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Paris Mt. Downhill 2009

2009 Paris Mountain Downhill Race

Written by Brado1

Sunday, 12 July 2009 16:06

About the Race

Downhill mountain bike racing, like its winter cousin downhill ski racing, is a gravity-powered, high-speed battle against the clock that provides thrills for participants and spectators alike. On Saturday, October 17th, Greenville, South Carolina's Paris Mountain State Park will be the setting for this downhill mountain bike race. Upstate SORBA (Southern Off-Road Bike Association) chapter is teaming with Greenville County Recreation District and Title Sponsor St. Francis Sports Medicine to bring this event to Paris Mountain.

The Upstate SORBA chapter is an International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) & Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) affiliate chapter formed in 2007 as a nonprofit advocacy group that promotes trail conservation, preservation, and development, land access, education, and recreational off-road cycling opportunities including mountain bike touring, racing, fun, and fellowship for all mountain bikers in the Southeast.

The mission of the Greenville County Recreation District (GCRD) is to be a leader in providing diverse, dynamic, ever-improving recreational opportunities in a sustainable manner.

The St. Francis Sports Medicine team is specially-trained in taking care of sport medicine patients. Their physicians are fellowship-trained, trainers are nationally board-certified, and therapists are among the most experienced in the Upstate of South Carolina.

Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria in downtown Greenville will be the host of the Pre-Race Party, Friday October 16th . Registration & Check-in starts at 6PM upstairs along with Prize Raffle at 9PM. This Party is open to ALL area cyclists! All ages welcome, but to drink you must be 21.

Volunteers needed for:

Parking/Traffic mgmt.
Bike/Rider Shuttle
Check-in/registration
Start / Finish Areas
Vendor & Volunteer Area
Rider shuttle
Course spectator control
Tear down and clean up

We are in need of Volunteers, this year we plan to do volunteer shifts of a couple of hours tops... then you can enjoy the race. If you would like to volunteer for this race event please contact Renee Lean This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tonya Morris This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Our Plan for Volunteers

Our idea is to have 4 hours shifts NO ROTATING Positions (didn't work last year). When you are done with your shift, your are free to play or race!

8am-12pm we would like 25 volunteers
10am-2pm +/-25 volunteers
2pm-6pm +/-25 volunteers

we are working on getting a Food Sponsor(s) to provide a free lunch to all Volunteers plus a free Event T-Shirt.

Rules

Racers:

You must be registered for the event to participate or ride on the Race Course the day of the race.
Each person (rider /spectator) entering the park will have to pay the $2 a day park fee. This is not included in the race entry fee. $2/adult; $1.25 SC Seniors; free for those 15 and younger.
Registration Check-In closes at 10:00AM SHARP! Race Day. If you don’t get checked in on time, you don’t get to race. There will be no refunds.
There is a 100 Rider Cap for this event, and we recommend that you pre-register. In the event of a sell out there will not be “day of event” registration, no exceptions.
1. Entry Fees:
  - Pre Registered $50 via Active.com (closes 10/14/09)
  - Night Before Party or Day of Race (if available) $60. Cash only!
All riders must sign a SORBA Release Agreement & Waiver Form. Any rider under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present, read and sign this release.
There is No Bike Riding on any of the trails in the park on Saturdays; the only exception is the DH Course. The Race course will be marked and open to ride & inspect the day before the race, but please respect the other trail users. Do not run anyone over!
Please keep in mind that the trails at Paris Mountain State Park are multi-use trails: This means on non-race days riding the course you must Share the Trail - Riders Yield to Hikers and Trail Runners - Downhill Yield to Uphill traffic at all times. Please do not put our trail access in jeopardy! The future of this event depends on it.
We ask on race day that you park in the lower parking lots dedicated for the race. There will be a shuttle provided from the Registration/Staging Area to the top of the race course. Do not drive or shuttle yourself.
All Riders are required to wear helmets.
Alcohol is prohibited in the park.

Spectators:

Spectator Parking is in the main lot & ball field only.
- Shelter 5 & 6 lot is for Official vehicles and vendors.
- Shelter A & B roadside area is for racers and volunteers
- Shuttle Bus and Bike Taxis will be picking up spectators from the Main lot across from the Park Center.
The Park’s Pet policy: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. We ask that you leave your Pets at home, if you do bring a Pet, please keep it off the course.
You must stay off the race course, during the pre runs and race. Racers will be coming down the course at one minute intervals during the race itself, but during the pre runs expect multiple riders. We don’t want anyone getting run over or injured. Please watch out.
Please expect the unexpected, Racers are flying down the mountain at a high rate of speed and crashes are common. The potential of an out-of-control rider and riderless bike flying off the course into the crowd could cause spectator injury. Please keep small children back away from potentially hazardous areas.
We ask that all spectators make as much noise as possible! Bring the cowbells, pots & pans, horns & other noise makers. It makes all riders go that much faster when people on the course are making noise!.
Alcohol is prohibited in the park

Registration

NORBA or SORBA membership(s) not required to race in this event. Online Pre-Register Race fee is $50. Day of Race Registration Fee $60. Registration does not include $2 per day park use fee
Race Classes:

1. Elite (Pro/Ex) Men Age 18 and up

2. Elite (Pro/Ex) Women Age 18 and up

3. Amateur Men Age 18 to 29

4. Amateur Women Age 18 and up

5. Amateur Men Age 30 and up

6. Beginner Men Age 18 to 29

7. Beginner Women Age 18 and up

8. Beginner Men Age 30 and up

9. Junior Boys Age 18 and under

10. Junior Girls Age 18 and under

11. Hard Tail Class all ages Men or Women

Online Registration will be hosted by active.com and a link will be on the event website as soon as possible

Event Schedule

Friday, October 20th

6:00pm-Till at Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria - 25 West Washington St. - Downtown Greenville- upstairs
There will be a day before race party where you can hang out with your favorite cycling friends, Pre-Register, and have a chance to win some great door prizes. Note: Each registered racer gets one raffle ticket. Additional tickets will be available to all party goers for $5 each.
9:00pm Raffle Prizes awarded

Saturday October 17th

Park opens at 8:00am
8:05am Volunteer meeting at shelter 5 & 6
8:30am Registration opens and Practice starts with first shuttle going up the hill.
10:00am Registration & Check-in Closes! Show up late = No racing for you. No Exceptions. Last shuttle goes up the hill for practice.
10:30am Riders Meeting at Registration/Staging Area
11:00am First Race Runs start with a 30min break after last racer is down between Second Race runs.
Awards will follow 30mins after last racer is down the hill at Registration/Staging Area.

Lodging

Tent and RV camping is available at Paris Mountain State Park. Call the park for reservations and tell them that you are coming for the race: Paris Mountain State Park - 2401 State Park Rd - Greenville, SC 29609 - (864) 244-5565