Idyllwild Spring Challenge 2008

[denmother]

Idyllwild Spring Challenge
Idyllwild CA
XC, SD, TT
Note: This is now part of the AMBC Series

Date: Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd and 4th, 2008
Place: Hurkey Creek Park, located eight miles south of Idyllwild, CA on hwy 74 in the San Jacinto Mountains

Directions:

From Los Angeles, I-10 east to Banning, exit hwy 243 Idyllwild. Take 243 up the mountains through the town of Idyllwild to Mountain Center, then bear left on hwy 74 towards Palm Desert. Hurkey Creek campground is about 4 miles down the mountain on the left.

From San Diego, I-15 north to exit hwy 79 south toward Temecula/Indio. Travel on hwy 79 for about 18 miles. Turn left on to hwy 371 and follow about 17 miles until it runs into hwy 74. Turn left on hwy 74 and travel north about 9 miles. Hurkey Creek campground will be on the right.

Time Trial: From Hurkey Creek Park go north (right turn) on hwy 74 for about 4 miles. Soft right onto 243 Idyllwild, about 3.5 miles. Turn left at Tollgate Rd. and follow until it turns to dirt past the Idyllwild Arts School. Look for parking signs.

Schedule:
Friday, May 2nd:
5:00 - 8:00 pm. Registration at Idyllwild Pizza Company. 5439 Village Center Dr., Idyllwild (951-659-5900)

Saturday, May 3rd:
7:00 - 9:30 am. Registration at Hurkey Creek campground.
10:00 am: X-Country race begins Pros, Semi Pros, Expert Men, Open Long Course
10:30 am: X-Country race begins Expert Women, Sport, Beginner & Juniors
1:30 pm: Free Kids Race
2:00 pm: Raffle and Awards Ceremony

Sunday May 4th:
7:00 - 8:00 am: Super-D registration.
9:00 am: Super-D race begins.
12:30 pm: Time Trial
*No Sunday race day registration for Time Trial.

Fees:
Cross Country
Adults:........................................... ........$35.00
Juniors:.......................................... ........$20.00
Tandems:.......................................... .....$50.00

Super D
Adults:........................................... ........$25.00
Juniors:.......................................... ........$15.00

Time Trial
(Limited to 75 participants).......................Donations

Misc:
1 day racing License:............................$5.00
On-Site registration (Sat. & Sun. each) add:...$10.00
Weekend Parking for Hurkey Creek Park:........$5.00
T-shirts:........................................... .................$15.00
Free T-Shirts for pre registrants before April 28.

[denmother]

Race Updates:

The Idyllwild Spring Challenge is now a part of USA Cycling's ADMTB Junior Olympic Series. Check Entry Form for Junior Olympic Classes.

We are really sorry for all of you who loved the hike-a-bike section coming out of Coldwater. We have removed it! Also, Sport riders, we have added the Bonita Vista Trail to your course. The added fire road climb will be well worth it when you cruise down this fun trail. Check maps for 2008 course changes.

[surlygal]

is anyone going to camp? or just drive up for the race?

[denmother]

Maps & Descriptions:

Cross Country:
This year all course lengths will provide enough of a challenge for each category with the Pro/Semi Pro loop being extremely challenging. The course is mostly single track with some fire road and very small section of paved road. It is a great combination of different trails ranging from rocky and technical, to smooth and flowing. For those of you who have joined us in the past, the hike-a-bike after the Coldwater Trail is out!
Check Lap Lengths and Start Times for course length that applies to your class.

Cross Country Map pdf downloads:
30 mile loop
23 mile loop
19 mile loop
9.5 mile loop
7 mile loop
All Courses Combined

Course Profiles pdf downloads:
30 mile profile
23 mile profile
19 mile profile
9.5 mile profile
7 mile profile

Course Directions pdf downloads (highly recommended for pre-ride):

30 mile Directions
23 mile Directions
19 mile Directions
9.5 mile Directions
7 mile Directions


Super D:
New for 2008! The Idyllwild Spring Challenge introduces its Super D course. Only one way to describe it, "Yahoooo!!!"
Super D Map download.

Time Trial:
The course begins at the dirt fire road "Hub" right after you pass through the Idyllwild Arts on Tollgate Rd. Mostly single track, you'll have a blast on this varied 3 mile plus course. One great way to see the course is to join The Bike Route's Saturday morning ride at 8:00 AM (see local rides on homepage).
Donations will be accepted for the Time Trial instead of an entry fee. If you need a one day license and are not racing the Super D you'll have to get one for the Time Trial. No same day registration and the field is limited to 75 riders. Register early!

Time Trial Map download.

Race Start Times :

2008 STAGING TIMES:
Race Staging Times Download pdf.


Lodging & Camping:
The Idyllwild Spring Challenge is making room for campsites of its own next to the Expo Area. These sites have access to the shower/bathroom houses but will not be allowed private fire rings. The sites will be $10 each and will be on a first come first serve basis for Friday and Saturday nights.
Hurkey Creek campground reservations: 800-234-7275

Hurkey Creek campground reservations: 800-234-7275
For Idyllwild lodging call the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce: 951-659-3259

Idyllwild Inn - Family owned since 1904. Fireplace cabins and rooms.
54300 Village Center Dr. 888-659-2552
www.idyllwildinn.com
Silver Pines Lodge - Lodge and creek side cabins. Phone: 951-659-4335
15955 Cedar St. Idyllwild, CA
www.silverpineslodge.com
Tahquitz Inn - One & two bedroom suites with kitchens, fireplaces & more. Phone: 951-659-4554 or 877-659-4554
25840 Hwy. 243, Idyllwild, CA
www.tahquitzinn.com
Mile High Country Inn - At Mile High Country Inn, our guest rooms feature cozy fireplaces, down comforters, in-room coffee, refrigerators and beautiful outdoor decks. Our cabins combine the rustic style of country mountain living with all the comforts of home. Accomodations are for 1 to 2 adults. Mention you are racing in the Idyllwild Spring Challenge and receive our weekday rates!
Phone: 951-559-2931 54635 North Circle Dr., Idyllwild, CA www.milehighcountryinn.com


