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!
 
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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!
  • Please review our Weather and Refund policies.

Race Fees

MIDDLE SCHOOLHIGH SCHOOLLATE 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

Volunteer Training Videos

Pick one (or two) that sound interesting to you, and look forward to the fun!

Sign Volunteer WaiverVolunteer Signup

Race Course

Standard Race Course (3.2 miles)

  • Parking
  • Pit Zone
  • Feed Zone
  • Camping
  • Marshall Point

Varsity Race Course (6 miles)

NICA

Pit Zone Information and NICA Rules

  • Pit Zone is open for loading/unloading
    • Saturday: 8:30am - 1:00pm
      There will be no riding on course prior to the pre-ride opening
    • Sunday: 7:00am - 8:00am and after the awards ceremony
  • 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 AMPit Zone Access Opens
9:00 AMRegistration Opens
9:00 AMVolunteer Shifts Begin
10:00 AMCoaches Meeting
10:30 AMAdventure Course Opens  
10:30 AMMixed Group Adventure Ride - meet at Adventure Tent
11:00 AMGRiT Ride - meet at the NICA GRiT Tent at 10:30
12:00 PMCoaches Only pre-ride
12:15 PM"Mayhem On The Mountain" Adventure Tent
12:30 PMGRiT Craft/Activity
1:00 PMPit Zone Access Closes
1:30 PM
Pre-Ride Opens
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
 
Green Flag Course Preview
Who: 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 Preview
Who: 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 Preview
Who: 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 PMMixed Group Adventure Ride - meet at Adventure Tent
4:00 PMLast call for Team Coach-led Adventure Rides
4:30 PMRegistration Closes
4:30 PMPre-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 AMVolunteer Shifts Begin
7:30 AMRegistration Opens
8:00 AM*Pre-Ride Open to all riders
8:15 AMMarshall Meeting
8:30 AMHead Coaches Meeting
9:00 AMPre-Ride Closed
9:15 AMStaging - Wave 1 MS Boys
9:30 AMRacing Begins
10:15 AMStaging - Wave 2 MS, Freshman & Sophmore Girls
11:15 AMMarshall Meeting
11:30 AMRegistration Closes
12:15 PMStaging - Wave 3 HS Boys & Varsity Girls
2:00 PMRacing Concludes
2:15 PMPit Zone Break Down Begins
3:30 PMAwards 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

CATEGORYSTARTLAPSCUT-OFFPLATE COLOR
8th Grade Boys A (3000’s)9:30 AM29:53 AMPURPLE
8th Grade Boys B (3000’s)9:31 AM29:54 AMPURPLE
7th Grade Boys (2000’s)9:32 AM29:55 AMYELLOW
6th Grade Boys (1000’s)9:34 AM29:57 AMGREEN

Wave 2: Girls

CATEGORYSTARTLAPSCUT-OFFPLATE COLOR
JV1 Girls (100’s)10:30 AM311:16 AMBLUE
JV2 Girls (400’s)10:32 AM311:18 AMRED
JV3 Girls (700’s)10:34 AM311:20 AMWHITE
8th Grade Girls (6000’s)10:36 AM210:59 AMPURPLE
7th Grade Girls (5000’s)10:38 AM211:01 AMYELLOW
6th Grade Girls (4000’s)10:40 AM211:03 AMGREEN

Wave 3: High School Boys  & Varsity Girls

CATEGORYSTARTLAPSCUT-OFFPLATE COLOR
Varsity Boys (50-99)12:30 PM2(Varsity Course)1:30 PMBLACK
Varsity Girls (1-49)12:32 PM2(Varsity Course)1:32 PMBLACK
JV1 Boys (300’s)12:34 PM31:20 PMBLUE
JV2 Boys (500’s)12:36 PM31:22 PMRED
JV3 Boys (900’s)A12:38 PM31:24 PMWHITE
JV3 Boys (900’s) B12:39 PM31:25 PMWHITE
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

Nica Handbook
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.

New This Year

You must pre-register for a primitive camping spot.

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 WV

PathFinder of WV
235 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

 
Cassie Smith
League Director

Rule Related Questions

 
Bradley Schmalzer
Chief Referee

Registration Questions

Krista Soderholm
League Registration Manager

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!!!