Hillclimbing is the oldest form of motorcycle competition in the world and has been around for almost 100 years.  Whatever the class, or kind of bike, hillclimbing is always run the same way.  The winner is the person who either goes the HIGHEST on the hill, or goes over the top in the fastest time.  Every rider in every class gets TWO runs, or chances at the hill, and we draw for riding order in each class because sometimes the hill gets easier and sometimes it gets harder.  After a rider does their first run, they wait while the other riders take their first runs, then the second set of runs is taken.  The riders best of two runs is the one that counts in the final results. 

The three, main pro classes are now totally unified between East and West Coast hillclimbs in order to unify pro hillclimbing nationally. The Big Nasty Classes are mostly the same this year. Here is an overview of the class structures for 2012:

450 Pro Class - ANY bike, 2-stroke OR 4-stroke up to 450cc may now compete in this class. You may lengthen your wheelbase to any length and run paddle tires, (you cannot run steel in this class). However, you must run gas, no nitro or nitrous and blowers are not allowed. This is designed to be an affordable, entry level pro class. Riders who used to ride in the 250 exhibition division now ride in this class for cash.

700 Pro Class - You may run 3 or 4-cylinder bikes up to 600cc, 1 or 2-cylinder bikes up to 700cc and 2-cylinder pushrod bikes up to 750cc. Nitro, nitrous, blowers, unlimited wheelbases, steel, 2-stroke or 4-stroke, all are okay and this is also a pro class.

Open Pro Class - Anything bigger than the limits allowed in the 700 class ride will ride in this class for money. Anything goes in this class...ANYTHING!

Stock, or trophy classes are for basic, motocross type bikes and there are classes for all ages and sizes of bikes. Competitors race for trophies rather than cash and their bikes run normal fuel, tires and wheelbases. The smaller trophy classes compete on an easier hill than the pro bikes do, and range from 50cc mini bikes up to open class, 500cc and up bikes.

Evolution and Vintage Trophy classes are for stock, old motorcycles. The vintage classes are for stock motorcycles 1974 and older and limits travel to seven inches in the front and four inches in the rear. The Evolution classes are for bikes built from 1975 to 1980 and do not allow water-cooling or disc brakes.

Altered Trophy classes are for basic, motocross type bikes that have been modified to climb better, and the altered classes are sometimes used as a transition for up and coming riders, moving up from the trophy classes toward the pro divisions. Competitors race for trophies rather than cash, and their bikes must run gasoline, (race gas is okay).  New in 2012, altered bikes MAY run rubber paddle tires (but steel paddles, chains or bolts are NOT allowed) and they may also extend their wheelbases as long as they wish. There is also an altered vintage class for bikes at least 25 years old, which allows them to an unlimited amount of modifications including nitro and steel. This class is primarily designed to pay homage to the few remaining old-time hillclimb bikes that are still around, like Oregon's Marc Smith and his 1966 nitro Triumph.

Women's, Semi-Pro Class allows women of any age to compete for cash, and unlimited bike modifications are allowed, including nitro and steel on the rear tires, and unlimited wheelbases.

Old Timer and Senior Semi-Pro classes are for advanced riders over 40, over 50, and, (new for 2010) over 60, and allow for almost anything...nitro, nitrous, paddle tires, alcohol, twin engines, etc. These classes run for cash and are considered to be Semi-Pro.

250 Semi-Pro Class - We brought back a money class for 250's (typically 2-strokes, although a 250- 4-stroke could ride in this class too. Displacement is limited to 250cc, and anything goes...nitro, nitrous, unlimited wheelbases and paddle tires, and even steel, (if you use a safety rear fender).

Mini Bike Semi-Pro Class - This crowd-pleasing class allows small riders to go all out for cash. Displacement is limited to 90cc for 2-strokes, and 150cc for 4-strokes, and anything goes...nitro, nitrous, unlimited wheelbases and paddle tires.  Note - Adults MAY enter this class if they wish, although most of them will get spanked by the tough, savy kids who ride in this class.