By Charlie Unkefer
Some seasoned mountain bike veterans spoke highly of the course used for the first Shastarama Mountain Bike Competition this past weekend at the Mt. Shasta Ski Park.
The event attracted 180 competitors and some 200 spectators for two days of exciting competition punctuated by music, camping and other fun activities.
Built by Redding-based riders Travis Hill, Andrew Pellkofer, Brandon Weekley and Chad Mitchell, the course featured a 25 foot road gap and several terrain features such as the “pipe dragon” and “the wave.”
Some of the racers at Mt. Shasta also compete in the Bigfoot Series, which includes 40 events.
“It was technical and pedally,” said Ely Harris of South Lake Tahoe, grinning from ear to ear. “It started smooth and flowy, but then you got thrown into some loose and rocky terrain, which got technical real fast. In the end, it was a pedal-fest to the finish line.” 
Sarah Homes of the North Star Bike Patrol said, “It was super fun!” and noted she would definitely be back for more.
“The event has been laid back but full,” said Ski Park public relations manager Jim Mullins, noting that he felt that a subsequent event would, most likely, draw an even bigger crowd. 
Ski Park operations manager Richard Coots, who was involved in the construction of both event courses, said many of the riders commented on the course’s technical features and expressed their enthusiasm for the event in general. 
Styles Larsen of the Mt. Shasta Base Camp, a main sponsor of Shastarama, added that the live music provided by the Sundown Poachers, Brookside Bodega and Stereotype was a great addition and created a festive atmosphere.
Also contributing to the festivities was the Lost Coast Brewing Company and other event sponsors including Berryvale Natural Foods, Dragon Graphics, Z-Rock, Team Bigfoot, Giant, Soul Connections, The Woodsman Inn, Red Bull, Seven Suns, Noah’s Ark, Mountain Song, Ray’s, Sportsmen’s Den, Park’s Custom Off Road Vehicles, Wilmerding Chiropractic, Chris & Dena’s Deli, Mt Shasta Ink, the Tree House Inn, Mt Shasta Supermarket, and Helmet Cam Central.
For more information about the Bigfoot Mountain Bike Series and to check race results, visit teambigfoot.net.