Thanks to the Inlet and Indian Lake highway departments the Limekiln-to-Cedar River Road in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest is in good shape and recent rains have made the surface quite solid 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. Some hazards are marked with paint but we can’t mark them all so watch out for the countless rocks and boulders throughout the Plains road.
From the Official’s Instructions:
For 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 few miles – once the big hills start it will thin out quickly.
• Race arrows are about every mile and as necessary for turns, etc.
• A few miles into the Plains there a two sharp curves with lots of loose gravel. Watch your speed on those.
• The first water station is about 7.5 miles out after you turn left at Red River and then about every 5 miles after that.
• At the Otter Brook intersection (a.k.a. Big T) there will be another left turn and a water station.
• At about mile 23 there’s a rocky downhill – skinny wheels beware!
• At mile 25 you’ll exit the Plains and turn left onto Cedar River Road.
• At about mile 26 begins a long, smooth and fast downhill. Beware on the curves.
• Just after mile 29 you’ll be back on pavement.
• At about mile 37 you’ll turn right onto the State highway and continue along the shoulder to the finish.
Final Notes:
• The timing chips are on your bib number, don’t lose it.
• Make sure you finish over the line, not in the road! If you pass the finish line on the road your time may not be recorded and you could be listed as DNF.
• 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!!! The sweeper can’t see it if you toss it into the woods.
• 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!
