COURSE INFORMATION
Usery Park
Located on the
Valley's east side, this park takes in 3,648 acres set at
the western end of the Goldfield Mountains, adjacent to the
Tonto National Forest. The park contains a large variety of
plants and animals that call the lower Sonoran desert home.
Along the most popular feature of the park, the Wind Cave
Trail, water seeps from the roof of the alcove to support
hanging gardens of Rock daisy. The Wind Cave is formed at
the boundary between the volcanic tuff and granite on Pass
Mountain. Breathtaking views from this 2,840-foot elevation
are offered to all visitors.
Event Format
Designed as a beginner
friendly duathlon, the course adopts aspects of an adventure
race and will challenge every skill level. Disciplines
include mountain biking and trekking, with a variety of
"mystery events" throughout the course. A mystery event is a
task that must be accomplished by the team prior to
continuing on the course. Mystery events may consist of
physical tasks such as throwing hoops over cones, or
cognitive tasks such as solving a puzzle. Both the long and
short courses will conform to the same format.
Distance:
The estimated distance for the long course is 28 miles (8+
trekking; 20 biking). The estimated distance for the short
course is 16 miles (4+ trekking; 12 biking).
The mini course consists of two one mile loops for this
family friendly hike and is non-competitive.
Start Times:
the start will be sprint style and divided into two start
times -- one each for the long and short course. Long
Course: 7AM / Short Course: 8:30AM.
Order:
The race will consist of three legs -- two mountain bike and
one trekking. At designated checkpoints throughout the
course, riders / runners will have to complete mystery
events and / or punch a race passport in order to proceed.
Teams:
Solo (male, female); two person (male, female, co-ed); three
person (male, female, co-ed); four person (male, female,
co-ed).
Finish:
All finishers will receive a medal. The top three finishers in the designated categories will
receive ribbons.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Course Design
The course is being
designed with a priority on safety. The Usery Mountain Park
trail system has a variety of terrain ranging from trails
with significant elevation gains to single track that pass
through the numerous washes that run through the park. The
trails are well-maintained and in most places wide enough to
allow trekkers or riders side-by-side.
Medical & Aid
Stations
Medical and aid
stations will be strategically placed through the course and
an event safety monitor will maintain contact with
participants of both long and short course on both biking
and trekking legs. Each mystery event station will
also have supplies in the event of an emergency.
Environmental
Impact
All participants will
be required to practice the Outdoor Code, which states a
person will leave an area in better condition than he or she
found it. Failure to do so may result in disqualification
from the event.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions are
expected to be mild with low temperatures around 60 degrees
and high temperatures reaching 90 degrees. Spring rain
showers may occur, but are generally not accompanied by
lightning.
Unless dangerous weather conditions exist, the event will
proceed as planned, rain or shine.
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