Thanks to the Indian Lake and Inlet highway departments the Cedar River-to-Limekiln Road in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest is in good shape and recent rains have made the surface more solid than usual so it should be fast.
The surface varies from loose gravel to hard-packed sand and gravel. The shoulders are soft in some spots, as usual for this time of year. Hazards are marked with paint but there are very few, except for two bridges to beware of and the countless rocks in some areas.
From the Official’s Instructions:
For almost the entire length of the race there is two-way traffic so keep right!
• Don’t get stressed if it seems that you’re in a pack for the first 10 miles – once the hills start it will thin out quickly.
• Race arrows are about every mile and as necessary for turns, hazards, etc.
• The first water station is about 9 miles out and then about every 5 miles after that.
• Pavement ends at about 10 miles.
• At about 12.5 miles the serious hills begin.
• Control your speed on these downhills or you may find your self wrapped around a tree!
• At about 14 miles the race route turns right through the Cedar River gate into the MRRA
• At the Otter Brook intersection (a.k.a. Big T) there will be a right turn and a water station.
• At 31.5 miles you’ll turn right again at Red River. This is the last water station before the finish line! < 7 miles
• You will then begin a gradual climb followed by some long fast downhills.
• At about 35.5 miles is a fast downhill that has a sharp S-turn at the bottom. This is marked by 2 road signs: a right arrow and a Slow sign. You need to keep right so you don’t get hit by oncoming traffic!
• You will exit the MRRA at the Limekiln gate at about 36 miles and turn right, going up & over Limekiln Hill. Again, remember to keep right!
• At the bottom of Limekiln Hill you will turn left into Murdock Trucking and continue straight back between the buildings. At this point you have about 3/4 mile on trails to the finish line.
• The race route goes uphill and into the woods. The trail is in good shape but there are roots and rocks.
• There is a quarter-mile downhill to Fern Park with two sharp right turns right before the finish line. If you’re on a CX bike or have smooth tires be careful on these turns.
Final Notes:
• The timing chips are on your bib number, don’t lose it.
• Anyone crossing the finish line without a helmet will be disqualified.
• Throw all your water bottles & trash straight down on the road! DO NOT throw any bottles or trash off to the side!!!
• A Sweeper Crew follows the race with a truck & trailer for bikes & riders that can’t continue. This is not a Sag Wagon! If you’re picked up by the sweeper you are DNF!
• If you DNF and are not picked up by the Sweeper, please report to the scoring station with your bib number and tell them you did not finish. We must account for every single racer.
• Racing etiquette: If you have to walk your bike keep all the way right and single file! If you’re racing with a group do not spread across the whole road. Leave room on your left to pass!
• Have fun & be safe!
