Hello Beast of Repetition Racer,
Welcome to the inaugural Beast of Repetition MTB Race, held this Saturday, 4/13 at Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill, NC. It’s going to be an AWESOME day of mountain biking action and we hope you are as excited as we are for race day!
Below is the race day info email which contains detailed information for Saturday. Please take a few minutes to read. We will send one final email on Friday evening with reminders and last-minute updates.
A few items before we get to race logistics:
Start List and Reg Open until Fri @ 5pm: We have 105 athletes currently registered to race (see START LIST HERE). Please let your MTBing friends know that online registration is open until 5pm on Friday, 4/12 and that race day registration on-site will be available for an extra $10. NOTE – registering online is preferred (and thus costs less) because it simplifies and speeds up the check-in process. THANK YOU for registering early and for helping to spread the word to your friends. The registration link is HERE.
T-Shirts: Heads up that we still have some t-shirts available in most sizes, but size inventory is dwindling with each new racer that purchases a tee when they register. These tees are stylish, comfy, and fit great. If you want a tee and did not order one when you registered, you can see available inventory and order one HERE.
Volunteers: We can still use the help of a few more volunteers, mostly with course marshalling and course sweeping (riding at the end of each group to ensure the course is clear). Volunteers get free food, a race tee, $15 off a future RR event, and our sincere thanks. Plus, volunteering is fun! If you have friends or family that would like volunteer, please have them sign up HERE and if possible, ask them to sign up by tomorrow night (Wed 4/10) so we have time to incorporate them into the volunteer plan. THANK YOU!
Optional Early Check-in @ Trek Chapel Hill: You may pick up your race number and tee (if you ordered one) at the Trek Chapel Hill store from 4pm-6pm on Thursday, 4/11. Trek is offering a 10% discount on bike accessories during optional early check-in. Address: 243 S Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
RACE LOGISTICS
Race Classes and Starting Procedures: To prevent overcrowding on the trails and to ensure riders of similar ability are racing together, we are separating the field of racers into four distinct races – expert/sport/single-speed (8am), super junior 6-8 and 9-10 (11:30am), intermediate (12pm), and beginner/junior 6-14 (1pm). Within each race, we will further separate into start waves, spaced 1-3 minutes apart (see below for exact start times).
Combining Classes: Racers are currently registered in 24 of the available 29 classes. Few athletes want to race with just one or two other athletes. So, we will evaluate class participation on Thursday morning and combine some smaller classes (if it makes sense). We will also drop classes that have low or no participation (meaning those classes would not be available after Thursday morning). We will not change distance or general race time (8am, 11:30am, 12pm, or 1pm) for any racer and we will not combine gender or ability levels. The final start classes will be posted online by Thursday at 3pm and will reflect any changes we make. VIEW START LIST HERE. The email we send on Friday evening will include the final start times for each class and last-minute updates.
NO CLASS CHANGES AFTER WEDNESDAY 4/10: If you would like to change your class, you MUST change before the end of the day on Wed, 4/10. To change your class, log into your profile on bikereg.com and edit your registration or click on the ‘Edit My Entry’ link in the navigation bar near the top of the registration page.
