Twelve Hours of Pitch Black Singletrack

Reschedule date, September 24th.

2011-09-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Reschedule date for PBST is September 24th. This was the predetermined date that the WEM series has had posted ALL year and I need to respect that date for the series racers that have planned on it.

Please understand that rescheduling a race like this is no easy task for an event director and we apologize for any conflicts that this may create. There are no, "good" dates remaining in September and PBST needs to be completed before the WEMS Championship race in October.

If there are issues regarding the reschedule date, please e-mail me directly at cole_retzlaff@yahoo.com.

Sincerely,

Coleman Retzlaff & Collin Hagen
Race Directors

Rain Cancellation

2011-09-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks, it just can't happen today. Constant on again, off again rain expected all day. Trail is ridable but getting greasy. Without some sunshine and the continued drizzle, it's only expected to get worse. Tentative rain date for WEMS has been scheduled for 9/24.

Weather Update

2011-09-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

Weather Update for Tonight's Pitch Black Singletrack Race:

Initial reports from last night's rain are that the Cam-Rock trail system is in good condition. Cam-Rock is also known to dry out quickly.

Your safety, trail stewardship, and bringing you a great event are our top priorities.

Check back here should there be any change. As of now, the race is still on for tonight.

Heather's to feed the masses with booze and burger!

2011-09-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Heather's Bar and Grill loves both kinds of dirty bikers. She'll have the grill on late for us and will be whipping up an all you can eat breakfast in the morning (5:30a.m.)for $7.

Bring your friends and family for spectating. The Cool Front band will be playing Saturday night (no cover charge)and the deck out back overlooks the pit area and timing tent loop.

Online Registration will close at 9pm Friday night.

2011-09-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

Registering the day of the event costs you $40 for 6 & 12 hour events and $30 for the 3 hour event. Preregistering online discounts these prices by $5. Hit the registration button on the side before 9pm on Friday to recieve the discount. You might even feel like this guy when you're done.

This Years PBST Shirt

2011-08-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

Here's my lovely wife modeling this years 3/4 Sleeve Baseball Shirt. My littlest guy, Porter, is showing you his muscles. $20 for the shirts, get them while they last, we plan to sell out.

Top Ten Reasons to Race PBST this year.

2011-08-31T06:28:00.000-07:00

10. Don’t have to deal with the sun in your eyes or mid-day heat.
9. Free camping with no walk to the race course (if you have time to sleep between laps).
8. In the beam of your headlamp, it always seems like you’re riding really fast.
7. The logo looks scary and awesome at the same time.
6. Get to enter a Round-A-Bout without worrying about getting hit by a car.
5. Sunrise Lap…guaranteed epiphany and euphoria, epic and iconic, and other words used too much in mountain biking.
4. Heather’s burgers that night and an all you can eat breakfast buffet in the morning.
3. Best spectator luxury box in the whole WEM series.
2. Check point VictorBravoCharlie thumping you through mid-lap with Twinkies and bacon.
1. Pitch Black Single Track, P.B.S.T. is almost PABST………say no more! Come get your blue ribbon!

$100 Award

2011-08-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

Erik's Bike Shop has given us a $100 Gift Certificate for fastest lap. Gotta leave it all out on the trail to get this one. Go get some!

Disclaimer: Fastest lap is determined at the timing tent....not your bike computer.

Good luck!

Lights - Sorry, no rentals this year.

2011-08-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, Sigma does not have their rental program available for us this year. However, the have offered a generous 30% discount on a one time order. Use coupon code, PITCHBLACK, (all caps). Here is the store link:

Sigmas Sports Store

Sigma has also donated a bunch of cool raffle prizes again this year! Thanks Sigma!

Camping and Fires

2011-08-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Start/Finish/Pit area will be allowed to have pop-up tents and above ground fires only. Personal sleeping tents will be accomodated as space allows in the pit area. The grounds and parking lot at "Area III" are also available for family camping and should be considered "quiet areas". The day after, fire remains (ash and coals) must be disposed of in the barrel that will be provided.

