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WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC – “Going into this race, one of our goals is to win it together,” said Philicia Marion in a January interview. “How awesome it would be if we could win both titles in the same year,” added Robert Marion. Today, their goal became reality as the nationally-ranked cyclocross team from Mount Airy, NC, pushed to victory at the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship.

"It's just amazing. It's unreal," said Philicia, with a tear in her eye following today's double victory. "I'm so proud of Robert – and me too."

The 5th annual US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship, the largest fat bike beach race in the nation, attracted bikers from ten states, including North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Tennessee. Presented by Alpha Mortgage, activities and races were based at host hotel Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach.

"It was tough out there today – the toughest but most rewarding Fat Bike Beach Championship so far," said Robert Marion. "At first I thought the course might be easier, but the sand, especially down by the water was a very tough grind."

"The wind was blowing in the opposite direction this year," added Philicia Marion. "So, where we had a little break last year, we were just going into the wind with no break – no rest."

Aside from a steady stream of NW wind gusts of 10-15 mph during the elite race, weather conditions were ideal, with sunny skies, temps in mid-60s, and very low humidity.

"I knew from last year's race, and by racing Philicia in cyclocross this past season, where her performance level is," said 2017 title-holder and today's women's elite runner up, Zoe Worsham of Raleigh. "She has worked a lot in the past year and a half. I knew that her performance level is so much higher than anybody else."

"It was harder than last year – the sand was much softer," said John Overton, today's runner up in the elite men's division and 2018 elite champion. "We didn't have mats in the turns this year and you really had to finesse it. If you had speed going into the turns you had to definitely slow down. I crashed at least three times."

Top five winners in each division:

(see link below for ALL finishers and age group winners)

Super Fat 2-hour Elite Race - Men's Division

Robert Marion, Mount Airy, NC

John Overton, Wilmington, NC

Nima Ebrahimnejad, Wilmington, NC

Neil Bray, Camp Lejeune, NC

Dariusz Tyborowski, Zebulon, NC

Super Fat 2-hour Elite Race - Women's Division

Philicia Marion, Mount Airy, NC

Zdenka Zoe Worsham, Raleigh, NC

Kim Bishop, Kingsport, TN

Jesse Piersol, Downington, PA

Maria Florian, Wilmington, NC

Really Fat 1.5-hour Intermediate Race – Men's Division

Bill Sessoms, Wilmington, NC

Adam Knierim, Hampstead, NC

Jeremy Cavenaugh, Castle Hayne, NC

Tom Verellen, High Point, NC

Ed Stilley, Wilmington, NC

Really Fat 1.5-hour Intermediate Race – Women's Division

Missy Grant, Wake Forest, NC

Deborah Hage, Cary, NC

Suzanne Tulsey, Oak Island, NC

Fat 1-hour Race – Men's Division

Peter Perry, Wilmington, NC

Lonnie Brooks, Raleigh, NC

Todd Bartholomew, Wilmington, NC

Kevin Charron, Waxhaw, NC

Christopher Garrett, Pleasant Valley, NY

Fat 1-hour Race – Women's Division

Nadine Petruccelli, Frisco, NC

Stacey Vaughan, Myrtle Beach, SC

Mary Gheen, Castle Hayne, NC

Mary Haley, Virginia Beach, VA

Margaret Pierson, Wrightsville Beach, NC

The US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship will benefit the Wrightsville Beach Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public parks and amenities.

Contact:

Shawn Spencer, Race Director

910-256-2545

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC – Weather conditions are ideal for this weekend's Fat Bike Beach Championship in Wrightsville Beach. Saturday's race day forecast calls for sunny skies with temperatures topping in the mid-60s. Chance of rain is near zero percent with winds predominately from the NW at 5 to 10 mph.

"All systems are go," said race director Shawn Spencer. "I did some beach recon on Sunday and the sands have shifted. This will be one of the most challenging courses to date."  

The 5th annual US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship, presented by Alpha Mortgage, will be held March 22-24 (2019) with activities and races based at host hotel Blockade Runner in Wrightsville Beach. Early registration has attracted bikers from ten states, including North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Tennessee.