Current Classes / Start Times / Schedule:
8am Race
Experts (22 miles / 4 laps)
Sport and Single-speed (16.5 miles / 3 laps)
• Check-in open from 6:45am-7:45am
• 7:50am – Race line up
• 7:55am – Pre-race brief
• 8:00am – Expert Male Open
• 8:01am – Expert Female Open, Expert Male Masters 50+
• 8:04am – Sport Male Open
• 8:06am – Sport Male Masters 40+
• 8:08am – Sport Male Masters 50+, Sport Male Masters 60+, Single-speed Male Open
• 8:11am – Sport Female Open, Sport Female Masters 50+, Single-speed Female Open
• Post-race food/beverage from 9:15am-10:45am
• Awards/giveaways @ 10:15am
11:30am Race
Super Junior 6-8 / 9-10 (3 miles / 2 laps)
• Check-in open from 10:45am-11:15am
• 11:20am – Racer line up
• 11:25am – Pre-race brief
• 11:30am – Super Jr 9-10
• 11:33am – Super Jr 6-8
• Post-race food/beverage from 12pm-1pm
• Awards/giveaways @ 12:30pm
12pm Race
Intermediate (9 miles / 2 laps)
• Check-in open from 10:45am-11:45am
• 11:50am – Racer line up
• 11:55am – Pre-race brief
• 12:00pm – Intermediate Male 19-39, Intermediate Male 13-18
• 12:03pm – Intermediate Male Masters 40+
• 12:06pm – Intermediate Male Masters 50+, Intermediate Male Masters 60+
• 12:08pm – Intermediate Female 19-39, Intermediate Female 13-18, Intermediate Female Masters 40+, Intermediate Female Masters 50+
• Post-race food/beverage from 1pm-2:30pm
• Awards/giveaways @ 2pm
1pm Race
Beginner and Junior 6-14 (6 miles / 2 laps)
• Check-in open from 11:45am-12:45pm
• 12:50pm – Racer line up
• 12:55pm – Pre-race brief
• 1pm – Beginner Male, Jr 13-14 Male, Jr 11-12 Male
• 1:03pm – Beginner Female, Jr 13-14 Female, Jr 11-12 Female, Jr 6-10 open
• Post-race food/beverage from 1:30pm-2:30pm
• Awards/giveaways @ 2pm
Race Weather Forecast / Course Conditions: As of today, Tuesday, 4/9, the forecast for race day is calling for sunny skies, light winds, morning temps in the low 50s and afternoon temps in the low 70s – VERY NICE! Hydrate well, before (especially on Fri), during, and after the race. The forecast this week is calling for some rain today (Tues) and a high probability of thunderstorms on Thursday. The trails at Briar Chapel drain well and were dry yesterday when I rode them, so any rain we do get today and Thursday should soak in well and be good for race day. A weather/trail conditions update will be included in the email sent on Fri evening.
Venue / Staging Area: We will be staging out of the Courts at Boulder Point at Briar Chapel. Believe it or not, there is not an actual physical address for our staging area, the Courts at Boulder Point. It is on the corner of Briar Chapel Parkway and Whispering Wind Dr and the address of the home nearest is 2523 Briar Chapel Parkway, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, which is about ¼ mile NE from the staging area. You can also CLICK HERE and pull up the google map, which will take you to the sports courts.
Parking / Arrival: Park on the neighborhood streets near the staging area. Best streets for parking: near the staging area along the sports courts road, Cliffdale Rd, Whispering Wind Dr, gravel lot on the corner of Tobacco Farm Rd / Briar Chapel Pkwy, Treywood Lane, and Sagebrush Rd. Some of the streets at Briar Chapel are narrow. So, to allow for vehicle passing, please park on one side of the street ONLY (see below for parking locations). Please arrive early and carpool, if bringing family or friends. Please factor parking, check-in, warming up, and using the restroom into your travel plans. We recommend arriving AT LEAST 45 minutes before the start time for your group (arrive by 7:15am for the 8am race, 10:45am for the 11:30am race, 11:15am for the 12pm race, and 12:15pm for the 1pm race). See map of parking locations below.
Check-in: If you do not check in early at the Trek Chapel Hill store on Thursday, 4/11 (see above for details), check-in at the pavilion of the staging area (Courts at Boulder Point). Check-in will be open from 6:45am-7:45am for the 8am race, 10:45am-11:15am for the 11:30am race, 10:45am-11:45am for the 12pm race, and 11:45am-12:45pm for the 1pm race. At check-in you will receive your race number and t-shirt (if you ordered one). VERY IMPORTANT: Your timing chip will be on the back of your race number and should be affixed to your handlebars, with the twist ties provided, so it is fully visible from the front. At check-in we will also mark your calf with your class number. See photo below for proper bike number placement.
