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 Inspection is MANDATORY for all Rec division riders. It is the racer's responsibility to ensure that they are at the exchange zone in plenty of time prior to the start of the race to complete the inspection, that their number is checked on the list of "checked" bikes, and that the race number that is mounted on the bike frame is stamped by the official indicating completion of inspection. Teams registered in a Rec division who do not complete the roll-out inspection will be automatically bumped to a Pro division. There will be no inspections after the first runner is in view of the exchange zone. Arlberg Sports will have a van at Squilchuck State Park for the last minute purchase of forgotten helmets, patch kits, etc. They will be able to give assistance with mechanical problems and tire pressure.
From Squilchuck State Park to the intersection of Squilchuck Road and Methow Street cyclists will travel in the LEFT lane, which is closed to uphill traffic from 11 AM - 2:00 PM. At Methow, racers move into the right lane to finish their leg. Drafting is not allowed, and a penalty will be assessed if a biker is observed drafting during the bike leg. Ignorance of drafting techniques is not an excuse. You may not remain within two bike lengths behind another bike for more than 30 seconds. 400 bikers will be on your leg of the race, so please ride safely: hold your line and do not cut severely to one side or another while on the course.
Racers in the Bicycle Leg will wear a colored number on their low back, a helmet number and a special number on the frame of the bike. Portagers are required to wear a number in Riverfront Park during the Portage/Sprint Leg. A race number is required to access the fruit and cookie aid station in the finish area.
ANSI and Snell approved helmets are required (approved soft or hard-shell). Fairings and tandem bikes are not allowed in Ridge to River in any division. Equipment left at Squilchuck State Park must be picked up before 5:00 PM, when the Park will be locked. Cyclists must make all their own repairs; tools and parts must be carried by the biker during the race. No outside assistance permitted.
The exchange zone at Monitor will be on the access road. To avoid dangers to spectators and other racers at the exchange zone, the biker must dismount at the exchange zone, and may not ride into the canoe storage area. Access from this zone to the park entrance by canoeists will be clearly flagged and closed to spectators. Spectators, support people and other team members are requested not to travel the race route. The Bicycle leg is approximately 19 miles of evenly mixed and alternating down, flat and uphill terrain.
If you are flagged into a holding zone at the train crossings, please follow the steward's directions. Bikers who are stopped at the train crossings tend to want to ride in a circle. This has caused several accidents in past years when incoming bikers riding at high speed struck circling bikers. Please stop riding if you are held at the crossing. You will be released when the train passes and your delay will be deducted from your team time.
See the Ridge to River Rules and Guidelines for details on equipment specifications for all divisions and categories.
The center-line will be flagged at #2 Canyon Road and Western Avenue, as this is a blind corner. You must slow your speed to a near stop to safely negotiate these comers and avoid colliding with vehicular traffic. At Horselake Road and Wenatchee Avenue, only the near lane is coned off for race use. Chatham Hill road is no longer an exit from North Wenatchee Avenue. A bicycle trail has been constructed and is now a permanent part of the race course. This is a narrow trail, and no passing is allowed during this 50 yard section of the bike leg. The concrete barriors at the north end of the bike trail will be removed 3 days prior to the race.
It is recommended that you travel the course at least once before the race to become familiar with the many sharp turns, but high speed training on the streets and roads of the race route can be highly dangerous, may be illegal, and is cautioned against.
Once the exchange is made at Monitor, bicyclists will be directed to take their bicycles on the overpass over the highway and to Boswell's parking lot for loading. There will be no participant vehicle traffic into the park during the race. Bikers should not stop to change shoes or clothing in the 10' exchange zone. Move off the access road, away from incoming bicycle traffic. Iron and Tandem have a designated changing area at each zone near the exchange. Use Easy Street to access Wenatchee from the Boswell's parking lot. We know that you need to go immediately to Riverfront Park, and this will not cause a delay. |
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