"My words of wisdom would be for the racers to eat their Wheaties," said 2017 women's Elite Champion Zoe Worsham. "They're not going to be building sand castles on the beach, they'll be praying for the race to be over, but once they cross the finish line, they'll be so ready to do it all over again because it's such a unique experience."

Already the largest fat bike beach race on the East coast and named one of 2018's Top-20 festivals and events in the Southeast, a deep and growing lineup of athletes have registered to compete in 2019. These include the following returning champions:

Super Fat 2-hour Elite Race

John Overton, 2018 Men's Champion, Wilmington, NC

Robert Marion, 2016 Champion, Mount Airy, NC

Philicia Marion, 2018 Women's Champion, Mount Airy, NC

Zdenka ‘Zoe’ Worsham, 2017 Women's Champion, Raleigh, NC

Jesse Piersol, 2016 Women's Champion, Downington, PA

Really Fat 1.5-hour Intermediate Race

Ed Stilley, 2018 and 2017 Men's Champion, Wilmington, NC

Terry Slack, 2016 Men's Champion, Hope Mills, NC

Bill Sessoms, 2015 Men's Champion, Wilmington, NC

Kim Bishop, 2018 Women's Champion, Kingsport, TN

Philicia Marion, 2016 Women's Champion, Mount Airy, NC

Fat 1-hour Race

Matt Smith, 2018 Men's Champion, Southport, NC

The competition will be intense in all races, especially the two-hour elite race.

“It’s just hard,” said Spencer. “The elite race requires conditioning beyond any other type of sport, plus the mental fortitude not to quit regardless of your suffering.”

“Athletes check-in Friday at Blockade Runner Resort to inspect the race conditions,” said Shawn Spencer, Race Director and owner of Bike Cycles. “Saturday there will be a bike expo on the beach-side lawn before and after the races, followed by the awards ceremony. Competition includes a two-hour elite race; a 90-minute intermediate event; and a 60-minute race for beginners. Popular obstacles will be on the course this year with fresh surprises to challenge the bikers.”

Sunday features an optional 18-mile social bike ride on the beach from Fort Fisher to Bald Head Island and back.

To accommodate the growth in the number of race participants, Spencer plans to have two race times, segmenting the elite category from the intermediate and beginner groups, limiting each wave to 100-bikers.

 “The elite racers will have the track alone for the first time,” said Spencer. “The elite, intermediate and beginner races will be more exciting with less congestion on the track.”

The field of women in the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship has increased from near zero to 21-percent over the past four years.

The US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship will benefit the Wrightsville Beach Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public parks and amenities.

Race day is approaching FAST!  This coming Saturday is the day!  The beach is calling and we are going to make sure the course is fun.   Bring your "A" game because according to reports and first hand testing the sand is a bit fluffy this year.   Low PSI in your tires may offer the best, most efficient rolling as a majority of the course will be in the thicker sand. 
    
The temps are expected to be in the mid 60's to low 70's and sunny.  Sunscreen will be welcome.   The water is around 58 degrees and the wind is expected to be light out of the North East.  This will give a cooling breeze to those racing.  

We want to remind racers that the course is open to pedestrian traffic and walkers on the beach have right-of-way.   Be aware of any people on the beach and please be courteous to them and each other.  

Teams will have a "transition" area set up near the finish line where they will be able to assemble and trade out team members.  Teams will be allowed to swap out racers as often or little as they wish.
     
At packet pick-up you will be given a timing chip that is to be worn on your left ankle as the race will be chip timed.  At finish line there will be a person collecting chips.  Please return your chip to avoid a $35 charge. You will also receive a ticket for one buffet style finger food at Waterman's Brewery for Saturday night.  You may also order off the menu at normal pricing during the after party.  

