Arcadian Grit & Gravel
Mountain Bike Race

RACER INFORMATION

When: Saturday, May 19th, 2012
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Where: Arcadia, Michigan

The home page says it all: this course is like nothing you've ever raced before. Here's how the course breaks down in terms of distances on the different surfaces (roughly):

Distance: roughly 30 miles
Pavement: 4 miles
Gravel: 12 miles
Two tracks: 4 miles
Single track: 10 miles

Wondering about using a cross bike? Absolutely! At first we were concerned about trail wear, but have been assured that even cyclo-cross bikes won't do any damage. The only thing is, there's no guarantee that a cross bike will be the best choice... only time will tell.

Pre-riding the course

There'll be a map of the course available soon – just click and print it off. Anyone can ride the course anytime!

Timing

Chrono Tony and Deb Newton from Race Services Company have done a fantastic job at all of our Peak2Peak races at Crystal Mountain and are on board again for this inaugural event in Arcadia. They'll be using their Chronotrack Systems technology and here's what that means for you:

You will be required to show your driver's license or another appropriate form of ID when you pick up your race packet. Your timing chip will be stuck on the back of your number plate, no muss, no fuss.
Each racer must pick up his/her own packet. Others may not pick up packets for friends, etc.
The start and finish lines will be barricaded off until the actual start of the event so there will not be any premature 'tripping' of the system.

Announcing

Known state-wide as much for his skills on the bike as for his announcing prowess, Endoman Promotions is proud to announce the Announcer for the AG&G: Rochester Hills' own Anthony Bruley! Be sure to stop by before the start to say ‘hi' (and to make sure he knows how to pronounce your name...)

Packet Pick Up

Packet pick up will be at the Pleasant Valley Community Center on Glovers Lake Rd, on Saturday morning from 7:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO PACKET PICK UP ON FRIDAY NIGHT!

Gun Time

The inaugural AG&G will be divided into two waves:

Pros/Elites (both women and men): 10:00 a.m.
Everyone Else: 10:05 a.m.

The ‘Everyone Else' wave will essentially be a mass start with ALL racers (not pros) lining up and taking off at the same time – think Ore-to-Shore. We'll be using GUN TIME for both waves – the clock will start when the first rider crosses the starting line. Please, seed yourselves accordingly!

Tandems

Tandem riders will have one class with no age or gender breakdown. Only one entry form/fee per tandem is required and with both names on it. Tandems can be male-male, male-female, or female-female, any age, any skill level.

Single Speeds

Single-speeders will have one class, as well.

Team Competition

Have a team and want to try your hand at some strategy? The Arcadian will be conducive to some team tactics, since there's a good amount of open, gravel roads to negotiate. So, we're introducing a friendly team competition – get your best riding buddies together and see how you stack up. No extra fees but also no cash awards. You'll be racing for growlers and bragging rights. See the Team Competition Rules and then fill out the Team Competition Registration Form and you'll be all set.

Licenses

No licenses of any kind are required for the Arcadian Grit & Gravel Mountain Bike Race.

T-shirts and Socks

Arcadian Grit & Gravel Tees will be available for sale and can be ordered when you fill out you Registration form online. They will also be available on race day at the Pleasant Valley Community Center. Pre-purchased shirts (ordered when you register) will be included in your packets.

Awards, Purse, and Prize Drawings

The awards ceremony for the Pros/Elite riders will be held around 12:30 p.m. and the ceremony for all other riders will be around 1:30 p.m. The purse for the pros will be paid out for the top three finishers for both men and women, as follows:

1st Place: $250
2nd Place: $125
3rd Place: $75

For each age category, the top three finishers will each receive a medal.

Bonus

The following races and their organizers have generously donated one or more entries into their 2012 events, to be given out as swag at the AG&G:

March, 2013 Barry-Roubaix race, in Barry County
May, 2013 Mud, Sweat and Beers Mt Bike Race in Traverse City,
August, 2012 Ore-to-Shore in Marquette, and
September, 2012 Tour De Woods in Munising, the UP.

You'll also want to stick around for the drawings for other great prizes and merchandise, including lift passes at Crystal, golf passes, and dinners at area restaurants, bike gear and more.

Accommodations

We have a couple of outstanding options for the travelers out there, each with its own unique amenities and attractions. The first, Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa, is a favorite with Peak2Peak racers in the fall and is about 15 minutes from race central in Arcadia. The second is the Watervale Inn, a charming ‘old-world' resort on the shores of Lower Herring Lake and Lake Michigan and its about 5 miles due north of Arcadia, off of M22.

For Crystal Mountain, Hotel Rooms can be booked from $89 and Condominiums and Cottages will be available from $179 ~ units vary in size from one to five bedrooms. Call 800-968-7686 for reservations and information and be sure to mention Endoman Promotions, the Arcadian Grit & Gravel Mountain Bike Race, or Group Number 45L44D. Remember to ask about their cancellation policy.

For the Watervale Inn, they are offering rooms at the Inn for $55 per person and that includes a full, hearty breakfast. Check out their website or call 231-352-9083 for more information.

That's it for now! We're looking forward to a great, new event with an awesome course and we will strive to make your race day and weekend experience memorable. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us through EndomanPromotions.com, and Happy Training!

Race Director
Endoman Promotions, LLC