NMBS owner Jeff Frost is crafting a program whereby series patrons can purchase blocks of 5 entries in the women’s beginner/sport category for the discounted rate of $125. These entries will then be made available on a first-come first-served basis to beginner/sport women entrants for free. To keep things fair, only one free entry will be available per person, per season.

In addition to the free entry incentive, NMBS will be introducing more women’s age group categories. The new categories are: Expert Women 40-49, Expert Women 50 plus, Beginner/Sport Women 18 and under, Beginner/Sport Women 19-29, Beginner/Sport Women 30-39, Beginner/Sport Women 40 plus.

Jeff Frost instituted these changes to his series after being presented with a petition in early February, which sought better representation for women in the NMBS. The petition was circulated by women’s 45-49 cross country national champion Jane Finsterwald over winter 2006 and generated over 900 signatures from mountain bikers.

The block fee will be available for purchase by anyone, and already 6 individuals have stepped forward to purchase blocks. When the details and execution of the program are finalized, it will be made available at www.mtbnationals.com.