Calf Marking: At check-in, we will be marking your calf with your class number. Calf markings help us with race start efficiency and will help you know who is in your class during the race. If you check-in early at Trek Chapel Hill, please stop by the check-in area on race morning for your calf number.
Portajohns / Restrooms: Portajohns and restrooms will be available at the pavilion near check-in and the race start. Please take your restroom break early. If everyone tries to use the restroom at the same time, there will be lines and you may miss your start time. WE WILL START ON TIME.
Pre-Riding: The courses will be fully marked by 3pm on Friday afternoon. You may pre-ride the courses on Friday afternoon and on Saturday when racers are not on the courses – 6:30am-7:45am and 10:30am-11:30am. Kids can pre-ride the Super Junior course from 10:30am-11:30am.
Race Lineup / Pre-Race Brief: The race will start on the pavement near the intersection between the sports court road / Boulder Point Rd. Racers should line up 10 minutes before the start of each race. We will be calling out the starting order of each class to ensure an orderly flow and less moving around after the pre-race brief. The pre-race brief will begin at 7:55am for the 8am race, 11:25 for the 11:30am race, 11:55am for the 12pm race, and 12:55pm for the 1pm race. The pre-race brief includes important safety and logistical information.
Race Start: See Classes / Start Times / Schedule above for exact start times. Reminder, these start times may be adjusted slightly if we combine classes (see Race Classes / Starting Procedures above).
Race Courses: Depending on class, racers will start in waves and complete 2-4 laps (3-22 total miles) on the ‘best of the best’ trails at Briar Chapel (on the western territory). Perfect for passing, each lap starts with approximately 1 mile of road, paved trail, and gravel before hitting the natural surface trails. The super junior race (11:30am) uses a completely different course and is great for kids just getting into the sport. The courses vary as follows:
• Expert/Sport/Single-Speed racers will complete three or four 5.5 mile laps of MTB awesomeness. Offering the most technical features in this race, this course includes twisty, flowy single-track, several rock gardens, some small drops, berms, fast/fun descents, and punchy climbs. Includes Silver Alert and half of the Mom Jeans. Technical trail rating – 3+ out of 5. LINK TO 5.5 MILE COURSE
• Intermediate racers will complete two 4.5 mile laps that include most of the 5.5 mile Expert/Sport/SS course, removing a mile of the more technical/hilly terrain. Includes Silver Alert and bypasses Mom Jeans. Technical trail rating 3 out of 5. LINK TO 4.5 MILE COURSE
• Beginner/Junior 6-14 racers will complete two 3 mile laps of fast and flowing terrain. Includes a few rock gardens and hills. Bypasses both Silver Alert and Mom Jeans. Technical trail rating 2++ out of 5. LINK TO 3 MILE COURSE
• Super Junior 6-10 racers will start with .5 miles of road and paved trail, then complete two, 1 mile laps of downhill grass, easy double-track, mellow pondside single-track, .5 miles of moderate uphill single-track, then a short section of paved trail, before heading back to the finish on paved trail and easy single-track. This course is completely different than the other courses, and relatively easy compared to the rest of the trails at Briar Chapel. Technical trail rating 2 out of 5. LINK TO SUPER JUNIOR COURSE
Trail Etiquette / Passing: There are passing opportunities spread throughout the course but passing may be challenging on many of the tight trails. Passing riders should use audible signals such as ‘passing on your left’ or ‘passing on your right’ and, when possible and safe to do so, slower racers should allow them to pass. PLEASE BE COURTEOUS OUT THERE AND REMEMBER, THIS IS JUST A RACE AND THERE ARE WAY MORE IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE. RACING SAFELY IS AN EXPECTATION. RACE HARD, BUT DON’T BE RECKLESS. THANK YOU!
