Riders will test their skills and endurance on four amazing stages. Starting at the trailhead (link) riders will have four hours to post a time on the Spearfinger, Upper Kessel and Lower Kessel stages. Then at 1p all riders will meet at the lower Pavillion (Raven’s Roost) for the Showstopper! Come watch riders launch every minute in this exciting grand finale!
Racers will be released from the trailhead located at 160 Indian Village Road, about 100 yards from the Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee and shares a parking lot.
Stage 1
Spearfinger Start / Lazy Elk Finish Stage – This stage starts at the top of the mountain by Raven Roost and goes down all of Spearfinger and continues onto Lazy Elk to finish at the lower pavilion. This is the longest stage and with the most elevation drop.
Stage 2
Upper Kessel Run Stage – Starting at the top of the mountain at the upper pavilion and finishing mid mountain after The Flyover .
Continue on Kessel Run to head to the start of Stage 3 on lower Kessel Run
Stage 3
Lower Kessel Run Start / Tinkers Dream Finish Stage – includes the final downhill section of Kessel Run then take a sharp left on Lazy Elk and a sharp right on Tinkers Dream finishing at Overlook Lounge.
Stage 4
The Skilly’s Grand Finale – Tell your friends to be at Skilly’s, with cowbells and drums, at 1PM to watch the show! Stage 4 will open at 1PM and we will be releasing riders every 1 minute in accordance with their predetermined start time. This start time will be given to you at bib pickup in the morning. Starting at the Overlook Lounge, this stage is the technical Skilly trail. The wooden features will be optional for all categories and the bypass routes will be clearly marked. At each feature, you will have the option of riding the more technical but faster line or the b line (slower). Awards immediately following at the skatepark just before the BMX comp kicks off.
Division
Awards will be given to the top 3 riders of each division.
1st Place expert men & women: 1st $500, 2nd $300, 3rd $150
- Expert
- Sport
- Beginner
- U17
- u13
- 50+
- 60+
- E-bike
Rule
- SAFTEY FIRST!
- All contestants are required to wear a helmet at all times during the race. (full-face helmet strongly recommended)
- Racers have 4 hours from scheduled start to begin stage 4.
- Stages 1-3 can be completed in any order, but stage 4 has to be your final stage
- Racers must supply all their own gear
- Racers must display number plate on front of bike and wear timing chip at all times during the race.
- Racers must follow all federal, state, and local laws at regulations at all times during the race
- Racers must sign a waiver before being cleared to race
- Racers are encouraged to carry water, food, tools, and a spare tube
- Stages are for downhill traffic only – including Tinkers Dream (lower Tinker will be open for uphill traffic)
Amenities
There will be 1 aid station at the lower pavilion, which racers will reach after Stage 1 and before Stage 4. We will have water, fruit, and basic snacks. Please come with filled water bottles/packs. The aid station is for racers only.
Every racer will receive a food token once they return their timing chip after the completion of stage 4.