Race #3

Rock and Roll at Cacapon

September 21st - 22nd, 2024
Cacapon State Park
Cacapon Resort State Park will host race #3 of the 2024 season. It is located in the eastern panhandle and is a true gem. The park is surrounded by a golf course and incredible scenery. The park has a beautiful lake complete with a beach and diving area, as well as miles of scenic trails for hiking/biking enthusiasts of all skill levels. The race course will start in an open field and will meander through the picnic area to spread the racers out before heading into the woods. Once entering the woods, you will be Rocking and Rolling, up switch back climbs, and back down through berms that are as smooth as butter.

This course and venue is always a family favorite.

 
Race PhotoRace PhotoRace PhotoRace Photo

Race Venue

Cacapon Resort State Park
Cacapon Resort State Park 818 Cacapon Lodge Dr, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411

Parking and PitZone Drop Off Information

  • Please follow all signs to parking.
  • 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)
  • PitZone dropoff will be near the nature center

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

Race Course (2.5 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)
No riders allowed on course after pre-ride is closed

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 Girls
11:15 AMMarshall Meeting
11:30 AMRegistration Closes
12:15 PMStaging - Wave 3 HS Boys
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.
  • Varsity Girls are back in Wave 2 for this race.

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 AM29:54 amPURPLE
8th Grade Boys B (3000’s)9:31 AM29:54 amPURPLE
7th Grade Boys (2000’s)9:33 AM29:56 amYELLOW
6th Grade Boys (1000’s)9:35 AM29:58 amGREEN

Wave 2: Girls

CATEGORYSTARTLAPSCUT-OFFPLATE COLOR
Varsity Girls (1-49)10:30 AM612:10 pmBLACK
JV1 Girls (100’s)10:32 AM511:52 amBLUE
JV2 Girls (400’s)10:34 AM411:34 amRED
JV3 Girls (700’s)10:36 AM411:36 amWHITE
8th Grade Girls (6000’s)10:38 AM211:01 amPURPLE
7th Grade Girls (5000’s)10:40 AM211:03 amYELLOW
6th Grade Girls (4000’s)10:42 AM211:05 amGREEN

Wave 3: High School Boys

CATEGORYSTARTLAPSCUT-OFFPLATE COLOR
Varsity Boys (50-99)12:30 PM62:10 pmBLACK
JV1 Boys (300’s)12:32 PM51:52 pmBLUE
JV2 Boys (500’s)12:34 PM41:34 pmRED
JV3 Boys (900’s)A12:36 PM41:37 pmWHITE
JV3 Boys (900’s) B12:37 PM41:37 pmWHITE

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

Looking for an Adventure?! There are plenty of things to do at and around the State Park along with racing and cheering on your friends!

In the middle of the action at the Pit Zone:

  • NICA registered athletes and coaches can check out the course whether or not they are racing during pre-rides Saturday afternoon.
  • Female NICA athletes (and their favorite NICA-aged people with a waiver) can join the GRiT ride on the course Saturday morning.
  • Stop by the Adventure Tent with your friends any time from 10:30-4:30 on Saturday to check out what “Adventures” we have cooked up for the weekend (hint: Adventure Ride, Bocce Ball, skills course, scavenger hunt, cornhole, nature crafts, etc … )
  • Join “Mayhem on the Mountain” with your friends from across the state at the Adventure Tent during the coach's ride on Saturday. Bring your bikes as we have several on-the-bike and off-the bike games planned. Bring your friends, make new ones, and win prizes!
  • NICA registered athletes and coaches (and NICA-age friends with a waiver) can ride the Adventure Course. Come to the Adventure Tent any time between 10:30am-4:30pm on Saturday if you have coaches to lead your group. If not, come at 10:30am or 4pm to connect with a new group of friends and coaches to ride together.

Non-NICA Activities Available at the State Park

  • Stop by the Tom Ambrose Nature Center to explore the wonders of our backyard through interpretive activities and programs. A scheduled of events is available at the front desk of the Lodge.
  • Enjoy a round of golf, take a lesson, or try FlingGolf at the Robert Trent Jones Sr. gem of a golf course!
  • The North Lodge has an indoor pool and hot tub for guests of the lodge or cabins. Both are open from 10am - 10pm.
  • Cacapon State Park has two small lakes for fishing. Licenses can be purchased at the Lodge.
  • Want to explore Cacapon on horseback? The riding stables offer 1 hour beginner friendly rides through the park. Call for reservations.
  • You can also get some target practice at the Wobble Clay Range. Open 8:30am-3:30pm with appointments made by 11am the prior day at the front desk. Walk-ins may be available.
  • Enjoy the 18 hole disc golf course! Bring your own frisbee. Check at the front desk for a map.
  • There are 23 miles of hiking on 9 different trails throughout the park. Trek up to the observation deck on Cacapon Mountain for a unique opportunity to see views of West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland all at once.
  • Refuel at the Prospects Restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the North Lodge. Hamburgers, hotdogs, are offered at Gettys at the Pro Shop.
  • The Healing Waters Spa offers massages, facials and more!
  • Basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts are available. Just be sure to bring your own equipment.
  • There are also other bike trails to explore throughout the park!

And that is just at Cacapon State Park! Just a few miles off-site you can check out the historic town of Berkley Springs(nearby) and Harpers Ferry National Historic Park (about 1 hour away).

 

SPICY Adventure Course (4.3 miles)

Camping & Lodging

  • - Overnight camping will be offered by Cacapon Resort State Park for $25 per night, and is first come first serve. No pool access. 50% goes to trail maintanence and 50% to local team NICA scholarships.
  • - Please check in at the front desk before setting up camp.
  • - Camping location is in a gravel lot.
  • - RV's are welcome, but there are no electrical, or water hookups
  • - Bath House will be open
  • - Pack in/pack out trash *no trash service provided
  • - Parental supervision required, no exceptions.

HOTELS & CABINS

Cacapon Resort Lodge

  • The lodge is newly renovated and stunning!
  • To ensure availability, please book early.
  • WV NICA has a 30 room block reserved until 8/27
  • After 8/27, the discount will still apply, as long as there is room in the hotel.
Call 304-258-1022 Ext 0
WV NICA

Cacapon Resort Cabins

  • WVICL has blocked off 10 cabins for the weekend.
  • All cabin rentals are a two night minimum.
Call 304-258-1022 Ext 0
WV NICA

Food Service

What Barbeque?

Saturday and Sunday. Open at 10:00

Bike Service

Element Sports

Element Sports
2009 South Loudoun Street Winchester, VA 22601

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!!!