Dirt Rag Dirt Fest - May 17-20, 2012

Group camping spots have been assigned

Follow this link to see where you'll be staying if you signed up for the Susquehannock campground.

Follow this link if you're staying at the Ridge Campground.

Quick links

Exhibitors
Brewer's Grove
Kickoff party
Ladies-Only Events
FAQ
Schedule
Directions

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The basics

Dirt Rag understands (and helps create) mountain bike culture. Dirt Fest is three days of deep immersion into that culture. With miles of trails available right from camp, live music, beer school and numerous demo fleets, we keep both seasoned and noob riders content. This year we are excited to announce Rebecca Rusch will be on hand, running women’s clinics and leading rides. Those looking for a truly unique mountain bike festival experience can rent a house boat and dock right near the action.

Dirt Fest is held at Raystown Lake in Heston, Pa., with more than 30 miles of IMBA-built trails, Raystown is a fast and flowy reprieve from the rocks and roots typical of Pennsylvania trails. In 2011 the attendee count hit 1,200; this year we are expecting close to 2,000.

More highlights:

We're expanding the camping options to the 7 Points sites, with showers, electricity and playgrounds.
Houseboat rentals.
An expanded demo and exhibit area.
A shuttle bus that will accommodate bikes will carry you up the hill or to the 7 Points camping area.
Entry fees remain the same!

Click here to download a map of the event area.

Confirmed exhibitors

Exhibitors in bold will be bringing demo bikes or gear to ride!

Appalachian Outdoors
Cannondale
Club Ride apparel
Felt
Foundry
Fox Racing Shocks
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Giant
IMBA
Industry 9 wheels
Infinit Nutrition
Kuat
Lone Wolf Cycling Clothing
Niner
NiteRider
Osprey
Pedal Pushers
Pittsburgh Trail Advocacy Group
Pivot
POC protective gear
Rebecca Rusch - Gold Rusch Tour
Reynolds wheels
Rothrock Outfitters
Salsa
Santa Cruz
Scott
Shimano
Shower's Pass
Specialized
Stan's NoTubes
Suntour
Swiftwick
Thomson
Trek
Wheels Manufacturing

And more to come!

Brewer's Grove

It wouldn't be Dirt Fest without beer tastings. Look for these local brands in the Brewer's Grove:

Kickoff party

Join us for a night of music and libations, brought to you by Oskar Blues Brewery. Enjoy the acoustic folk fingerpickin' of Dreams & Bones at the main tent, starting at 8 p.m.

Ladies-only events

We're always excited to get more women on the trail, so we've teamed up with some professional female riders to make the ladies feel more welcome. These rides will include practicing bike handling skills, basic trail-side bike maintenance and product giveaways. We will also have Fate, Jett, and Safire Specialized women's specific mountain bikes for demo, on a first come first serve basis.

Confirmed athletes are: Rebecca Rusch, Katie Holden and Sue Haywood.

FAQ

Do my kids have to register?

Children under 16 are free, and do not need to register.

Can I bring my dog/cat/parrot?

Dog owners are welcome, but asked to practice restraint, as there are some guests who may not be dog-friendly. Cat and parrot owners, use your best judgement.

Can I camp on Thursday night?

If you paid for a campsite, you are welcome to arrive early and camp Thursday night. You might be asked to pitch in setitng up though.

If I'm not riding the trails, do I still have to pay?

The ticket fee goes to cover the live music, permits, EMTs, beer tasting, vendors, insurance, etc. So anyone attending the festival must purchase a ticket, even if they are not riding.

How many tents can I set up in an RV site if I don't have an RV?

You may set up as many tents, hammocks, and other sleeping apparati as the confines of your assigned site will fit.

What will I eat?

Concessions will be provided by Doan's Bones Barbecue. Full menu and vegetarian options will be available all weekend.

Have additional questions about registration, camping or fine print?

Schedule

For a printer and mobile-friendly schedule, click here.

Friday, May 18

9 a.m. Camping Facilities Open to the Public

9 a.m.-11 a.m. Free coffee from Standing Stone Coffee Company. Located in the Expo area.

