08/29/2012
It is hard to believe that September 2, 2012 is only days away. That being said, below are a few housekeeping items for those coming out to ride.
Registration
Registration will close on Friday August 31, 2012 at 7:00 PM. No further registrations will be accepted after that time. Only registered riders will be permitted to ride.
Packet Pick Up
Registered riders must pick their own packet up in person and sign the appropriate forms before riding. To assist riders we have adjusted the Saturday September 1 pick up times to run from 10:00 AM until 5:30 PM. Riders will be able to stop in anytime during those hours at the Sawmill Rd. BikeSource (4840 Sawmill Rd.Columbus, OH 43235) to pick up their packet.
For those who can not make it to BikeSource on Saturday, a second limited opportunity to pick them up on Sunday morning will be available at the start/finish line beginning at 5:00 AM. If you need to pick a packet up on Sunday morning please be sure you get there early as we will not be holding up the ride for those who are unable to pick their packets up prior to the start. Packet pick up at the ride will close once we are 15 minutes out from the start of the ride (between 6:15 AM and 6:30 AM) and remain closed until riders have departed. After the ride starts, we will re-open registration and resume the processing of all remaining riders.
Riders will not be able to participate in the ride until they have picked up their packets and signed the appropriate paperwork. Those processed after the start will be able to begin the ride any time after they receive their rider number.
Arrival at the Event
Please come early the morning of the ride and allow yourself plenty of time to get your bike and body ready to go. The ride start will be at 5880 Opus Dr. Groveport, Ohio.
Ride Delay / Cancellation
The ride will take place rain or shine unless USA Cycling officials or the promoter determine conditions will pose a safety risk to riders. In such situations the event will first be delayed and if necessary cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, an alternate date will be selected. Those unable to participate on the alternate date will be given the option to receive a partial refund (registration fee less cost of items already delivered to riders e.g. registration packets).
Parking
Parking for the event will be at the same location as the ride start/finish (5880 Opus Dr. Groveport, Ohio). Please enter and exit using Opus Dr. off Rhor Rd. After turning on to Opus Dr. follow it all the way until it dead ends into a cul-de-sac. The entrance to the warehouse and parking areas will be on the right hand side.
Rider Numbers
All riders will receive a rider number. Be sure that it is clearly visible and that it is securely pinned to your jersey. The only way officials will be able to give you an official time when you finish is if they can see your rider number.
Ride Start
Riders will be staged at the start line based on their USA Cycling license classification and the type of equipment they are riding. The staging will be CAT 1,2,3,4,5, one day, tandem, recumbent, and hand cycle. The ride is scheduled to start at 6:30 AM. However, the actual start time may be pushed back based on daylight, weather, or technical issues. Once officials and the ride promoter have established a start time, a countdown clock will begin a 15 minute countdown to the start of the ride. It is at this point that race officials will make announcements and give final ride instructions. When the clock reaches 0, the ride will begin and it will then automatically start counting up. During the start it is essential all riders ride in a cautious, respectful manner. Although this will be a mass start and the event is timed, this is not a race and nobody wants to crash just feet into the race.
Equipment
All riders will be required to ride a road bicycle without any type of handlebar extensions (e.g. aerobars). Time trial bikes and bicycles with aerobars may not be ridden. Riders must also wear a USA Cycling legal helmet and should have a seat bag with sufficient supplies to effect basic repairs such as changing a flat and at least one water bottle with them.
On Route Support
Along the route there will be one mobile mechanic and at two stops there will be stationary mechanics. There will also be a lead and one follow vehicle on that assist riders in need. Private SAG vehicles and/or private SAG stops will not be permitted along the route.
In the case of a crash requiring medical attention, call 911 and notify event staff by calling 614-312-0099. An EMT will be at the start/finish and all medical facilities along the route have been notified of the route and approximate times riders will be coming through the area. j
Aid Stations
The first aid station will be approximately 25 miles into the ride. After that aid stations have been placed approximately 10 to 25 miles apart. All aid stations will have Hammer Nutrition Heed sports drink, water, ice, bananas, and snacks. Full service aid stations at Johnston Park and Sprouts School will also have mechanical support, port-o-potties, bread, peanut butter and jelly, nutella, and other lite food.
Finish Line and Medals
The finish line will be in the same location as the ride start. As riders turn right into the warehouse facility they will ride under the start finish banner crossing the line. After crossing the finish line riders will be funneled into a medal presentation area where each person will be given their medal. As you cross the finish line officials may approach riders to obtain their rider number if it is obscured or hard to read. Please be sure they can see your number. In addition, when receiving your medal, be sure to tell the person presenting medals which route you completed. Rider numbers have been assigned based upon the event that they signed up for. However, we understand that some people may choose to cut off the long route and complete just the shorter distance. That is OK, but please let the officials and medal presenters know so you are scored properly and get the correct medal.
Tents and Shelters
Riders and Groups participating in the event are welcome to set up tents along the start finish line to relax in before/after the event. We ask that they be no bigger than 10X10 and that those wishing to do so coordinate with event staff. Please come early if you are going to set something up before the start of the ride and ensure it is properly secured and able to withstand the weather for the day. We will not be responsible for loss or damage to equipment. In the event of poor weather, or as deemed appropriate by the event organizer, any items deemed unsafe will be removed.
Post Ride Meal
Directly behind the finish line area caterers will be serving the post ride meal. Only riders with an official number will be served. Riders are welcome to change and get cleaned up before eating, but will need to bring their numbers with them to receive any food.
