Race #2
Battle at Big Bear Lake
September 7th - 8th, 2024
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake Camplands will host race #2 of the 2024 Season. Athletes will line up on the old “air
strip” and sprint a long straightaway before disappearing into the woods among the gigantic
ferns that make up the forest floor. This course is a mix of fast open double track, twisty singletrack,
and just enough technical features to keep riders on their toes. If you like racing in the rocks, this course
will not disappoint! Big Bear Lake is known for their great xc trails, so make sure you plan to spend
some of your weekend riding the trails at this incredible mountain bike paradise!
Race Venue
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake Camplands 450 Big Bear Lake Road, Bruceton Mills, WV
Take I-68 to the Hazelton Exit (WV exit 29) and go south (left if you are coming from
I-68 West bound, right if you are coming from I-68 East bound). Follow this road 3
miles to the guard shack at Big Bear Lake. Mind your speed once you enter the
camplands - it is 20 MPH throughout. Please be careful using GPS as they have
gotten people lost in the past. Stay on the main road off of the Interstate, you can't
miss the entrance that way!
Parking and PitZone Drop Off Information
- Please park in designated areas
- All vehicles must abide by the instructions of parking volunteers and/or league staff. Any violators risk imposition of penalties against their respective team
- Vehicles must use the designated loading/unloading zone and immediately move to designated parking areas after unloading at the Pit Zone area.
- Vehicles must follow one-way directional traffic in/out of Pit Zone drop off area (see venue map)
Race Registration
Online registration closes Wednesday before each race at 11:30pm
- Students must be league registered and “race-ready” in order to participate
- Registration is done on the NICA Pit Zone website
- Students will receive a race plate for the race series to be used for all races, so please take care of them. Race plates have chips on the back and require care to avoid damage. There is a $10.00 fee to replace race plates if lost, or forgotten. Replacement plates are at registration.DO NOT LOSE YOUR RACE PLATE!
Race Fees
| MIDDLE SCHOOL | HIGH SCHOOL | LATE FEE AT RACE* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| League/NICA Registration (annual) | $210 | $210 | $10 |
| Race Entry Fee (per race) | $20 | $20 | $10 |
* After Wednesday, you will have to register at the race and pay the late fee. Scholarships and financial assistance are available, for more information email cassie@westvirginiamtb.org
Volunteering at our Events
Race day would not be possible without the incredible work of our volunteers. It takes a “village” to put on quality youth mountain bike races. Many parents and cycling enthusiasts find that getting involved with our events is a fun and rewarding experience.
Saturday and Sunday positions are available
We know some positions can look complex and possibly overwhelming for first-time volunteers. Rest assured ALL of our volunteer positions are fun and require no previous experience, and our Core Race Staff are with you every step of the way. You will feel confident and well prepared for your task.
Here is the link to signup for volunteer spots.
For more information contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Julie@westvirginiamtb.org
Pick one (or two) that sound interesting to you, and look forward to the fun!
Race Course
Standard Race Course (3.2 miles)
- Parking
- Pit Zone
- Feed Zone
- Camping
- Marshall Point
Varsity Race Course (6 miles)
Pit Zone Information and NICA Rules
- Pit Zone is open for loading/unloading
- Saturday: 8:30am - 1:00pmThere will be no riding on course prior to the pre-ride opening
- Sunday: 7:00am - 8:00am and after the awards ceremony
- Saturday: 8:30am - 1:00pm
- NO BIKE RIDING ALLOWED IN THE PIT ZONE
- Garbage expectations - pack in/pack out
- Fire/Grilling expectations
- No Gas Generators in the PitZone
- No inappropriate language allowed
- Teams must remove all garbage from Pit Zone and camping areas whether or not a dumpster is on site
- No Smoking, Alcohol, or open flames in Pit Zone
- Dogs must be on leash and under control at all times
- Conflicts and/or disputes should not be dealt with in the team Pit Zone area
- Any violation of the above rules may result in a team penalty and/or expulsion from the Pit Zone and infield area
Weekend Schedule
Saturday
| 8:30 AM | Pit Zone Access Opens |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Registration Opens |