Friday:
Packet pick-up 5:45-6:45pm 
Social and raffle 7:00-8:00pm
Where :Blockade Runner NightHawk Room (enter front lobby, take three steps, turn right and take a few more steps and look left)

Saturday:
Packet pick-up 10:30-1:00pm
Where: Blockade Runner NightHawk Room (enter front lobby, take three steps, turn right and take a few more steps and look left)

    Low tide is at 4:15pm

   2 hour racers will start at 1:00pm
   1.5 hour racers will start at 3:05 ish pm
   1 hour racers will start at 3:35 ish pm
    
Saturday NIGHT:
After Party- Waterman's Brewing Ohana Room 6:00pm- until....

Sunday:
1:00-4:00pm
Optional free Group adventure ride from Fort Fisher to Bald Head Island and back. The drive to the start of this adventure is about 45 minutes from Wrightsville Beach.  Bring your own food, water, clothes and bike. No drop type ride that is 18 miles round trip led by Bike Cycles staff.

Awards will go to the fastest Female and the fastest Male in the 2 hour race, then the top three in each age group for the 2 hour, 1.5 hour and 1 hour.  The top team will also be recognized.     (The top male and female from the 2 hour will be removed from the age group awards) 
     
We noticed several people have not chosen a T Shirt size.  If you want a T shirt, please be sure to log in to your registration and ensure you picked the correct size shirt while supplies last!

There will be several sponsors set up on and around the course.  PLEASE BE SURE TO THANK THEM WHEN YOU SEE THEM!

Alpha Mortgage,  Presenting Sponsor and a great group of People.
Blockade Runner Resort, With us from Day 1 and a great place to stay.
Bike Cycles, Your source for anything bicycle related, will ship to you!
Waterman's Brewery, GREAT Friend of the race and afterparty location.
ACT Construction, Supplier of sweet construction equipment.
Crank Arm Brewery, Supplier of fantastic beer and fast racers.
Cora Physical Therapy, Fantastic PT group located near Wrightsville Beach.
Bike Jacket, for the protection of your bike when traveling.
Shimano, the ultimate drive train for your bike.
Specialized, another Day 1 supporter and friend of the race.
AT&T, a great provider of fiber optic communication on Wrightsville Beach
Epic Food Co., A local family owned fantastic restaurant.
Carolina Marine Terminal, With the race from day 1!

Also, don't forget the limited edition US Open hats are available for purchase here.   Only a few left!

Be sure to follow us on IG and FB for the latest updates.... mainly IG :)

Thanks again and see you Saturday!

Shawn Spencer

Prior notes to remember:

1.  *Parking meters will be in effect on race day.  There is ample parking along Waynick and South Lumina on race day (starting March 1).  The easiest way to pay for the day, $17.00,  is by using this service Pay by Phone.  

*Parking at the Blockade Runner Resort is only for guests who are registered at the resort.  

2.  There are several great restaurants in our area for a pre-race lunch.  Waterman's Brewing Company is our sponsor and has an outstanding menu! They are also the space for our after party Saturday Night 7-9pm.

3.  When you are warming up or pre-riding on the beach please keep in mind that walkers and beach goers have right of way.  Be kind and be courteous.  Riding on or near vegetation is highly illegal and can lead to a fine.  Using the path ways to the beach from the road are fine, but don't ride over vegetation.

Again, thank you for supporting the 5th Annual US Open Fat Bike Beach Championships and showing the world that Hurricane Florence did not wipe us off the map!

See you soon,

Shawn Spencer

Contact:

Shawn Spencer, Race Director

910-256-2545

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC – Robert “Fear the Beard” Marion captured the men’s elite title in the 2016 US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship. Two years later, Philicia Marion pushed to victory and earned the elite title in the women’s division. This year, the husband-wife professional biking team from Mount Airy, NC aim to carry the day and secure both titles.

“How awesome would it be if we could win both titles in the same year?” said Robert Marion, who has worked his way back into the top-ranks of cyclocross and mountain biking following a serious injury in 2017. “There will be a lot of really strong guys and ladies showing up for this race, but that’s what we’re shooting for.”

