Ride the Stairway 2008:
Snowboard, Free Ski and MTB Action in Solingen

Freestyle-Crossover on the 22nd and 23rd of February at the historical Market place in Solingen-Gräfrath.

Solingen, 14th December 2007 Fun Sport in the middle of a Town: Under the motto `Bike vs Board´ in February starts the third `Ride the Stairway´ Event. The Mountain Bike, Free Ski and Snowboard Contest in Solingen-Gräfrath on artificial ice, takes place in the middle of a tranquil scenic view at the foot of a Monastery, surrounded by timer trees and slate covered houses.

The Setup:
The heart of the event is at the protected historical Monastery Stairway, which will be used as the starting ramp. The 30m long starting ramp is divided into 2 Kickers: at the same time it gives one a snow covered start for the Snowboarders and Free Skiers and a ramp without snow for the Bikers. Due to the length of the start ramp, the riders are able to reach enough speed to do their tricks over the 10m long Gap. For further trick variations, compared to the last event, the Snowboarders and Free Skiers are given a 5m longer `Upbox´ between the start of the jump and the landing, in which they can, this time, really spin out.
Mountain Bikers and Board Riders land on a joint snow surface.

The Contest:
For Ride the Stairway 2008, Amateurs and Professionals from all over Germany are expected to attend.
On Friday begin the Quali´s for the various sport types. During the evening under flood lights, the judging for the Best Trick Contest will start.
The best trick wins, whereby style, creativity and difficulty will play an important part in the judging.
Directly at the end, a small Aprés Ski Sause will take place, which will later be moved to the Libelle Club for the Red Bull Riders Party.
On Saturday at around about 12 o’clock practise will start, followed by the finals.

Of course during the spectacular air acrobatics our thirst and hunger will be taken care of: at the event there is a Brewery Wagon, a Snack Bar and Glühwein stand.

The entry is free.

The Idea:
The original idea of Ride the Stairway is based on the principle to give every rider a chance to take place in the contest, and at the same time to maintain a high level Contest of Professional Riders/Stars of the MTB and snow scene. The idea was thought of by the owner of the Solinger Coffee House and was put together with the help of his partner the `Mountain Bike Rider Magazine´. At the last Ride the Stairway there were 8000 spectators who watched the spectacular Freestyle event.

Time Table:

Friday 22nd February:
10:00-17:00 Registration
12:00 Practise
15:00-18:00 Quali´s
19:00-21:00 Best Trick Contest
At the end Aprés Ski Party, Red Bull Riders Party (Libelle)

Saturday 23rd February:
12:00-15:00 Practise
16:00 Pre-Finals
17:00 Finals
Apply for registration form under info@mtbrider.de