Racists, take note! The good folks at SORBA-CSRA have brought back the successful Sumter Metric century RACE from last spring in a new, September incarnation. This race was a jolly good time last year and plans to be EVEN BETTER this year. As of this posting, Eric Smith of Cane Creek will be racing in the CX division which means you should race in the CX division. Everybody who finishes ahead of Eric receives a “Hail To The Chimp” DVD and a coupon to Citytrends Fashions in Columbia (this is not a guarantee). I didn’t see an Augusta cross race listed this fall so the Sumter Metric Century may be your only opportunity to thrash around on your cross bike without driving 9 hours to the closest cross race. Details and course map beloooooow. Oh yeah, this race is quasi-pricey but the proceeds go back to the trails so don’t feel so torn when it’s time to loosen the purse strings!
WHAT: Sumter Metric Century
WHEN: Sept 25, 2010
WHERE: Hamilton Branch State Park, near Modoc, SC (camping available!)
COST: $50 for IMBA/SORBA members, $60 for non-members. All proceds go towards trail maintenance in the CSRA.
DESCRIPTION: A mountain bike race through the Long Cane Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest that connects the Modoc, Turkey Creek, Wine Creek, and Horn Creek trails using a combination of paved and gravel roads. There are approximately 28 miles of singletrack. Due to new start/finish location total mileage is just under 70 miles this year. This is a low key, no stress fun event.
FOOD: Hot dogs/hamburgers will be provided after the race.
SWAG: If you register before Sept 6th you’re guaranteed an SMC hat, after Sept 6th you may or may not get one.
LIMIT: Race is limited to 125 racers! If the race does not sell out early then day of registration will be allowed, with a $10 price increase for each class.
CLASSES:
Male Under 30
Male 30-40
Male 40+
Female Under 30
Female 30-40
Female 40+
Singlespeed
Clydesdale
Cyclocross (UCI rules apply for a bike to be eligible)
AWARDS: Custom engraved pint glasses awarded to top 3 racers in each class
SAG STOPS: There are three SAG locations approximately 15-20 miles apart. Racers will actually hit SAG #2 twice, before and after riding the 6 mile Horn Creek trail. SAGs will be stocked with water and sports drink as well as some food. Racers will be given 3 large ziplock bags to send items ahead to the SAG locations.
RAIN POLICY: There is no alternate date. If the trails are too wet to race on without damaging them an alternate route will be used which will bypass the trails using paved and gravel roads.
IMPORTANT TIMES: Check in/registration will open at 7:00am, and the race will start at 9:00am. For safety reasons there will be cut-off times at each SAG to ensure no one is on the course after dark.
OTHER INFO: Race will start with a controlled group ride out of Hamilton Branch State Park. Once all racers are out onto the main loop, the racers will be turned loose to ride their own pace. Racers are REQUIRED to check in at each SAG (just make sure someone writes down your number as you roll through). Failure to do so will get the racer disqualified. This is a safety measure to ensure we know where everyone is on the course.
