IMPORTANT ENDURO RACE INFORMATION
PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY
Welcome to the 2022 Fire Mountain Inferno Enduro races. The information below is important and will help you and your supporters enjoy the event to its fullest.
RACE DATE: Saturday, April 23
PRE RACE MEETING: 9:15 AM
RACE START TIME: 9:30 AM
Fire Mountain Trail Head above the Oconoluftee Indian Village
Packet Pick Up
Friday, April 22 – 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Cherokee Fairgrounds
441 Sequoyah Trail, Cherokee, NC 28719
Saturday, April 23 – 7:30 to 9:00 AM
Cherokee Fairgrounds
441 Sequoyah Trail, Cherokee, NC 28719
This is the last opportunity to pick up your packet. We encourage you to leave yourself plenty of time to park near the fairgrounds and get to the start line. There is no parking near the trailhead
Race Day Parking
Parking will be available in three locations near the event:
- In front of Fairgrounds
- Parking lots around the Council House (south of fairgrounds)
- Parking lot across Drama Road behind Qualla Arts and Post Office
Look for Race Parking signs on the road
Parking will not be permitted at the Fire Mountain Trail Head, at the Outdoor Drama or Oconoluftee Indian Village. Riders may drop off their bikes below the upper village parking lot but race management assumes no responsibility for any bikes or equipment left unattended.
Parking Map
NOTE: Drama Road will be open to traffic so please use caution coming back to the Fairgrounds for post-race activities.
Getting to the Trails
Riders may either ride or walk their bikes the approximately .9 miles to the race start along Drama Road and a designated path below the Drama. After you finish, please ride back to the parking areas and post-race activities.
How Are We Timing You?
On race morning, you will be given a timing chip at the timing tent near the Trail Head. Please show your race number to receive your chip.
The chips are attached to the left side of your handle bars with zip ties that will be provided.
Once you finish the race, please go to the timing tent to have your timing chip removed. There will be a $200 fine for any chips not returned to the timer.
Race Numbers
You will receive a race number in your registration packet. This must be attached to your handles bars and visible for the entire race. Ties will be in your packet and available at the registration tables.
If you don’t have the correct number on your handle bars at the start line, you will not be allowed to participate in the race.
Restrooms
There will be restrooms at the Fairgrounds and near the Trail Head.
Important Times
The Enduro races starts at 9:30 AM sharp at Trail Head. Riders should be ready to race and near the start line by 9:15 AM for a pre-race meeting with the Course Manager and timer.
Course
Spearfinger / Lazy Elk Stage - Starting at the very top of the mountain, this stage uses all of Spearfinger and then continues onto Lazy Elk to finish at the lower pavilion. This is the longest stage and has the most elevation drop.
Upper Kessel Run Stage - Starting at the top of the mountain at the upper pavilion and finishing shortly after the flyover, mid-mountain. After the stage finish, continue along the flat mid-section of Kessel Run to transfer to the Lower Kessel Run Stage.
Lower Kessel Run Stage - Includes the downhill final section of Kessel Run and then merges with the bottom of Lazy Elk. This stages shares a finish with the Spearfinger / Lazy Elk Stage at the lower Pavilion.
Skilly Stage - Starting at the lower pavilion, this stage uses all of the brand new Skilly trail. It is highly recommended to scout this stage prior to the event! The wooden features will be optional for all categories. The bypass routes around the wooden features will be clearly marked and will be taped in such a way that they will be slower than riding the wooden features. At each feature, you will have the option of riding the more technical but faster line or the less risky but slower line. After finishing this stage, use the Skilly Return Trail to climb back to the lower pavilion.
Enduro Course Map
Other Enduro Info:
- Always use the Uktena trail to climb back to the top of the mountain.
- Tinker’s Dream or Lower Tinker’s can be used to transfer across the bottom of the mountain from the trailhead to the lower pavilion. Be aware of 2-way traffic!
- Each stage segment is for downhill traffic only. Do NOT ride back up any of the stages.
- You can complete the stages in any order (although it probably makes sense to do Upper and Lower Kessel together). If there is a big crowd waiting to start a stage, move along and pick a different stage with a smaller line.
- You must complete all stages by 2:30 PM
- Refreshments will be provided at both the top pavilion and lower pavilions. Basic mechanical support with be available at the lower pavilion only.
Course Practice
Pre-riding of the trails is available at any time prior to the event. The Enduro segments will be marked by the end of the day Thursday. Open practice any time on Friday and before 9am on Saturday.
Course Signs
Green Arrows on White signs will make the course for the enduro segments. Flagging tape will mark the “start zone” and “finish zone” for each segment.
Water & Nutrition
There will be water, Gatorade and snacks at the two pavilions on the course that you will see five times during the race.
Technical Support
Motion Makers Bikes will be near the Trail Head for last minute technical issues.
Post Race
Once you finish your race and have had your timing chip removed, head back to the Fairgrounds where food, beer and the awards ceremony awaits you. Your packet contains the items you will need for post race, including:
- One wooden beer token (for those 21 years and older; wristbands will be provided to everyone 21 and older at the beer tent. Please be prepared to show ID.)
- One meal voucher to either the Chili Chomper or Lulu’s Food Truck (see back of meal voucher for available items at each truck)
- No token, no beer; no voucher, no meal!
Food will also be available for purchase.
The awards ceremony will be held at approximately 3:30 PM or after all races are completed.
Pre-Registered Door Prize
All of those who pre-registered and raced the Fire Mountain Inferno are entered into the giveaway for a Specialized Stump Jumper Comp Alloy mountain bike, courtesy of the EBCI Commerce Division and Motion Makers Bikes. Those racing either the Enduro or Cross Country will have one entry into the drawing; those racing Dante's Double will have three chances to win. The winner will be announced during the Sunday awards ceremony but you do not have to be present to win.
Awards
Expert - Top 3 M/F receive cash ($200-1st, $100-2nd, $50-3rd) and a commemorative pint glass
Sport - Top 3 M/F receive a commemorative pint glass
Masters 40+, 50+ - Top 3 M/F receive a commemorative pint glass
Beginner - Top 3 M/F receive a commemorative pint glass
Junior - Top 3 M/F receive a commemorative pint glass
Spectators
Spectators may watch from the course but we ask you consult with race management at the trailhead for the best vantage point at that particular time. You must walk to the trailhead (approximately .9 miles) as no parking is allowed at the location.
Trash and Recycling
Trash and recycling containers will be located at the Trail Head and Fairgrounds. Please help us by disposing of these materials in their proper container.
Results
Unofficial paper results will be posted at the Fairgrounds.
Official results will be posted at the race web site by no later than Sunday morning.
Thank you for racing with us!
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