A with a 60 minute race and $400 guaranteed cash payout, and the more recreational Group B, with a 45 minute race and $250 guaranteed cash payout.
 
Off the dirt, the activities at Jeep 48Straight include the Sponsor Expo, with great free gear from Jeep, Paul Mitchell, Trikke, Michelin and Rossignol. A Green Your Scene Eco-Festival offers educational and interactive features designed to raise environmental awareness and provide local level solutions. Wrapping up the event will be a free concert by Oakland, CA indie-band, Rogue Wave.
 
Full event information, including dates, times, and locations, as well as registration for the cycling competitions, may be found by hitting www.48Straight.com.