Course Map

2011-08-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Here's a copy of the this year's course map. Should come in around 7 miles a lap. The course has been different evey year for PBST. We've added some new trail and changed some routings. This course is also different than what WORS just ran a few weeks ago.

Wausau 24

2011-08-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Pitch Black got its start after falling in love with the night laps during the 24 Hours of Nine Mile, now the Wausau 24. Those were always the most exciting and challenging laps of the event. If you were lucky enough to be riding a lap during sun rise you surely rode away with a feeling of clarity.

I was disappointed not to be able to ride Wausau 24 this year due to a fractured rib. However, I did pack up the family and drove up just to taste the atmosphere. There's nothing like it!

I walked around and tried to speak with as many people as possible and remind them of the dates for PBST this year. Please come check out the trails at the Battle of Cam-Rock(WORS)this weekend. Same trails but a different course will be had for PBST.

Working Through The Details

2011-06-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

We're well under way with planning the 2011 event which will be held on Labor Day weekend, Saturday 9/3. We look forward to seeing you there and bringing you another great event. For those of you that have never been to PBST, we promise a competitive race and supportive party atmosphere. I know the guys out at checkpoint VBC are cooking up some new things to keep you entertained and motivated during your lap.

I hope to have an image posted of our new shirts in the next few weeks, so check back and buy ahead of time, we ran out last year.

Thank You For a Great Night of Racing!

2010-09-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Viking Biking Club and Capital Off Road Pathfinders would like to extend a very large thank you to everyone that participated in this years event! We had a great night and saw some great racing.

Results are at:
wemseries.com/results.html

Pictures by Peloton-Pix can be seen here:
http://www.peloton-pix.com/

A special thank you to all of our sponsors:

Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series
Hammer Nutrition
Sigma Lights
Up Hill Grind - Bikes & Coffee, Crossplains
Sweet Ride Bike and Board, Mt. Horeb
Budget Bicycle, Madison
WORBA - Mountain Bike Patrol
Heather's Bar and Grill

Registration On-Line

2010-09-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

Please register on line at zapevent.com. You can click the registration button on right and it will take you there.

WEMS instituted a $5 discount by preregistering within 7 days of the event (by paper)or by registering online.

Mosquitoes and other helpful hints

2010-09-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

We will be spraying the pit/start/finish area before everyone arrives to help knock down the mosquito population. Please be advised to show up with a good repellant.

Last year a lot of people were also suprised at how wet their feet got. Make sure you bring several change of socks. Consider getting out your cold weather neoprene booties to keep your toes dry. You'll be glad you brought them.

Last day to order rental lights from Sigma!

2010-09-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

Today, Wendesday 9/1, will be the last day that you can place a light rental order and expect to recieve it by race day. This is a pretty loose statement. For specific delivery times, I'd confirm with Sigma directly.

Check Point Victor Bravo Charlie

2010-08-31T12:06:00.000-07:00

It was always a welcome sight during 24/9 and the Wausau 24; check point Victor Bravo Charlie (viking biking club)carries on the tradition with the staples to see everyone through an all night event. The stereo will be pumping and the party raging to help push you through the lap. Feel free to stop and share in the good time or rip off a wheelie to impress the girls! Watch out for the voodoo skulls....and I keep hearing something about a disco ball??

4th Post Today? Things must be coming together!

2010-08-31T10:35:00.001-07:00

Shirts are in! I'm no model so I can't do these threads justice. Ring spun cotton=super soft. Get them while they're available, $20. You can secure yours when you register on-line or role the dice with your walk up registration.

We'll also have some of last years Sweat-Vac performance shirts available the day of the event.

Sigma Lights - Rentals and Raffle Prizes

2010-08-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

Sigma continues to be a great sponsor of our event. If you need a light, they've got a great rental program with a buy out option. Great deal! Just click on the Sigma logo down the page on the right. This will take you right to the rental page.

They've just contacted me to say they're going to be shipping me a couple of Karma light systems and some micro lights to raffle off.

These Karmas are little beauties. This is what I ride with.

Elevation Profile

2010-08-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a look at the elevation profile of this year's course. Thanks Dave!

