Monday, August 31, 2009

Detour Road Contruction! The main bridge in Rockdale is being replaced. So don’t try to come in on Hwy 73 without expecting a detour. Easiest route from all points is to come into Rockdale from Cambridge on Cty B/Spring St. Ignore all road closed signs from this point (road isn't closed until the Rockdale bridge).




Here is a picture of the pit area between Heather’s and the Koshkonong Creek. Heather’s will keep the grill on for anyone that wants food until 1 a.m. She’s also offered to have an all you can eat breakfast available at 6 a.m. (Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Hashbrowns, Danish, Biscuits’n’Gravy, Fresh Fruit, Coffee, and Juice). She’s got a really nice deck overlooking the race for the 3 and 6 hour guys to enjoy a cold one after you’re done. Horseshoe pits will be lit up as well.

Need Camping? As I’ve mentioned before, the park at Area#3 is ok to tent on, but it is quite a hike from the Start/Finish. Chuck Hutchins (former mayor of Rockdale and the Cam-Rock Trail Boss) has offered his spacious yard to anyone that may have family along or would like to camp overnight. He’s got a nice fire pit too. Chuck’s house is only 1 block away from the event and is easy access. Just ask at registration.

We’d like to thank Sigma again for their on-line rental program. They’ve given us a nice selection of commuter lights to raffle off also. Hammer has long been a WEM series sponsor and also has provided us some product to raffle off. Lastly Bikes and Beer with Ana & Devon, a group of really good friends from Madison that put on a weekly ride have also donated a nice selection of 6-paks we will raffle off. Cheer Devon on as he hammers out his second 12 hour solo of the year.

Parking- Parking will be available on the main drag of Rockdale, side streets, and Area #3. Please leave Heather's main parking lot open to patrons.

Day of registration and packet pick up will open at 5p.m. On-line registration will close on 9/2 at Midnight.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Updates



We're getting close to race date and some folks are beginning to post some questions. So let me try and address them for everyone and I will update info as it develops.

1.Registration Questions:
-Online registration has been a great tool for both riders and event coordinators. I strongly encourage you to experience the convenience.
- For those registering multiple riders, you can all register at once with a single payment. Once you have completed the information section for the first rider there is a "register another activity or person" click this and proceed with informaiton on your next ride
OR
- You may each register individually and pay individually. I will be able to put you together based upon the event you are registered for and your team name.
- On-line registration will close at midnight 9/2. If you decide to participate after that, you may complete the paper forms and register the day of the event.
- Day of registration will open at 5:30pm.

2.Event Location, Camping, Fires:
- Start/Finish/Pit areas will all be located in the yard behind Heather's Bar & Grill in Rockdale, 222 Water St. Heather's will have food and drink available during business hours and has a really nice deck for spectators that will overlook all of our activities.
- We will attempt to lay out the pit area into specified lots. You may pitch a tent if people want to sleep.
- We have also reserved the use of "Area #3" which has a large parking lot, shelter, and lots of green space. If people want to pitch a tent there, they are welcome as well. However, it is a couple hundred yards travel from Area #3 to the Start/Finish. Riders must enter and leave the course in the Start/Finish area.
- Dane County Park has ok'd for us to allow fires ONLY if they are in an existing fire ring or in an elevated pan/ring off of the ground. If you do have a camp fire, the coals and ashes must be disposed of in the metal barrel we will provide.

3. Course Information:
- The course has come together nicely and should provide something for everyone. If there is one thing I have to say about this course is that it is a mixed bag. Wooded climbs, flowy prairie, some short open double track to pass on, minor technical obstacles, fast downhill, and a nice berm section reminiscent of a pump track called "The Rip'n'Ride".
- Course length is somewhere in the 6-7 mile range with elevation gain of 600 ft. per lap.
-Here is my best at a map for you. Thanks to the Fat Tire Guide guys for putting out a new map this year.

4. Lights:
- We will provide a neutral charging station for the event. This will be an unmanned location and trust the honor system. Please mark/label all of your batteries to avoid any confusion.
-If you plan to rent a Sigma light through the offer they are providing, please be aware that you have to rent on-line from Sigma's rental store. Just click on their logo in the side bar and it will take you there. There will be NO rental light available at the event.
- Sigma is giving a great deal for rental or to purchase after you've had a chance to try it out. Additional batteries are also available for rent.