Black Bear Rampage

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Black Bear Rampage

Black Bear Rampage 20 Miler

Registration will close 5pm EST, Friday September 9th 2011

What: 40 and 20 mile mile mountain bike race utilizing the best trails of the Tanasi Trail System in the Cherokee National Forest. Link for a map of the Black Bear Rampage. The 40 mile course has 4125 feet of ascent and 3834 feet of descent.

When: September 11, 2011. Race day events begin at 7:00 am.

Where: The race begins at the Whitewater Center and ends at the Overflow Parking Lot on Hwy 64 just east of the Whitewater Center.

Race Course
The Pros, Experts, Sports, Beginners, Clydesdales, Burley Bears and the Silver Backs will be racing 40 miles while beginners can tackle the 20 mile course

Course changes:
Racers will race the extention on Brush Creek (avoiding the switchbacks) both in and out. Racers will climb up Bear Paw and turn to the right (same as last year) and then return THE SAME ROUTE on the way back (a change from last year). The Brush Creek change is made to avoid excessive back-ups on the switchbacks, while the Bear Paw change is done because racing down that section is WAY fun!

Silver Backs:
While Silver Backs are not bears, they are old. So if you are an riding a bike and you are feeling the years, then this category may be for you. Old racers (aged 50 and over) are lumped together for this tailor made spot!

Event philosophy: Most racers don't make it to the podium, but in the Black Bear Rampage, all of our racers are winners. If you want memories of the best race day in your life, the Black Bear Rampage is for you. If you want some of the best Schwag you've ever gotten, the Black Bear Rampage is for you. If you want to enjoy the best post-race meal (Deli Boys of Cleveland) ever offered, the Black Bear Rampage is for you. If you want to race against the finest, friendliest mountain bikers in the world, the Black Bear Rampage is for you.

Black Bear Rampage shorts or bibs! These are again being made by Hincapie

Sponsors:
Scott's Bicycle Centre, Myoplex, Oakley, Toyota of Cleveland, RealTree and Bontrager and are proud to bring you the Premier Mountain Bike Race of the Year!

Medical staff: Medical staff (physicians, physical therapists and EMTs) will be on hand to provide medical attention as needed.

Cost :
Registration - $100 per race participant.

Contact:Call 423.472.9881 if you have any questions.

*** Additional short & bib sizes are available upon request! ***

Prizes & awards for the top three riders in each RACE category. All categories above will run regardless of participation. All racers will win prizes!! Hincapie Jerseys are on the way this year with NEW artwork!

Accommodations: If you want to enjoy a home-like atmosphere, or are looking to make the weekend special and memorable, Brian at Mountain Escape Cabins has the best cabins in the county and is offering a 15% DISCOUNT to Rampage racers! The Ocoee Whitewater Inn is also a favorite for lodging and is offering rooms at the discounted price of $75.99 to Rampage racers! Check out the area restaurants and happenings while at OcoeeCountry.com. Outland Expeditions is your hook up for the best weekend ever! If you are looking for great camping or would like to raft down the river with a bunch of other racers, call Outland at 1.800.827.1442!

Day of Race Parking: Will be in the lower parking lot (below the Whitewater Center). There is a $3 per vehicle fee to the Whitewater Center. Please have exact change ready.

Check-In Procedure: Check-in will be at Scott's Bicycle Centre on Saturday night and at the Race Command Tent on Sunday morning (see schedule above). All racers MUST be checked in by 8:20 am Sunday!!! Please have a valid picture ID ready when you check-in. The procedure goes as follows: Show ID, sign liability waiver, receive number plate, starting position and info sheet. ***Saturday night check-in is preferred!***

Beginner, Sport, Clydesdale, Burley Bear, SingleSpeed, Silver Back, Expert and Pro Race Course: Racers will line up at the upper parking lot of the Whitewater Center. The initial sprint start will run (east) up the side of the highway, over the ridge cut, through the overflow parking lot and turn right onto Brush Creek. At the entrance to the lower loop, racers will roll left and blister the full length of Brush Creek, hammer Boyd Gap, and then follow Old Copper Road down to the first SAG stop at the Whitewater Center bridge. After climbing Bear Paw (staying to the right), racers will follow Chestnut Mountain to the second crazy descent - Thunder Rock Express. Coming off of T.R., you will crank it up 45 to West Fork to the 2nd SAG stop at the junction of Chestnut Mountain and 45, and then ride Quartz Loop clockwise, coming off onto the 1330 Bypass to ride River View Loop. Back on Chestnut Mountain Loop, riders will race back down Bear Paw (taking the left turn onto Bear Paw), across the bridge (3rd SAG stop) to speed up Old Copper Road, back up Boyd Gap, following Brush Creek back to the top of 33211 and the finish line. Race Finishers will then coast down to the lower parking lot at the Whitewater Center to await the awards ceremony and the festivities.

Epic 20 Beginner Course: Racers will line up at the upper parking lot of the Whitewater Center. The initial sprint start will run (east) up the side of the highway, over the ridge cut, through the overflow parking lot and turn right onto Brush Creek. At the entrance to the lower loop, riders will roll left and blister the full length of Brush Creek, hammer Boyd Gap, and then follow Old Copper Road down to the first SAG stop at the Whitewater Center bridge. After climbing Bear Paw (staying to the right), riders will follow Chestnut Mountain to the second crazy descent - Thunder Rock Express. Coming off of T.R., Epic Course riders will be directed to the right (back to hwy 64) where they will race up the side of the road back to the FINSH LINE at the Command Tent.

A special thanks to EAS, Oakley and Bontrager for contributing some amazing prizes this year!