Up Hill Grind to support PBST

2010-08-31T06:07:00.000-07:00

More great news from Uphill Grind! Not only are they brining us 8+ gallons of hot and iced coffee but they've also kicked in some raffle prizes. Two Continental Explorer ProTection tires and a Deuter Hydration Pack.

Uphill Grind will be performing mechanical support for the duration of the event. Please come see them if you need adjustment.

Word is they will also have some extra gear, so if you find yourself cold or with wet feet they may be able to bail you out at a reasonable cost.

Above Ground Fire Pits Allowed

2010-08-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

We will be allowed to have above ground fire pits like the one shown above. If you bring one, you must place the coals in the barrel provide the following morning. Do not dump them in the grass or along the creek bank. Last year it got pretty cold and the few fires we had were welcome. Bring some good wood too so we don't smoke out the valley.

Lights and Breakfast

2010-08-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Question came up about required lights.

Standard requirement of a minimum 10 watt head light. Do not attempt to ride this event with a commuter light. Rear (red) light is not required but encouraged.

Breakfast? Yes, for those of you that haven't been to this event, the pit area is in the back yard of Heather's Bar and Grill. Just for us, she's going to put on a $6 all you can eat breakfast starting at 6a.m. Last year this included eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, biscuits/gravy, fresh fruit, and sweet rolls. Sooooo good!

Added Trail and Changes in Direction

2010-07-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

So here is the tentative course for 2010. Some changes over last year with MORE single track and for those of you familiar with Cam-Rock it will all be raced in the correct direction. Last year we had to run some of the trail in reverse. I'm most excited about an addition called the "Outback" which has some very fun berm sections. It is labeled "expert" because C.O.R.P. has been working on placing elevated features in this section on trail. These of course will be taped off as necessary. This trail doesn't drain well, so lets hope it stays dry or we'll have to opt around it.

Light Rentals & Charging station

2010-07-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Sigma Lights will again be sponsoring Pitch Black. They've got a great deal on a great light. I own one of these myself. Perfect opportunity for a one time night race! Rental cost is $40 plus a $85 deposit. Deposit refunded when light is returned. Shipping to and from your house is FREE! Just click their logo on the menu to the right.

If you like the light, keep it, and you've saved yourself $25 under retail.

We will again supply a neutral charging station for this years event. Last year we had some issues with converters taking up too many postions on the power strips. To solve that, I've wired up about 40 seperate wire harnesses so everyone will have their own plug. It might look ugly but there is sure to be an open plug for you.

Please put your name and phone number on your equipement. The charging station is not managed and leaving your equipment will be at your own risk.

On-line Registration Open

2010-07-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

On-line registration is now open.

Go to:

www.pitchblacksingletrack.zapevent.com

or

Click the registration tag on the right side of the page under "Guidelines and Registration Information."

Uphill Grind -Mechanical Support, Coffee and Gear

2010-07-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

We're excited to have Michael Osborne and his crew from Uphill Grind Bicycle and Coffee Shop to assist with mechanical support this year. They had a team that raced last year and had so much fun they thought they'd just bring the whole shop. They'll be prepared to handle any adjustments or that tube/tire change you might need during the race. Oh, and they're bringing coffee too!

The Pitch is Back!

2010-01-30T13:31:00.000-08:00

2nd Annual Pitch Black Singletrack. A Labor Day tradition of darkness and punishment. September 4th & 5th, 2010.

Great Racing!

2009-09-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

What a race! Thank you to all that participated and kept this party rolling all night. A big thank you to our sponsors: Hammer Nutrition, Sigma Lights, Sweat Vac Shirts, B & B with A & D (Bikes and Beer with Ana and Devon), and Heather’s Bar and Grill.

We exceeded our goal with a total of 77 riders! Not too bad for a first year event. It was great to hear how happy people were to find such a good variety of challenging single track that many didn’t know was even there. Spread the word about the great riding available at Cam-Rock!

A big thank you to Josh Henry for setting up the rock’n checkpoint Victor Bravo Charlie. Did everyone appreciate the jamm’n tunes, twinkies, bon fire, fright fest décor, and some mid-lap cheering?

We still have shirts left, so if you didn’t get a chance to buy one and would like to now, please let me know.

