Event Info

Event Date:
Sunday June 8, 2008

Course:
Earthquake Ridge Trail Complex - Mena, Arkansas

Location:
Mena Middle School - Mena, Arkansas

Race Starts:
Beginners 9:00 AM - sharp
Sport & Expert 10:00 AM– sharp

Registration:
7:30 AM until 9:45 AM Sunday Morning
Registration for beginners closes at 8:45 AM Sunday Morning

Pre-Registration:
Saturday 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM

Pre-Ride:
The course will be marked on Thursday June 5th.

These prices do not include a one day NORBA license. One day license is $5

Classes, Categories & Entry Fees:

Expert - $35 Early, $40 Day Of
(must have annual NORBA licence)
Senior Women (19-39)
Master Women (40+)
Senior Men (19-29)
Master Men (30-39)
Master Men II (40-49)
Master Men 50+
Junior X

Sport - $30 Early, $35 Day Of
Senior Women (19-39)
Master Women (40+)
Senior Men (19-29)
Master Men (30-39)
Master Men II (40-49)
Master Men 50+
Single Speed (open)

Beginner - $25 Early, $30 Day Of
Senior Women (19-39)
Master Women (40+)
Senior Men (19-29)
Master Men (30-39)
Master Men II (40-49)
Master Men 50+
Clydesdales

Jr. Male & Female - $15
18 & under
16 & under
14 & under
12 & under
10 & under
Kids Race - Free

 

 

 Awards:
Awards and cash to top 3 places in expert classes. Amount to be determined by number of entrants. Awards and swag will be given to all other top 3 places in each class.
Award ceremonies will start as soon as category results are known.

Other Stuff:
The first 120 paid participants will receive socks & a goody bag

Food & Drinks:
Energy bars, drinks, Cytomax, water, etc. will be available before & during the race.

Cookout after the race!!! 

 

The course:

We will be using the same course as last year. We will still go up College Hill (the steep paved road) the same way as we have done in the past only when you get to the gate you will go down the dirt road instead of the small trail. It is at this spot the course will criss-cross itself kind of like an X. After this just follow the course as marked. You will go down fern loop where there is a small creek crossing. You will turn left and go up a switch back climb; stay on this trail until you come to the gray kiosk where you will turn left onto the Southern loop and then across Hwy 88 on the lower end of the course.

Once you get across the highway you will have a quick little downhill and then slowly start your ascent up the mountainside. You will know you are on the Earthquake Ridge loop when you get to a point where Hwy 88 is just a few yards to your right and before you are some really neat switchbacks. These switchbacks can be a little tough but it will not take long to get to the top of them. You will start to climb again when you get to the next set of switchbacks; use a nice easy steady stroke here to keep from loosing traction on the loose rocks. Get passed the second switchback and you are almost to the top… just another little push and you are there.

Once at the top you will go down a small hill down to Hwy 88 on the upper end of the course. Be sure to watch for cars, as this is a popular highway for sightseeing. You will have to dismount your bike and hop over the guardrail. Now is the time for the payoff for all that hard work. This is one of the best descents in the state. It is fast, steep, and twisty, watch out for those large rocks. Don't loose control here, people have been sent to the hospital for attempting this downhill. Before you get to the bottom be ready to drop to an easier gear, as there will be a small climb.

Once you have gotten over this small hill you are now on the Settlers loop. Enjoy this section as it has a little of everything on it-rocks, drops, little climbs and descents and a really nice flat twisty section that goes through a grove of pines. Once out of the pines it is a fast pace down a double track line and then back into the trees. You will follow Settler Loop around to the inner loop.  After the inner you will turn left on to a double track trail to a dirt road; turn left on the dirt road and look for a right turn shortly after back onto single track.  This single track will take you back to the pavement.  Take a right turn on the pavement and follow it back to the Mena Middle School.

 

Course Facts:
Length: 1 lap = 7.5 miles
Climbing Distance: 3.16 miles
Descending Distance: 3.76 miles
Min. Elevation: 1,145.04 feet
Max. Elevation: 1,739.42 feet
Elevation Gain: 582.11 feet
Average Grade: 5%