| 9:00 AM | Volunteer Shifts Begin |
| 10:00 AM | Coaches Meeting |
| 10:30 AM | Adventure Course Opens |
| 10:30 AM | Mixed Group Adventure Ride - meet at Adventure Tent |
| 11:00 AM | GRiT Ride - meet at the NICA GRiT Tent at 10:30 |
| 12:00 PM | Coaches Only pre-ride |
| 12:15 PM | "Mayhem On The Mountain" Adventure Tent |
| 12:30 PM | GRiT Craft/Activity |
| 1:00 PM | Pit Zone Access Closes |
| 1:30 PM | Pre-Ride Opens 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM Green Flag Course PreviewWho: Coach-led groups of student athletes in JV1 or Varsity only Passing: Pass as needed, slower groups/riders should keep clear of the course at this time. JV1 and Varsity riders are expected to be respectful and practice trail and passing etiquette. Student-athletes from all other categories should not be entering course with a group at this time. 2:16 PM - 3:30 PM Yellow Flag Course PreviewWho: Coach-led groups of student-athletes with multiple laps who wish to flow through the course at a slightly faster pace Passing: Permitted with exception. The goal for this time frame is to keep groups moving, passing is permitted with communication and within reason. Be respectful - if you pass several groups you are moving faster than the overall tempo of this ride. 3:31 PM - 4:30 PM Red Flag Course PreviewWho: Coach-led groups of new/first time/single or double lap student athletes Passing: Discouraged. The passing group must ask for and receive permission from the lead coach of the group being passed. This is the best time band to session features on the trail. |
| 4:00 PM | Mixed Group Adventure Ride - meet at Adventure Tent |
| 4:00 PM | Last call for Team Coach-led Adventure Rides |
| 4:30 PM | Registration Closes |
| 4:30 PM | Pre-Ride Closes (last riders out at 4:30) |
| 7:00 PM 9:00 PM | Live Band
"Noodles and the Soup" is a Cover Band covering songs spanning through multiple decades and multiple genres. The original band
formed in 2015 in the back room of the Blues Alley Recording Studio in Osage, WV. Originally the first adult band of the
local “School of Rock” PopShopWV, the band has gone through many iterations with multiple musicians. The current iteration includes
original members John Taylor on lead guitar and vocals, Charles MacKay on Bass Guitar and Vocals, and Craig Alkire on Drums. The
newest member of the band, Jeffrey Carver on rhythm guitar and vocals, joined in 2017. We all enjoy getting together to make music.
Smores at the campfire ring during the band |
Sunday
| 7:00 AM | Volunteer Shifts Begin |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Registration Opens |
| 8:00 AM | *Pre-Ride Open to all riders |
| 8:15 AM | Marshall Meeting |
| 8:30 AM | Head Coaches Meeting |
| 9:00 AM | Pre-Ride Closed |
| 9:15 AM | Staging - Wave 1 MS Boys |
| 9:30 AM | Racing Begins |
| 10:15 AM | Staging - Wave 2 MS, Freshman & Sophmore Girls |
| 11:15 AM | Marshall Meeting |
| 11:30 AM | Registration Closes |
| 12:15 PM | Staging - Wave 3 HS Boys & Varsity Girls |
| 2:00 PM | Racing Concludes |
| 2:15 PM | Pit Zone Break Down Begins |
| 3:30 PM | Awards Ceremony |
Pre-Ride
Pre-Ride Hours
Coaches Only (Saturday 12:00PM - 1:00PM)
Saturday afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:30 PM)
Sunday morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)
All racers should pre-ride the course
RIDERS MUST ADHERE TO ANY COURSE RESTRICTIONS
TO BE ON COURSE: ALL RIDERS (STUDENTS & REGISTERED COACHES) must be fully practice ready in the Pit Zone and have their number plates affixed to their bike
Coaches Meeting
A mandatory head coaches meeting will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, and 8:30am on Sunday. Each team must have 1 representative present at the meetings.
Race Waves
- STAGING will begin 15 minutes before each wave.
- If you miss your call up, you will be placed in with the rest of the group.
- Note: Final lap count decision per category will be finalized and confirmed at the start of each race in addition to any lap cut-off times.
Race Duration Guidelines
- <30 mins for Middle School
- 30-50 mins for JV3/JV2 boys and girls & and JV1 girls
- 45-90 mins for JV1 boys and Varsity girls
- 45-90 mins for Varsity boys
- Race officials reserve the right to determine these time limits at any time.
- Time limits may be imposed for reasons that include, among others: safety, heat, cold, rain, and muddy conditions.
- Course closures may be announced at any time.
- Due to weather or course closures, these duration guidelines may be changed at League Discretion.