“Going into this race, one of our goals is to win it together,” added Philicia Marion, a top mountain biker in the region and ranked in the top 30 nationally in cyclocross. “Hopefully, we can make both titles go our way this year.”

The 5th annual US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship, presented by Alpha Mortgage, will be held March 22-24 with activities and races based at host hotel Blockade Runner in Wrightsville Beach. Early registration has attracted bikers from nine states, including North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

“Athletes check-in Friday at Blockade Runner to inspect the race conditions,” said Shawn Spencer, Race Director and owner of Bike Cycles. “Saturday there will be a bike expo on the beach-side lawn before and after the races, followed by the awards ceremony. Competition includes a two-hour elite race; a 90-minute intermediate event; and a 60-minute race for beginners. Popular obstacles will be on the course this year with fresh surprises to challenge the bikers.”

The competition will be intense in all races, especially the two-hour elite race.

“It’s just hard,” said Spencer. “The elite race requires conditioning beyond any other type of sport, plus the mental fortitude not to quit regardless of your suffering.”

Sunday features an optional 18-mile social bike ride on the beach from Fort Fisher to Bald Head Island and back.

With a deep lineup of competitors in the elite 2-hour event, racers to watch include past elite champions John Overton of Wilmington (2018), Zdenka ‘Zoe’ Worsham of Raleigh (2017), and Jesse Piersol of Downington, PA (2016).

(see photo gallery below)

Returning champions in the 1.5-hour intermediate category include two-time winner Ed Stilley of Wilmington (2017-18) and Terry Slack of Hope Mills (2016). Matt Smith of Southport, past-champion in the 1-hour beginner division (2018) has signed up for this year’s 1.5-hour intermediate race.

(see photo gallery below)

Already the largest fat bike beach race on the East coast and named one of the Top-20 festivals and events in 2018 by the Southeast Tourism Society, the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship may double in size in 2019.

“For the past two years the race has been limited to 100-participants,” said Spencer. “We’re expecting a larger field in 2019 and have raised the cap to two hundred.”

To accommodate the increase, Spencer plans to have two race times, segmenting the elite category from the intermediate and beginner groups, limiting each wave to 100-bikers.

 “The elite racers will have the track alone for the first time,” said Spencer. “The elite, intermediate and beginner races will be more exciting with less congestion on the track.”

The field of women in the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship has increased from near zero to sixteen-percent over the past four years. The growth rate is expected to continue in 2019. 

The US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship will benefit the Wrightsville Beach Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public parks and amenities.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC – Already the largest fat bike beach race on the East coast and named one of the Top-20 festivals and events in 2018 by the Southeast Tourism Society, the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship may double in size in 2019.

“For the past two years the race has been limited to 100-participants,” said Shawn Spencer, Race Director. “We’re expecting a larger field in 2019 and had to raise the cap to two hundred.”

To accommodate the increase, Spencer plans to have two race times, segmenting the elite category from the intermediate and beginner groups, limiting each race to 100-bikers. “The elite racers will have the track alone for the first time,” said Spencer. “The elite, intermediate and beginner races will be more exciting with less congestion on the track.”

The 5th annual US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship will be held March 22-24, 2019, with activities and races based at host hotel Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach. Blockade Runner is expected to reopen in early Spring following extensive repairs due to damages from Hurricane Florence.

“We’ll have some cash prizes this year thanks to our presenting sponsor Alpha Mortgage,” said Spencer. “This will attract a higher number of elite racers.”

“The elite race requires conditioning beyond any other type of sport, plus the mental fortitude not to quit regardless of your suffering. It’s just hard,” said Spencer. “Skill is also needed to manage a fat bike through obstacles and tough terrain.”

“With two months to go, we already have 73 bikers signed up for the races,” said Spencer. “These athletes represent 39 communities in seven states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.” Spencer expects a full slate of 200 bikers in 2019, and is awaiting registrations from Georgia, Florida, Michigan, and California.

