Course Notes: Stuff You Should Know

Although this is a race, please ride within your limits and read ahead to prevent tire skidding whenever possible.

• There is a choke point early in the race. It is where you leave the village streets and enter the ski trails. There is generally room for 3 across at this point comfortably. Once you leave the village on a gravel road and you see the county garage yard on your left begin to merge to 3 across to ensure easy access to the trails. There is still 2 miles of double track after that to sort position before the first section of singletrack.
• Be courteous on the singletrack, allow faster racers to pass when possible . . . communicate . . . “on your left/right;” “ may I please pass;” “seen any deer yet;” “do you know where I can find the idiot who set up this course;” . . . etc.
• Do not pass on bridges or boardwalks.
• Many of the corners are on side hills with a slight outslope to keep water off the trail. This means many of the corners in the singletrack are off camber. Don’t complain, just deal with it. The trail will last longer built that way.
• There are a number of bridges and boardwalks in the race. We try to keep these in good repair but it is possible that there may be loose or inferior planks. Watch out and take care. Also because of their width, (>24”) the majority are rated as expert by IMBA standards, most of the locals think they are pretty easy.
• Like any mountain bike race you will encounter, rocks, sand, roots, trees, bridges, boardwalks, bugs, and may also encounter squirrels, birds, deer, coyotes, bear, and other wildlife. It’s just part of the terrain and situation, please make the best of it.
• There are a number of bridges and boardwalks in the race. We try to keep these in good repair but it is possible (however unlikely) that there may be loose or inferior planks. Watch out and take care. Also because of their width, (23”) the majority are rated as expert by IMBA standards, most of the locals think they are pretty easy.
• Like any mountain bike race you will encounter, rocks, sand, roots, trees, bridges, boardwalks, bugs, and may also encounter squirrels, birds, attack deer, coyotes, bear, and other wildlife. It’s just part of the terrain and situation, please make the best of it. A couple racers had an encounter with hornets last year, if you are allergic to bee sting please carry the appropriate meds.
• There are a couple of moderate climbs but, for the most part, this is an intermediate course.
• All races will finish in downtown Calumet, meaning you may have deal with cars at intersections. Although we will have signage telling vehicles to yield to racers and crossing guards at critical intersections, we may not be able to stop the unaware driver. Please beware of cars as you enter town and ensure your own safety.
• One aid station is centrally located at a kiss point on the course and will come up approximately 8, 13, 18 & 23 miles into the race.