How tough is this race: Our tag line is not a joke, this is a tough race. The first 20 miles of the mountain bike race are over rocky and steep terrain that requires excellent bike handling skills and upper body strength. We are not telling you this to scare you. We have first-time racers that do really well on this course, you will just want to train properly and if you are spending the winter on a trainer add some upper body strength training to feel your best at this early season race.
Other Frequently Asked Course Questions
- What bike should I use: The most popular bike for this race seems to be a hard tail 29ner. Full suspension will help you get through the Barrel Cacti and Zen trails easier, but a hard trail may be more efficient when pedaling the Poppy trail and Stucki Springs trail. NUE rules say there is no switching bikes, so choose wisely. As always we suggest pre-riding.
- What nutrition is supplied: The nutrition provided at our aid stations is based on our sponsors for that year. We try to have a variety of supplements and real food, but we may not have what you are used to. We usually have some homemade goodies like banana bread, PBJ, or Cookies.
- Tell me about the post-race meal: We will post details on the vendor under the vendor page once they have been selected and the menu set for the year. The finish line meal always has both meat and vegetarian options. Meals will start at 12 pm and be available until the end of the race.
- What is the weather like: This is a spring race, and like any place in the spring the weather can vary greatly. The average high is 68 degrees, low 38 degrees and precipitation .93 “. But we have seen temps as high as 85 and as low as 32 and snowing, so come prepared for anything.
Drop Bags
You will be able to drop bags for 1 or both of the aid stations. Look for the bag drop area near the start line before the race. These will be transported for you at the start of the race and returned to the venue just after the aid station closes. The bags will be dropped exactly where you placed them at the start of the day.
Only Zip Lock or drawstring bags will be accepted. Small coolers ( 12 ” or less) are also acceptable. NO open plastic or paper grocery store-type bags are accepted. The white paper bag given at Packet Pick-up is not acceptable. These will not be transported and will be placed directly in Lost and Found.
- Return from Feed 1 is between 2 pm -3 pm
- Return from GRAVEL Drop between 3pm -4pm
- Return From Feed 2 is between 5 or 6 pm
We recommend only 100 Mile racers drop to Feed 2. Any bags left will be placed under the Merch tent at Town Hall and can be picked up there anytime Sunday – Tuesday after the race. Bags not claimed will be disposed of.
Live Timing and Results
Timing is provided via Race Results. https://my.raceresult.com/ . Each person will have a RFID chip attached to their number plate. Do not bend the plate or get it wet prior to the event or the tag could be deactivated. Live tracking and results links will be made available in the Race Bible and on QR Code signs around the venue race day.
Spectator Access to the Course
Our permits require us to have a closed course . The public is not allowed to ride, drive, or spectate on the course.
This being said there are a couple of places that friends, family and support staff can reach you while you are racing.
- • The Miles 4 -23 miles can be viewed from the top of Canyon View drive in Green Valley. You will be looking across the valley. You will not be up close to the riders.
- Feed Zone 1 in Green Valley: Dixie Drive to Canyon View Dr. Go West past the Spa. You can park on the dirt at the top and walk down the hill or take the dirt road and pack near the feed zone.
- Feed Zone 2 in Santa Clara: Support can access racers at the bottom of Stucki Springs Road in Santa Clara. You can park at the small parking area and walk up the road ( not trail) to the feed zone.
- •In case of an emergency contact event staff to reach a participant on the course.
- Only numbered racers and course marshals are allowed on the course with bikes.
Alternative Lines
There is No short-cutting the course. You will be disqualified if it is reported that you cut the course or used a short cut .
There are alternative line exceptions.
Alternative line sections: These are marked clearly with a sign that says “ALTERNATIVE LINES OK HERE” .
- Barrel Trail & Zen where you can take a less technical route to get around an obstacle. We always mark the most direct route.
- Bear Claw Poppy the trail signs have Green and Blue lines. You can take any line that is marked on the Bear Claw Poppy trail.
- Stucki has 2 sections that are alternative. The Rattle Snake point drop and the Wall ( after Stuki point) The Wall is a climb you can either go straight up or around.
LOST and FOUND
During Race : Items returned from the course will be stored at the timing trailer race day.
Post Race: Any items not claimed by the end of the race will be available at the venue beginning at 8:30 am Sunday till 5 pm Sunday after the race. The items will be outside in the area of packet pick-up. Please keep them neatly inside the bins.
Very Post Race: All items will be brought back to GRO headquarters. The water bottles are emptied and placed in the washer for support at the next event. Un-opened packaged nutritional and tube items also go to support future event support. Clothing and very personal items will be kept for an additional week can be shipped at your cost. After 1 week these items will be donated to HS mtn bike teams or Goodwill.
