By ANDY HOGUE, Register Staff Writer
BULCHER — What is perhaps Cooke County’s most viewed event takes place annually in what is perhaps its smallest town.
The Red Bull Last Man Standing cross-country motorbike competition is set for Dec. 6-8 at Red River Trails in Bulcher. The event has been held since 2005.
Gates are scheduled to open at 8 a.m. Dec. 6 (a Thursday), with two-lap qualifier races from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 and the competition itself from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 8 with the top 100 qualifiers.
Saint Jo resident Rebecca Harris and her daughter Holly Harris-Bayer own the Red River Trails, which has garnered a reputation for steep inclines and craggy terrain for experts and level red-dirt trails for beginners.
Harris said there are a few changes to the course for this year’s race, including the addition of 158.5 acres of new trails.
She said the land is located adjacent to Bill’s Woods — “the tough area” — and will make its debut on race day.
“I told them to make it more difficult or as difficult,” Harris said.
Spectators were allowed in for free last year, but this year the race is charging separate rates for adults and children. However, this charge will go to pay for some new amenities.
“This year, they’re having tram systems to bring people around, rather than making people walk,” Harris noted.
Camping is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
She said last year there was one food vendor, but this year multiple vendors are on tap to provide food and refreshments for spectators on what she hopes will be accomodating race weather.
“We had some cold weather last year ... but the race went well despite the slipping and the sliding,” Harris said.
Rains over the weekend wet down the track, which she said would keep the dust to a minimum during the race.
“It’s been mighty dusty lately, but then again we had too much rain in June,” Harris said, noting the track was not flooded on June 18 when much of the county saw extensive damage from a torrential downpour.
Harris said the Red River was “bank to bank” for much of the summer, however.
“There’s going to be more spectators here this year, and hopefully there will be some more competition from more riders,” Harris said.
The event received national media coverage in the last two races, and last year appeared on a cable channel in February. Harris said NBC is considering running the race prior to the Super Bowl for 2008.
Last year, the view from FM 373 was full tents, RVs and hovering helicopters, which could be seen long before one reached the entrance to the track.
A press release from Red Bull Communications described the race as consisting of “100 of the world’s most fearless and talented off-road motorcyclists” braving two 40-mile laps.
“Racers will maneuver through dense forest, glide over desert sand, and climb massive rock in a breathtaking, elimination-style test of their skill, will, and endurance. Only those finishing within one hour of first place will move on to the second lap. After running the second lap at night and in reverse, one man will be determined the champion,” said Mary Aurelia Dacuma, a spokesperson for Red Bull.
She noted two-time champion David Knight is signed up again for this year’s race, competing with racers in an elimination-style competition. Knight, from the United Kingdom, is a World Enduro Champion.
“(The race) challenges each rider to speed over soft sand and verdant soil, as well as maneuver through dense forest and massive rocks. After two grueling laps of dangerous descents, rocky uphill climbs, outrageous speeds, and breath-taking precision, only one rider will emerge as champion, a press release said.
The main event consists of two 35-40 mile laps made up of various terrain and natural obstacles. The first lap will begin Saturday morning, and only those who finish within one hour of the first-place rider will proceed to the second lap, which is set to commence at sundown and in the reverse direction.
“The rider that perseveres through the perilous night ride with the fastest time will be the winner,” the release said.
For more information call Harris at 1(940) 995-2903.
On the Net:
Information on the race may be viewed at www.redbulllastmanstanding.com
Updates and information on the course may read at www.redrivermotorcycletrails.com
Reporter Andy Hogue may be contacted at andyhoguegdr@ntin.net