Many people took the time to come out and take pictures, so check’m out:

Peloton-Pix

Garret Kipp

DJ Scoot Train

Krad

All timing results:

WEMS Results

Please send any comments you may have good, bad, or otherwise to cole_retzlaff@yahoo.com

What's that? You didn't register in time?

2009-09-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

No worries. We WILL accept walk up registrations for the race tomorrow night. Registration opens at 5pm.

Not feeling up to racing or holding on to that excuse of not having any lights? No worries. Come out and cheer on some fellow riders from the deck of Heather's bar. Stick around for awards and some raffle prizes ($1 each) from Hammer, Sigma Lights, and 6 packs of good brew donated from "B&B with A&D".

We've also got a plan to throw up a screen and play some "bike porn" (downhill, free ride, and dirt jump movies). The guaranteed inspiration for these riders to keep it up all night.

Checkpoint Victor Bravo Charlie: There will now be a beverage & Twinkie stop between the back woods sections sponsored by Josh Henry, one of the Viking Biking Club's illustrious members. He'll have a campfire roaring and some metal tunes to help keep you pumped up for the second half of your lap. Watch out for the skulls and bats. There may be a sacrafice somewhere along the way...it is going to be a full moon. OOOOOOWWWWWWWW!

Probably the last day to order a light rental!

2009-09-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

This is probably the last day you can get away with ordering a light rental from Sigma. If you are interested, just click on the Sigma logo on the right when you scroll down. Nice light and a great buy-out option. More details in posts below.

I might suggest calling them to confirm delivery time to your location. 888-744-6277

Don't forget our sweet Sweat Vac shirts for sale. You can order yours during on-line registration for $20. They'll be $25 the day of the event though.

2009-08-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

Detour Road Contruction! The main bridge in Rockdale is being replaced. So don’t try to come in on Hwy 73 without expecting a detour. Easiest route from all points is to come into Rockdale from Cambridge on Cty B/Spring St. Ignore all road closed signs from this point (road isn't closed until the Rockdale bridge).

Here is a picture of the pit area between Heather’s and the Koshkonong Creek. Heather’s will keep the grill on for anyone that wants food until 1 a.m. She’s also offered to have an all you can eat breakfast available at 6 a.m. (Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Hashbrowns, Danish, Biscuits’n’Gravy, Fresh Fruit, Coffee, and Juice). She’s got a really nice deck overlooking the race for the 3 and 6 hour guys to enjoy a cold one after you’re done. Horseshoe pits will be lit up as well.

Need Camping? As I’ve mentioned before, the park at Area#3 is ok to tent on, but it is quite a hike from the Start/Finish. Chuck Hutchins (former mayor of Rockdale and the Cam-Rock Trail Boss) has offered his spacious yard to anyone that may have family along or would like to camp overnight. He’s got a nice fire pit too. Chuck’s house is only 1 block away from the event and is easy access. Just ask at registration.

We’d like to thank Sigma again for their on-line rental program. They’ve given us a nice selection of commuter lights to raffle off also. Hammer has long been a WEM series sponsor and also has provided us some product to raffle off. Lastly Bikes and Beer with Ana & Devon, a group of really good friends from Madison that put on a weekly ride have also donated a nice selection of 6-paks we will raffle off. Cheer Devon on as he hammers out his second 12 hour solo of the year.

Parking- Parking will be available on the main drag of Rockdale, side streets, and Area #3. Please leave Heather's main parking lot open to patrons.

Day of registration and packet pick up will open at 5p.m. On-line registration will close on 9/2 at Midnight.

Updates

2009-08-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

We're getting close to race date and some folks are beginning to post some questions. So let me try and address them for everyone and I will update info as it develops.

1.Registration Questions:
-Online registration has been a great tool for both riders and event coordinators. I strongly encourage you to experience the convenience.
- For those registering multiple riders, you can all register at once with a single payment. Once you have completed the information section for the first rider there is a "register another activity or person" click this and proceed with informaiton on your next ride
OR
- You may each register individually and pay individually. I will be able to put you together based upon the event you are registered for and your team name.
- On-line registration will close at midnight 9/2. If you decide to participate after that, you may complete the paper forms and register the day of the event.
- Day of registration will open at 5:30pm.