Eats:
La Casita Mexican Restaurant - 54650 N. Circle Dr., Idyllwild - 951-659-6038.
The Idyllwild Pizza Company - 54391 Village Center Dr. Idyllwild - 951-659-5900.
Jo'an's Restaurant & Bar - 25875 Village Center Dr., Idyllwild - 951-659-0295.
Java Lounge - 54245 North Circle Dr., Idyllwild - 951-659-5282. www.javalounge.com
Good Times Pub and Grill - 26345 Hwy 243, Idyllwild - 951-527-5150
Cafe Aroma - 54750 North Circle Dr., Idyllwild - 951-659-5212

[grant]

Me and the family will be camping.

[denmother]

Is anyone planning on doing the Super D?

[grant]

Originally Posted by denmother

Is anyone planning on doing the Super D?

My friend Peter is. But I fear I am too slow and it will just be Plain D.

I may just be the photographer. Where is a good spot to for action?

[tscout]

will there be practice or other opportunities for non super racers to get on the course??

[Zippy]

I forgot this was THIS Saturday. Might show up and do it as a training race.

[maxwell]

I didn't even know about this race having a Super D event.
Anyone know if you can ride the course on Saturday?
If so, I may try and head out there and ride it, then maybe race it on Sun.

[sdyeti]

I signed up for XC last night. This is probably gonna be painful

[allison]

Originally Posted by maxwell

I didn't even know about this race having a Super D event.
Anyone know if you can ride the course on Saturday?
If so, I may try and head out there and ride it, then maybe race it on Sun.

I think it is part of the XC race, but I assume after like 12 or 1 it should be open without a problem

[lukewiens]

A couple of people have called/emailed about this race and I am pretty bummed I will be racing elsewhere this weekend....but here is what knowledge I can give to those of you competing out there this weekend.

Last year was an awesome race and my first XC podium (2nd sport). From what it looks like the course has some similarities to last years SPORT course. So here it goes:

Since this isn't your typical lap XC setup early positioning is crucial. It looks like you will be heading up Keen Camp Climb and then to Johnsons meadow. Mark your competitors early and don't let them get out of your sight. I would fight hard on Keen climb and into Johnsons for positioning...you can recover coming down Mirkwood. This will probably mean about 40 minutes of anaerobic effort to start the day.

The thing with this race is once you lose sight of someone...they are gone....and it works both ways. I put myself in 2nd place within the first 10 minutes and didn't see anyone in my class over the next ~2.5 hours.

Mirkwood will likely be fast and fun as usual and since it is pretty tight, it is likely you will get caught behind someone which will force you to slow down (good place for recovery due to little/no passing room).

Heading up lower southridge will be rough and hot...keep the gas on until you reach aid#2. If you start backing off after aid#2 it won't hurt your time as much....XC races are won in the climbs!

Have fun on the descents...it is tough not to out there. Once you hit the back side of the 24 hour course you will probably start slowing down a bit. Exfoliator has a nice sand rut down the middle which got worse with last weekends race. The lines got up and down the sides so just keep on your toes. Tunnel will also be pretty loose...just ride the back brake and surf down it....unfortunately that is the only way to take it at speed.

After that all you have to do is endure the announcer poking fun at you while heading up the demoralizer and you are done!

Good luck to all and happy racing!

PS. It might get a little HOT out there so make sure you are super hydrated going into the race!

[allison]

Luke - great RR. Hope your upcoming weekend goes well! You doing Vail at all or skipping the offroad workout this week?

[lukewiens]

Originally Posted by allison

Luke - great RR. Hope your upcoming weekend goes well! You doing Vail at all or skipping the offroad workout this week?

yeah...i will probably do vail, just some sort of quick one hour deal though. you guys gonna be in town?

[Zippy]

Thanks, Luke. What's at the aid stations? Can I leave a bottle there to be handed to me or is it a cup of water?

[allison]

Originally Posted by lukewiens

yeah...i will probably do vail, just some sort of quick one hour deal though. you guys gonna be in town?

We'll probably be there around 5 on Thurs for a 12 hour pre-ride lap. Like last week without the going back to the truck

[lukewiens]

Originally Posted by Zippy

Thanks, Luke. What's at the aid stations? Can I leave a bottle there to be handed to me or is it a cup of water?

i am pretty sure it is just cups of water....they were offering to fill up your bottles for you though...so bring gels.

imo...i never trust anyone else with my nutrition...it's just too dang important!

[allison]

Originally Posted by lukewiens

i am pretty sure it is just cups of water....they were offering to fill up your bottles for you though...so bring gels.

imo...i never trust anyone else with my nutrition...it's just too dang important!

Yeah, I'm thinking about wearing my small Dream Camelbak. Just don't want to run out of water. I was fine with a bottle of water and a bottle of Cytomax at Sea Otter, but even if it's like 15*F warmer (shouldn't be difficult since it was probably like 47 or something at Sea Otter), then I have no idea.

Are two bottles usually enough (48oz)?

I can get by with less than 2 bottles (usually don't finish them) for Southridge, etc.

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by lukewiens

i am pretty sure it is just cups of water....they were offering to fill up your bottles for you though...so bring gels.

imo...i never trust anyone else with my nutrition...it's just too dang important!

Word. Looks like a hydration pack instead of bottles.