Wave 1: Middle School Boys
| CATEGORY (NUMBER SERIES) | START TIME | LAPS | EARNED LAP CUT-OFF TIME | ESTIMATED DURATION | RACE PLATE COLOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8th Grade Boys A (3000’s) | 9:30 AM | 2 | 9:53 AM | 25-45 minutes | PURPLE |
| 8th Grade Boys B (3000’s) | 9:31 AM | 2 | 9:54 AM | 25-45 minutes | PURPLE |
| 7th Grade Boys (2000’s) | 9:32 AM | 2 | 9:55 AM | 25-45 minutes | YELLOW |
| 6th Grade Boys (1000’s) | 9:34 AM | 2 | 9:57 AM | 25-45 minutes | GREEN |
Wave 2: Girls
| CATEGORY (NUMBER SERIES) | START TIME | LAPS | EARNED LAP CUT-OFF TIME | ESTIMATED DURATION | RACE PLATE COLOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JV1 Girls (100’s) | 10:30 AM | 3 | 11:16 AM | 60-100 minutes | BLUE |
| JV2 Girls (400’s) | 10:32 AM | 3 | 11:18 AM | 45-90 minutes | RED |
| JV3 Girls (700’s) | 10:34 AM | 3 | 11:20 AM | 45-90 minutes | WHITE |
| 8th Grade Girls (6000’s) | 10:36 AM | 2 | 10:59 AM | 25-45 minutes | PURPLE |
| 7th Grade Girls (5000’s) | 10:38 AM | 2 | 11:01 AM | 25-45 minutes | YELLOW |
| 6th Grade Girls (4000’s) | 10:40 AM | 2 | 11:03 AM | 25-45 minutes | GREEN |
Wave 3: High School Boys & Varsity Girls
| CATEGORY (NUMBER SERIES) | START TIME | LAPS | EARNED LAP CUT-OFF TIME | ESTIMATED DURATION | RACE PLATE COLOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varsity Boys (50-99) | 12:30 PM | 2(Varsity Course) | 1:30 PM | 90-120 minutes | BLACK |
| Varsity Girls (1-49) | 12:32 PM | 2(Varsity Course) | 1:32 PM | 90-120 minutes | BLACK |
| JV1 Boys (300’s) | 12:34 PM | 3 | 1:20 PM | 60-100 minutes | BLUE |
| JV2 Boys (500’s) | 12:36 PM | 3 | 1:22 PM | 45-90 minutes | RED |
| JV3 Boys (900’s)A | 12:38 PM | 3 | 1:24 PM | 45-90 minutes | WHITE |
| JV3 Boys (900’s) B | 12:39 PM | 3 | 1:25 PM | 45-90 minutes | WHITE |
Varsity Course -This race will feature additional mileage for Varsity riders. This will typically be an extra 2 to 3 miles of more challenging terrain.
Addition Race Information
Chip Timing Info
All riders will receive a permanent number plate with chip timing transponder on the backside. Riders will use the same plate for the entire race series, so please remove this number plate before mounting the bike for transport to prevent loss. Replacement number plates will be available at the registration tent for 10$
Category Petitions
Those petitioning for exceptions to category placement must do so by Sunday August 21, 2022 by midnight.
- No race day petitions will be accepted
- Contact your Team Director or Head Coach to be invited
- Independent riders contact cassie@westvirginiamtb.org
Refund/Weather Policy
Our primary considerations are the safety of riders, support staff and spectators, and potential damage to the venue and trails. Any decisions regarding canceling, postponing or altering race start times, lap lengths, number of laps, etc. will be made jointly by league staff and the land manager. Often this decision cannot be made until the morning of the race due to the unpredictable and rapidly changing nature of severe weather. The league will make every attempt to notify the racing population as soon as possible via email, social media and website updates. More Information
Handbook: West Virginia Policies and Rules
All participants are required to read, understand and abide by all league policies, rules and protocols while attending any league event.
Adventure
Adventure Objectives - Ride to the Pines!
Choose your own Adventure! Challenge by choice ride with two options to ride to the pines.
MILD (4.2 miles)
SPICY (4.5 miles)
Camping & Lodging
ALL CAMPING WILL BE AT THE VENUE
- - Primitive camping is available Friday and Saturday nights, on site.
- - $30.00 per campsite. One family per site, please.
Primitive Field Camping Guidelines:
- Parental supervision required, no exceptions. League staff and team coaches are not responsible for student athletes outside of pre-ride and race day
- No hookups for RV's
- No campfires or open flames allowed. Propane grills and stoves allowed as consistent with current local fire restrictions
- Pack in/pack out trash *no trash service provided
- Port-a-johns will be provided.
HOTELS & CABINS
Hazelton Microtel Inn & Suites
886 Casteel Rd, Hazelton, WV 26525
- We have a block rate for rooms with 1 or 2 queen beds.
- Guaranteed discount expires 30 days before reservation, but can still ask for a discount after.
Reserve through Cindy Spencer at 304-379-7900
WV NICA
Food Service
What Barbeque?
Bike Service
PathFinder of WV235 High St Morgantown, Wv
West Virginia’s Adventure Outfitter
We are so grateful to have support from our community, and Pathfinder has been one of our biggest supporters since the very beginning! Take time to stop in for last minute supplies, or just to say hey!
Emergency Access Plan
Emergency Access Plans (EAPs) are an integral piece of the overall system we use to proactively identify and manage the risks inherent to the sport of mountain biking, while supporting the goals of developing student-athletes as riders and having fun. EAPs help us think through the challenges and appropriateness of an event venue, as well as help us plan ahead and prepare for managing incidents that occur during an event.
Contact Us
Please note that most staff arrive onsite Thursday or Friday of each race weekend and may not have sufficient cell/data coverage to respond to calls/emails. Please plan accordingly.
General League Questions
Rule Related Questions
Registration Questions
Stay up-to-date
Information in this race flyer is subject to change. Please check back just prior to the race weekend to make sure you have the most current information available.
SEE YOU AT THE RACES!!!
2024 Race Schedule
Aug 23rd:
Sep 6th:
Sep 20th:
Oct 4th:
Oct 18th:
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