1 p.m. Expo Area and Food Tent Open

2 p.m.-4 p.m. Gold Rusch Tour, Women’s Skills Clinic with Rebecca Rusch. Meeting at the Gold Rusch Tent in the Expo area. Women only! Learn new skills and improve your existing skills. Clinics cater to all ability levels. Can be a single-class or progressive learning experience; attend one or all three for maximum impact.

4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Take Aim Cycling Skills Clinic: Owning the trail with Cornering and Pressure Control. Meeting at the Dirt Rag Booth/Susquehannock Site 1

4 p.m.-6 p.m. Learn to ride a unicycle with Butler Wobble. Meeting at the Expo Area/ Susquehannock Site 7.

6 p.m. Expo Closes.

6 p.m.-7 p.m. Flying Squirrel Organic Hops Beer School. Meeting at Brewers Grove/Susquehannock Site 8. Only 30 slots. First come, first serve. Sign-up at the Dirt Rag Booth/Susquehannock Site 1.

8 p.m.-Midnight Oskar Blues presents live music by Dreams & Bones. At the Big Top Tent/Susquehannock Site 13. Free beer provided by Oskar Blues!

Saturday, May 19

8 a.m. Expo opens.

8 a.m.-10 a.m. Free coffee from Standing Stone Coffee Company. Located in the Expo area.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Scott “Re-Ignite your Spark” Epic Ride. Meeting At: Big Top Tent/Susquehannock Site 13. Ride more than 30 miles of the best trails Allegrippis has to offer. Come prepared for a 6-hour ride. 35 rider limit. Sign up at the Scott booth in expo area.

10 a.m.-Noon Gold Rusch Tour, Women’s Skills Clinic with Rebecca Rusch. Meeting at the Gold Rusch Tent in the Expo area. Women only! Learn new skills and improve your existing skills. Clinics cater to all ability levels. Can be a single-class or progressive learning experience; attend one or all three for maximum impact.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn to ride a unicycle with Butler Wobble. Meeting at the Expo Area/ Susquehannock Site 7.

10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Clif Bar Snack Stop opens at the Vista Overlook at the intersection of Berry Patch and Ridge trails. Enjoy a free Clif Bar!

11 a.m. Food tent opens.

3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. The Gamble Mill presents Rays2Lake, a race-pace group ride with a houseboat cruise from the finish back to camp. Free beer on the boat! No sign-up needed, though the houseboat is limited to the first 50 finishers. Meet at the BigTop Tent/Susquehannock Site 13

3 p.m.-6 p.m. Flying Squirrel Organic Hops presents free beer at the Brewers Grove!

4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Take Aim Cycling Skills Clinic: Conquering Fear on Drops and Jumps. Meeting at Dirt Rag Booth/Susquehannock Site 1

6 p.m. Expo closes

6 p.m.-7 p.m. Flying Squirrel Organic Hops Beer School. Meeting at Brewers Grove/Susquehannock Site 8. Only 30 slots. First come, first serve. Sign-up at the Dirt Rag Booth/Susquehannock Site 1.

8:30 p.m.-10 p.m. NiteRider Night Ride. Meeting at the NiteRider Booth in the Expo area. NiteRider demo lights available. Sign up at the NiteRider booth in advance.

9:00 p.m.-12:15 a.m. Elk Creek Cafe presents live music by The EarthTones. At the Big Top Tent/Susquehannock Site 13. Free beer provided by Elk Creek Cafe!

Sunday, May 20

8 a.m. Expo opens

8 a.m.-10 a.m. Free coffee from Standing Stone Coffee Company. Located in the Expo area.

10 a.m.-Noon IMBA Trail Tour. Ride will educate attendees about the design and construction of the machine-built Allegrippis trails. Relaxed pace with frequent stops for discussion. Meeting at the IMBA Tent in the Expo area.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Freeze Thaw Cycles Kids’ Bike Rodeo. Meeting at the Dirt Rag Booth/ Susquehannock Site 1.

3 p.m. Expo closes

5 p.m. Campground closes