2.Event Location, Camping, Fires:
- Start/Finish/Pit areas will all be located in the yard behind Heather's Bar & Grill in Rockdale, 222 Water St. Heather's will have food and drink available during business hours and has a really nice deck for spectators that will overlook all of our activities.
- We will attempt to lay out the pit area into specified lots. You may pitch a tent if people want to sleep.
- We have also reserved the use of "Area #3" which has a large parking lot, shelter, and lots of green space. If people want to pitch a tent there, they are welcome as well. However, it is a couple hundred yards travel from Area #3 to the Start/Finish. Riders must enter and leave the course in the Start/Finish area.
- Dane County Park has ok'd for us to allow fires ONLY if they are in an existing fire ring or in an elevated pan/ring off of the ground. If you do have a camp fire, the coals and ashes must be disposed of in the metal barrel we will provide.

3. Course Information:
- The course has come together nicely and should provide something for everyone. If there is one thing I have to say about this course is that it is a mixed bag. Wooded climbs, flowy prairie, some short open double track to pass on, minor technical obstacles, fast downhill, and a nice berm section reminiscent of a pump track called "The Rip'n'Ride".
- Course length is somewhere in the 6-7 mile range with elevation gain of 600 ft. per lap.
-Here is my best at a map for you. Thanks to the Fat Tire Guide guys for putting out a new map this year.

4. Lights:
- We will provide a neutral charging station for the event. This will be an unmanned location and trust the honor system. Please mark/label all of your batteries to avoid any confusion.
-If you plan to rent a Sigma light through the offer they are providing, please be aware that you have to rent on-line from Sigma's rental store. Just click on their logo in the side bar and it will take you there. There will be NO rental light available at the event.
- Sigma is giving a great deal for rental or to purchase after you've had a chance to try it out. Additional batteries are also available for rent.

Need Lights?

2009-06-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to announce Sigma Lights as a sponsor of Pitch Black Singletrack. Sigma has opened up an on-line rental program to help anyone that might need a light to compete in this event. I personally used this on-line rental program last year. I loved the light so much that I bought it. REI retails this light for $159. Here you have a buy out option, once you’ve used it and discover how much you like it, for $125. Here are the details:

Karma High Power LED Rental System
·The rental cost is $40 + $85 deposit,which includes shipping both ways (Sigma will include the return label).
·Light must be returned within 10 days of receiving it.
·$85 will be refunded to your card upon return.
·You can keep the Karma lighting system, just let Sigma know! It's yours for $125!
($40 renal fee + $85 deposit = $125, there an no additional costs!)

Rental System includes:
·Karma Lamp
·Lithium Ion battery
·2.5 hour charger
·Handlebar mount
·Helmet mount
·Extension cable
·Instructions

Paste this link into your navigation bar or click on the Sigma logo in our sponsor listing below:
http://stores.sigmasportstore.com/Detail.bok?no=96

On Line Registration Now Open

2009-05-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to offer everyone on-line registration for PBST! Please visit www.pitchblacksingletrack.zapevent.com or the link in the side bar to the right to register.

We've got a sweet performance race shirt from SweatVac with the shown logo designed for us by Thomas Baker. Shirts are available for order while registering. Don't miss out! They'll be more expensive come race day.

CORP has been working hard putting in some new trail to help finalize our course and word is that there will be a bridge over the Koshkonong Creek that could very well bring the race right into the back yard of Heather's Bar & Grill.

More info to come as it develops.....

The Newest Addition to the Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series

2008-12-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

The Capital Off-Road Pathfinders and The Viking Biking Club are proud to present the newest spin to the Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series. The Twelve Hours of Pitch Black Singletrack will be held at Cam-Rock County Park, Rockdale, WI on September 4th, 2009 and finish the following day. Mass start for all classes at 8p.m. with finish times as follows: 11 p.m. (3 hr.), 2 a.m. (6 hr.) and 8 a.m. (12 hr.) for the crazies that are tough enough to last ALL NIGHT LONG!

So, grab your rig, charge your lights and challenge your friends for bragging rights!