“The return of the last three champions is creating excitement surrounding the 2019 women’s elite race,” said Spencer. Mount Airy’s Philicia Marion (Cycleworks Xpedo Professional Mountain Bike Team presented by Vittoria), will defend her 2018 championship against 2017 winner Zdenka ‘Zoe’ Worsham (Crank Arm Brewing Professional Team of Raleigh), and 2016 champ and “fat bike aficionado” Jesse Piersol of Downington, PA.

The field of women in the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship has increased from near zero to sixteen-percent over the past four years. The growth rate is expected to continue in 2019. 

The competition will be equally fierce in the men’s division with a deep lineup of elite bikers seeking the top-spot. A top contender to watch is 2016 champion Robert “Fear the Beard” Marion of Mount Airy (Cycleworks Xpedo Professional Mountain Bike Team), recovering from a 2017 bike injury.

“Athletes check-in Friday at Blockade Runner Beach Resort to inspect the race conditions,” said Spencer. “Saturday there will be a bike expo on the beach lawn before and after the races, followed by the awards ceremony. Competition includes a two-hour elite race; a 90-minute intermediate event; and a 60-minute race for beginners. Popular obstacles will be on the course this year with fresh surprises to challenge the bikers.”

Sunday features an optional 18-mile social bike ride on the beach from Fort Fisher to Bald Head Island and back.

“It’s amazing and very exciting to see so many people coming together to support the races and our community following Hurricane Florence. We are very grateful,” said Spencer.

The US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship will benefit the Wrightsville Beach Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public parks and amenities for residents and the island’s many visitors each year.

Contact:

Shawn Spencer, Race Director

910-256-2545

Robert B Butler, Communications | PR

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC – Racers from ten states battled for titles in three-divisions at the 4th annual US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Philicia Marion of Mount Airy and John Overton of Wilmington won the female and male championships in the elite super-fat division.

“Today was a lot of fun, and I’ve been looking forward to this race since last year,” said Marion. “I came in second place in 2017 and didn’t like the way that felt. So, I’ve been working hard hoping I could take the title.” Today, Marion won the elite women’s title in her third consecutive appearance.

John Overton, finishing fifth last year captured the top spot in 2018. “Last year the course was really technical,” said Overton. “It wasn’t as technical today. So you could power through, set the throttle and try to keep it there for the two hours, and this course allowed for that.”

“The dredge pipe [36-inches] was cool,” said Overton. “That added a different element. We crossed the pipes four times on every lap [32-laps for Overton]. A unique experience you’re probably not going to find that anywhere else.”

Marion agreed. “I loved the course. It was fun and a lot faster than last year; less technical and more pedal power.” The field, limited to 100-racers, was completely booked.

Both Marion and Overton powered ahead of the pack finishing with comfortable leads. Zoe Worsham of Raleigh, the elite women’s champion in 2017, came in second place. Ed Stilley of Wilmington captured his second consecutive title in the men’s intermediate really-fat division.

“We had great weather; the wind was lighter; it never got too hot, so you weren’t overworked on the course,” said Overton. “The sand seemed fairly forgiving and you could take some speed through the corners. You could push it pretty hard, and the course setup was awesome.”

The start and finish lines for the 4th annual US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship were located beachside at Blockade Runner Beach Resort. The Championship will benefit the Wrightsville Beach Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public parks and amenities for residents and the island’s thousands of visitors each year.

Race results:

2-hour Elite Super Fat Race - Overall

Men's division

1. John Overton, Wilmington, NC

2. Barney Baxter, Raleigh, NC

3. Benjamin Brown, Wilmington, NC

4. Dariusz Tyborowski, Zebulon, NC

5. Matthew Wistoff, Wrightsville Beach, NC

Women's division

1. Philicia Marion, Mount Airy, NC

2. Zoe Worsham, Raleigh, NC

3. Emily Curley, Taunton, MA

4. Jesse Piersol, Downington, PA

1.5-hour Intermediate Really Fat Race - Overall

Men's division

1. Ed Stilley, Wilmington, NC (repeat title)

2. Noah Pierson, Wrightsville Beach, NC

3. David Lennard, Wilmington, NC

4. Jeremy Cavenaugh, Castle Hayne, NC

5. Jim Hundley, Wilmington, NC

Women's division

1. Kim Bishop, Kingsport, TN

2. Suzanne Tulsey, Oak Island, NC

3. S. Taylor, Hampstead, NC

4. Jada Hefner, Wilmington, NC

1-hour Recreational Fat Race - Overall

Men's division

1. Matt Smith, Southport, NC

2. Todd Bartholomew, Wilmington, NC

3. Patrick Mulligan, Wrightsville Beach, NC

4. Marshall Leininger, Canton, OH

5. Gil Whitten, Apex, NC

Women's division

1. Jordan Cline, Rocky Point, NC

2. Victoria Pugh, Raleigh, NC

3. Connie Ferrell, Apex, NC

4. Mary Gheen, Castle Hayne, NC

5. Lizzie Warlick, Morrisville, NC

(More photos below)

Three years following the inaugural race, the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship achieved national recognition as a Top-20 Festival & Event by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Contact:

US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship
Chris Hidalgo, Race Director
Hidalgo.Christopher@gmail.com
Shawn Spencer, Event Chair
Shawn@BikeCycleShop.com
910-256-2545

Robert B Butler, Communications | PR
www.NCPressRelease.org
www.RBButler.com

Philicia Marion: "I want to add that I’m thankful to God for good health and allowing me to have fun racing my bike, Robert, my husband and teammate for support and encouragement in everything I do, Cycleworks Bike Shop for setting me up on a super light fatbike, Xpedo for the perfect pedals, Vittoria Tires for the super sweet rolling Cannoli Tires and Orange Seal so I didn’t have to worry about flats, all the other sponsors who support the Team. Also Big big thanks to The Blockade Runner who supports the Event, Shawn Spencer, who does an amazing job, and everyone behind the scenes to make the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championships a fabulous, fun event!"

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC – “I’m a mountain biker, cross-country, endurance, enduro, downhill, and occasional cyclocross racer. I’ve raced in all sorts of conditions,” said Zoe Worsham, defending women’s elite champion in the 2017 US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship. “Last year’s race was difficult, exciting, exhausting, physically and mentally challenging all at the same time. It was only two-and-a-half hours, but it was as challenging as any six-hour race I’ve done.”

Limited to only 100 racers, Worsham defends her title March 16-18, when the fourth annual US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship returns to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Bikers from eight states, including cyclists from 20 cities and towns across North Carolina, have already signed up to compete.

“Fat bike racing, especially in the elite division, requires incredible conditioning and stamina,” said Shawn Spencer, race chairman. “We’re seeing CrossFit and triathletes use fat bikes as an alternative method to stay in shape. Pedaling for miles on a fat bike in soft sand at the beach is exuberantly painful.”

“I was pleasantly surprised with so many positive comments and cheers from the men I passed during the race,” said Worsham. “Over the years there have been times when I was blocked from passing or heard reasons for having a slow day instead of complimenting the female rider. This race is such an exception. It was really refreshing to hear the support from the male racers. To all the men supporting and cheering us ladies, thank you.”

“Fat bike beach racing in the one-mile oval format is an exciting sport for both athletes and spectators,” said Spencer. “The number of entries, the fitness level of the athletes, and the crowd size on the beach has improved every year.” Spencer expects a sellout roster with late registrations going onto a waiting list.

Worsham, representing the Crank Arm Brewing Team in Raleigh, faces an exciting rematch with runner-up Philicia Marion of Mount Airy, North Carolina. Jesse Piersol of Downington, PA, the 2016 Women’s Elite Champion, will be another contender for the title.

Three years following the inaugural race, the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship has achieved national recognition as a Top-20 Festival & Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. All activities and races are based at host hotel Blockade Runner Beach Resort. There is no admission charge for spectators.

The men’s competition will be equally fierce with a broad lineup of elite bikers. Possible contenders include 2015 champion Ben Brown of Wilmington, NC and 2016 champ Robert “Fear the Beard” Marion of Mount Airy, currently recovering from a bike injury.