No Passing Zone: There is one no passing zone for all riders except the Super Junior 6-10 course. This zone will be marked with NO PASSING SIGNAGE and is about ½ mile after the start of each lap, from the top of Constellation Park to the bottom of the gravel hill. This section has one 90 degree turn, one extremely steep descent, and finishes on loose gravel. CONTROL YOUR SPEED AND BE VERY CAREFUL ON THIS SECTION. You must maintain your position during this section, so account for this in your race strategy, especially on the first lap of the race. PASSING PURPOSEFULLY IN THIS ZONE (without the verbal approval of the staff member stationed in that area), IS GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION. WHILE SEEMINGLY EXTREME, THIS RULE IS IN PLACE FOR EVERYONES SAFETY. PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL and DO NOT BE THAT PERSON!
Course Marking / Trail Closure: The course will be marked with arrows at all turns or areas of decision and ‘comfort arrows’ about every .1 mile along the course. Caution tape will block off major trails that are not part of the course. Small social trails leading to homes or to streams may not be blocked off but if you need to make a turn, it will be obvious with the arrows. Stay on the main trail, unless you see an arrow/s. Course marshals will be placed at key spots along the course, mostly at the major road intersections and road crossings. With this said, PLEASE LOOK BOTH WAYS when crossing roads. The MTB trails at Briar Chapel will NOT be closed to other MTBing traffic for this race but we will do our best to alert non-race riders that the event is taking place. There is a chance a non-racer finds their way onto the course, so please keep your eyes open for other users and be respectful when passing them.
Neutral Mechanical Support: Trek Chapel Hill will have a bike mechanic on-hand that will provide mechanical support during the race. Neutral mechanical support is available to all racers and will be positioned in the staging area. If you need minor mechanical assistance, stop by before the race or in between laps.
Split Times and NEXT LAP Course Marking: Each lap will finish at the staging area. We will capture split times after each lap. After going through the ‘chute’ at the end of each lap, follow the NEXT LAP signs until you get to the original race start line, at which point you should follow the original course marking. It is your responsibility to know which lap you are on. Lap totals for each class are below:
• Expert – 4 laps
• Sport/Single-Speed – 3 laps
• Intermediate – 2 laps
• Beginner/Junior 6-14 – 2 laps
Road Section Safety: At the start of the race and at the start of each lap, you will be riding on the road. Please ride on the shoulder, keeping the cones on your left.
Super Junior NEXT LAP: The Super Junior 6-10 racers will complete two laps, but the second lap will start out on the course. Thus, these racers will receive a finish time only. We will have course marshals/sweepers on the course to help the kids know when to start their second lap and when to head to the finish.
No Mile Markers: We often use mile markers in our races but given the nature of these courses, mile markers would be more confusing than helpful. There will be a ‘½ Mile To Go’ mile marker, which will apply to all racers on each lap.
Aid Station/Hydration: We recommend every racer bring their own filled water bottle/s or hydration pack to use in this race. We will have one aid station at the end of each lap after you go through the finish ‘chute’. The aid stations will have water and Gatorade.
NO EARPHONES or AUDIBLE MUSIC: Using earphones or playing audible music in a mountain bike race is a significant safety risk. This will be strictly enforced and is grounds for disqualification. Please don’t make us be the bad guy.
Photos: Professional photographer Mark Brocker will be at the race capturing images from the event. All photos will be available for FREE download a few days after the event, and we will send you an email when they are ready. Smile big when you see Mark out on the course!
Chip Timing / Results: The timing pros from Junction 311 are timing this race. Your timing chip will be on the back of your race number, which you will receive at check-in. Affix your race number on the front of your handlebars with the twist ties provided. Your race number must be fully visible from the front. Results will be posted online and a QR code to the results will be available after you finish the race. We will also send you an email with a link to the results.
Recovery and Medical: AlbyPT will be providing medical services at the race and will also be available to screen and discuss any injury recovery or movement performance questions you may have. AlbyPT is your partner in keeping life moving well. Specializing in various areas of physical therapy including orthopedics, aquatics, pelvic health, and dry needling; Michelle Alby, DPT is there to guide injury recovery, improve performance for the next race, or assist the body to its next great adventure. With private individualized sessions at your home or office, AlbyPT is an ideal partner in keeping life moving well. Additionally, the Chatham County Fire Department and First Health Emergency Services will be on-site to provide any needed emergency response. Thank you, Michelle Alby, Chatham County Fire Department, and First Health for your expert medical services!
