Cyclists participate in the Cyclocross race during the first Space Race Rumpus in 2012 at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank.
It’s rumpus time again. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is hosting the third annual Space Race Rumpus June 13 through 15 with events for cyclists of all ages.
Rides of varying distances and difficulties are offered all weekend. Cyclists are led through the winding access roads around the towering telescopes on site, as well as road rides through Pocahontas County.
While the more advanced riders are on longer rides, there are several activities for the youngsters including scientific experiments at the Science Center, outdoor fun and biking lessons.
Once the sun has retired, the fun continues with musical entertainment and bonfires. Friday night, West Virginia’s own Shane Meade and the Sound will take the stage with “soul-infused folk rock with a splash of jazz and mountain funk.”
Meade hails from Elkins and is a self-taught musician who found like-minded souls in the members of his band, the Sound – Jason “Fil” Pate, Bo McMillion, Tito Vallejo, Albert “Newbeat” Warren, Chris “Stix” Newsom, Rob Masten and Casey Otto.
Saturday night is all about the Blues, in a good way, with Norfolk, Virginia band Anthony Rosano and The Conqueroos. The sound has been compared to that of Gov’t Mule, Tab Benoit, J.J. Grey and Mofro, Joe Bonamassa and Marc Ford.
The band released an EP titled “Live at Tegu” and is currently working on its first full length release for later this year.
Consisting of Anthony Rosano, Paul Warren, Jack Campbell and Scott Smith, the band may have you singing the blues, but it will be spliced with a “funky rhythm and explosive guitar work.”
A full schedule and registration is at www.gb.nrao.edu/rumpus
Registration for the full weekend includes meals, a campsite and both concerts. Tickets are available for each concert, as well, at the Science Center.
Suzanne Stewart may be contacted at sastewart@pocahontastimes.com