“Many popular obstacles from last year including the sandbag minefield, keg jumps, and snake pit will be on the 2018 course,” said Spencer. “Of course, we’ll have some fresh surprises to challenge the bikers.”

New to the schedule this year is a children’s fat bike beach race followed by a skid-contest, both limited to bikers 12-years of age and younger. There is no registration fee for children’s activities.

Friday, March 16, racers will have an opportunity to walk and test-drive the soft and packed sands followed by an evening social and equipment discussions. Sunday will feature a laid-back group ride to the North end of Wrightsville Beach.  

The start and finish lines for Saturday’s races will be located beachside at Blockade Runner Beach Resort.

The fourth annual US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship will benefit the Wrightsville Beach Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public parks and amenities for residents and the island’s hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Contact:

US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship

Chris Hidalgo, Race Director

Shawn Spencer, Event Chair

910-256-2545

Robert B Butler, Communications | PR

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC – Three years following the inaugural race, the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship has achieved national recognition as a Top-20 Festival & Event by the Southeast Tourism Society.

“Fat bike beach racing in the one-mile oval format is an exciting sport for both athletes and spectators,” said Shawn Spencer, race chairman. “The number of entries, the fitness level of the athletes, and the crowd size on the beach has improved every year. In 2017, racers from seven states participated.”

The 4th annual US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship will be held March 16-18, 2018, in Wrightsville Beach, with activities and races based at host hotel Blockade Runner Beach Resort. There is no admission charge for spectators.

“Fat bike racing, especially in the elite division, requires incredible conditioning and stamina,” said Spencer. “We’re seeing CrossFit and triathletes use fat bikes as an alternative method to stay in shape. Pedaling for miles on a fat bike in soft sand at the beach is exuberantly painful.”

The women’s elite division will be an exciting rematch from 2017. Mountain-biker Zdenka “Zoe” Cahojova-Worsham of the Crank Arm Brewing Team in Raleigh will defend her hard-earned 24-mile championship against a very determined Philicia Marion from Mount Airy, NC. “My goal is to win the elite women’s division in 2018,” said runner-up Marion, member of the Carpe Diem Professional Race Team. 2016 champion Jesse Piersol from Downington, PA could be another contender for the women’s title.

The competition will be equally fierce in the men’s division with a deep lineup of elite bikers all able to seize the day. Possible contenders include 2015 champion Ben Brown of Wilmington, NC; 2016 champ Robert “Fear the Beard” Marion of Mount Airy, currently recovering from a bike injury; and 2017 winner Andrew Bailey of Piney Flats, TN.

The 2018 format is changing from a specified distance to timed events. The 8-mile race becomes a one-hour event; the 16-mile changes to a one-hour and thirty-minute contest; and the elite 24-mile race converts to a two-hour competition. Race slots will be awarded to the first 100 online registrations.

“Many popular obstacles from last year including the sandbag minefield, keg jumps, and snake pit will be on the course this year,” said Spencer. “Of course, we’ll have some fresh surprises to challenge the bikers.”

New to the schedule this year is a children’s fat bike beach race followed by a skid-contest, both limited to bikers 12-years of age and younger. There is no registration fee for children’s activities.

“To date, most bikers are signing up for Saturday’s two-hour race,” said Spencer. “Fat bike racing is looking more like an endurance sport.”

Friday, March 16, racers will have an opportunity to walk and test-drive the soft and packed sands followed by an evening social and equipment discussions. Sunday will feature a laid-back group ride to the North end of Wrightsville Beach.  

The start and finish lines for Saturday’s races will be located beachside at Blockade Runner Beach Resort.

The 4th annual US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship will benefit the Wrightsville Beach Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public parks and amenities for residents and the island’s hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Contact:

US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship

Chris Hidalgo, Race Director

Shawn Spencer, Event Chair

910-256-2545

Robert B Butler, Communications | PR

20. Rick Fisher, Creedmoor, NC

‘Fear The Beard’ to Defend US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship Title