Post-Race Food: Water, Gatorade, and soft drinks will be available after the race. Food includes yummy stuff like sliders, bagels/peanut butter, hummus/veggies, fresh fruit, trail bars, chips, cookies, little cups of M&Ms, etc. Food and beverage is complimentary for all racers and volunteers.
Crank Arm Brewery: Grab a cold beer after the race from our friends at Crank Arm Brewery. They will be on site selling a variety of their delicious local brew. Thank you, Crank Arm for supporting the MTB community!
Amazing Support from Trek Chapel Hill: Trek Chapel Hill has generously contributed over $3500 in gift certificates that will be used for prizes and randomly as giveaways – NICE!. They will also have some swag on hand to randomly give away, will staff a neutral support station at the staging area, and will host the ‘Slowest Bike Race’ at the staging area on Saturday. And finally, Trek Chapel Hill is donating a Top Fuel 9.8 XT to raffle off, with all proceeds going to NICA. You may purchase raffle tickets on site by visiting the Trek tent. THANK YOU, Trek Chapel Hill for the amazing support!
Swag from Delta Cycle: A big shout out to Delta Cycle for providing some great swag for prizes and giveaways. Two lucky randomly drawn winners will grab a very cool Pivot Rack and they have also furnished a few Stwaps for random giveaways. Also, most of the top podium finishers will receive a Stwap, as one of their prizes. Delta Cycle has pioneered enhancing the cycling experience for over 30 years through innovative, design-driven bike accessories and storage solutions. Thank you, Delta Cycle for your generous support!
TORC: Triangle Off-Road Cyclists (TORC) will be on-site promoting the club, signing up new members, and supporting the MTB community. Thank you, TORC for supporting this race, hosting rides, and for all the great work you do to build/maintain the trails we all love. To learn more or to become a TORC member, CLICK HERE.
Awards, Prizes, and Giveaways: We will have three separate awards ceremonies, at 10:15am for expert, sport, and single-speed, at 12:30pm for the super junior 6-10, and at 2pm for intermediate, beginner, and junior 6-14. Awards (1st-5th place pint glasses) will be presented to the top five in each class. In addition to the pint glasses, the top three in each class will receive Trek gift certificates and the top finisher in most classes will receive a Stwap from Delta Cycle. Giveaways (from Trek and Delta Cycle) will be randomly distributed at the award ceremonies. You must be present at the awards ceremony to claim your award/prize or win a giveaway – THEY WILL NOT BE MAILED.
Coastal Credit Union Donation to Meals on Wheels: Not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, that provides member dividends, teller service 7 days a week, better rates, low fees, and safe/secure banking, Coastal Credit Union has been putting community over profit for over 50 years, and we are thrilled to partner with such an upstanding corporate citizen. At this race, and many of our other events, Coastal has committed to donate $3/athlete to the local chapter of Meals on Wheels to support its mission of providing meals and connection to homebound seniors in need. You rock, Coastal Credit Union – THANK YOU!
Awesome Sponsors: THANK YOU to all our generous sponsors for providing product, services, donations, and giveaways in support of grassroots racing and our community. Please show your love and support our sponsors in any way you can. Thank you again, AlbyPT, Coastal Credit Union, Delta Cycle, and Trek Chapel Hill.
One Final THANK YOU goes out to you and all racers for participating, to the helpful volunteers for donating their time and energy, to Kianta and Don from the Briar Chapel Community Association for their excellent support, and to the Roadless Races staff, friends, and family for the support and hard work to make it all happen.
Thank you for taking the time to read this message. We can’t wait for race day and look forward to seeing you on Sat.
Jim
Jim Harman
Race Director
Roadless Races
Roadlessraces.com
jim@roadlessraces.com
571-251-6034
