Category (Class) Descriptions:

Please try to situate yourself in the proper class. Being in the proper class from the get-go is a plus for everyone and better for your points.

BEGINNER JUNIORS: This class is for 10-14 year olds. These races will start on the 4th race of the Series, April 20, 2011. This class are for those in which the "Kids Races" are too easy, yet two laps around the adult races are too much. These will be one lap around the adult course and will start at 5:45 and will finish just before the adults start.

BEGINNER: You will be doing two laps around the course. This class is for those who have never raced before and ride maybe 2 times a week. Watch for the split for the Beginners on the race course... or you will be doing extra mileage and technical stuff!

SPORT: 3 laps around the course. You've been riding for a while, you can ride Granite Bay, Auburn and Salmon Falls and do OK. You might spend 3-4 days a week riding.

EXPERT: 4 laps around the course. You can blaze just about any trail. You train 4-5 days a week for the cycling season and you live to crush your competitor buddies.

PRO-EXPERT: 4 laps around the course. You are FAST, even your friends say you are fast. You can blaze any trail any where. You are a FAST Expert or a Pro.

SINGLE SPEED: Bikes with one gear. Three classes: SS Expert (4 laps), SS Sport (3 laps) or SS Women (3 laps).

CLYDESDALE: Are you 200 lbs or over? The Clyd's class is a class for the big guys at the Sport level and they do 3 laps. Watch out! They can be pretty fast. If you are not at least at the sport fitness and skill level, try the Beginner class instead.

TANDEM: What's to say? If you've got someone you just can't live without, strap them on back and ride! (3 laps)

Scoring and Points:

Each racer will accumulate points for each race in their
particular class. Points will be awarded as follows:

• First place 50 points, second 49 points, third 38 points, fourth place 47 points etc.
• Minimum of one point for starting and one point for finishing.
• In the event of a tie, the top placement will go to the racer with: The most firsts, then seconds, then thirds etc.
• If you change classes you take only 50% of your points with you. It is in your own best interest to figure out your proper class placement. See mandatory upgrades below.
• You may race and keep points in more than one class, but you must notify registration and get an additional number plate and timing chip ($5).
• CLASS CHAMPIONS and final season placement are determined by your best 10 out of the 12 races in this Series. (Junior Beginners will use 6 out of 8 races).
• No more double points for rain/mud/100 degree days... now 10 more points.

Note: If you have a scoring protest, you have until 6 pm the Friday following the race to email me with your scoring protest. After that all scores are FINAL.

Mandatory Upgrades:

We have a system to ensure quality racing in each class through controlled upgrades. This means if you are in the points hunt it is best to be in your proper competitive class right from the beginning. SO... if you place in the top 3 in your first 3 races you be looked at to be upgraded. We will use lap times to make the final call on a upgrades. Class size and age group is also considered.

When you get moved you take only 50% of your pints so it is best to be in your "proper" class from the get go, or at least before your 3rd race.

Race Course Layout:

11 of the 12 Races in 2011 are held within the Prairie City Off Road Vehicle Park south of Folsom, CA. (see map page for directions) or click HERE for an aerial view of the area.

Each lap around the course is between 2.5 and 3.5 miles long. Beginners do 2 laps, Sport is 3 laps and Expert is 4 laps. there are numerous single track trails and dirt roadways on the property. Each week I set up a different course which makes for some exciting racing! I will start the first half mile or so on a wider dirt road so that you racers can sort yourselves out a bit before hitting the single track.

We set up the main MTB course using 12" high ORANGE plastic cones. If there is a sharp turn, I place 2 or 3 BLUE and ORANGE cones on their side "pointing" in the direction of the turn. If there is a steep drop or technical part of the track it will be preceded by multiple ORANGE and BLUE cones. If we use course diversions or dismounts for CYCLOCROSS I use bright YELLOW /GREEN cones. Because there are so many different trails I ALWAYS recommend PRE-RIDING the course; this will help prevent you from making a mistake the first time around at "race speed". We have three main hills on the course and I will include at least one of these in the course each week.

Finish line, number plates etc:
We need your help in scoring! You MUST be responsible
for the following if you want to be scored.

Category number system:
We use numbers in series for each individual category. You will be assigned the same number for the entire series (unless you change classes or run in more than one class). They will need to be attached to the front handlebar area of your bicycle each week. YOU MUST KEEP THIS NUMBER in your personal possession for the whole season and bring it with your EACH WEEK. Lost number plates/chips are $5 and can only be issued by us.

Information about number plates and timing chips
(that's how we score you)

BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR NUMBER PLATE FOR THE WHOLE SEASON. If you lose your original laminated number plate with chip you must purchase a new one for $5. If you do not have a Prairie City Race Series number plate with a timing chip you will cannot be scored!

There is only ONE acceptable way to mount
your chip equipped number plate:

Your number plate must be mounted on the front of your bike IN FRONT of all wires, cables etc. NOTHING can be in front of your number plate or the chip will not read properly

This is a good example of how to mount your number plate :-)

NONE of the following plates are acceptable, you will NOT get scored!

Classes for 2011:
Your CLASS NUMBER below is the number you will write on your left calf
so other racers can identify who is in there class during the race.
NOTE: Your class number is NOT the same as your START ORDER