General Information 2008 - (Updated 4/12/08) Keep Checking for Updates

Racer and Volunteer Packet Pickup:

Registration packets can only be picked up at Fine Edge Ski, Cycle, and Fitness, 1660-E N. 4th, Laramie, WY 82072, 307-745-4499 (See our Sponsors Page for more contact information) on Friday (7/25) and between Noon and 8 PM. Waivers (LE & USAC-NORBA) must be signed at the registration packet pickup.  You must show your USA Cycling (NORBA) license when picking up your packet.

Packets must be picked up at Fine Edge Ski, Cycle, and Fitness by 8 PM Friday - No Race Day Registration or Packet Pick-up!

Race registration is limited to 350 participants (as of 4/12/08 only 100 race slots remain).  Registration will ONLY be conducted electronically.  If racer slots remain open after the July 23rd (electronic closing date), you may be able to register on packet pick-up on Friday 7/25 at Fine Edge Ski, Cycle, and Fitness.  Online registration is available at http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1541580

VOLUNTEERS:  Registration forms for volunteers can be downloaded from our website.  If others are traveling with you please ask them to consider volunteering for the race, it would be greatly appreciated, swag, prizes, food, and t-shirts available.  Please contact Alec or Kathy Muthig to volunteer at 307-399-4239 or 5476 or Dynamicendeavors(at)Hotmail.com.

Race Site Directions:

From Laramie: travel approximately 9.5 miles east (of the Grand Ave. Exit) on I-80. Take the Summit Rest Area Exit (Exit 323), turn left (towards the rest area) and continue straight on USFS Road 705 (Blair-Wallis Road) past the Summit Rest Area.  Follow the Blair-Wallis Road for approximately 0.5 miles and look for the parking signs (race parking will be on the left along Road 705F- keep cars off the race course [off Road 705] between Road 705F and the Hidden Valley Picnic Area; park along Road 705 past the Hidden Valley entrance at your own risk/follow all USFS rules); proceed another 0.3 miles down Road 705 to the Hidden Valley Picnic Area (it will be at the bottom of the hill on the right side of the road) - follow signs to the parking & start areas.  No race day parking in the Hidden Valley Picnic Area.

From Cheyenne: travel approximately 39 miles west on I-80 take the Summit Rest Area Exit (Exit 323) turn right (towards the rest area) and continue straight on USFS Road 705 (Blair-Wallis Road) past the Summit Rest Area.  Follow the Blair-Wallis Road for approximately 0.5 miles and look for the parking signs (race parking will be on the left along Road 705F- keep cars off the race course [off Road 705] between Road 705F and the Hidden Valley Picnic Area; parking along Road 705 past the Hidden Valley entrance will be at your own risk/follow all USFS rules); proceed another 0.3 miles down Road 705 to the Hidden Valley Picnic Area (it will be at the bottom of the hill on the right side of the road) - follow signs to the parking & start areas.  No race day parking in the Hidden Valley Picnic Area.

Racer Parking:

As noted above, Race Day Parking will be approximately 0.3 miles above the Hidden Valley Picnic Area/starting location.  Please do not park along the race course on USFS Road 705/Blair-Wallis Road (between Headquarters/Summit Trailhead and Hidden Valley Picnic Area.  Parking at the Hidden Valley Picnic Area will be controlled by attendants and is only for Laramie Enduro/race officials, volunteers, and overnight campers.  Parking will be available along Road 705F.  There is no cost for parking along Road 705F.  Parking along Road 705 below the Hidden Valley entrance will be at your own risk and must follow all USFS rules.  Please comply with all Enduro Parking Signs (your cooperation will improve our ability to respond to emergencies and race related situations).

Start/Staging Area:

The staging/start/finish and post-race activities will be at the Hidden Valley Picnic Area (follow the signs), 0.3 miles down Road 705 from the Road 705F Parking Area.  All racers must check in the day of the race before 6:50 AM (volunteers with clipboards will be circulating near the start area and checking in racers).  Racers should be at the race starting area no later than 6:45 AM.

Bag/Gear Drop:  A bag drop to transport your gear is available for transportation to the third aid station only.  Look for the sign at the start/finish area.  Bags must be well marked with your name and racer number.

Race Specific Information:

The Laramie Enduro is sanctioned by USA Cycling (NORBA), and as such, governed by USA Cycling (NORBA) ultra-marathon rules and requirements.  Again this year the Laramie Enduro will be the Wyoming Ultra-Marathon State Championship (pending USA Cycling application approval).

License Information:  All racers must purchase a one-day license USA Cycling (NORBA) license or be an annual license holder to compete.  With the inclusion of the Open category designation added to the Pro/Expert level category, all non- USA Cycling (NORBA) members will only have to pay an additional one-day fee of $5 at registration.  You may also purchase an annual licenses at registration.

LE Racing Categories:

*  Pro/Semi-Pro/Expert/Open Male under 30; 30-44, and 45+
*  Pro/Semi-Pro/Expert/Open Female under 35 and 35+

*  Intermediate/Sport (Four Age Classes per gender):

     29 year of age & under;
     30-39 year of age;
     40-49 years of age, and
     50+ years of age.

*  Single Speed (No Age Classes per gender)

*  Clydesdale (Men > 200 lbs; No Age Classes)

*  Athena (Women > 165 lbs; No Age Classes)

*  Tandem (No Age Classes or Gender Distinctions)

LE Prizes/Awards:  Cash prizes will be paid to the top three racers, by gender/age class, for those competing in the Pro/Semi-Pro/Expert/Open Category.  In addition, Overall Male and Female finishers will receive a one-of-a-kind trophy.  Sport/Intermediate racers will be competing for merchandise prizes (to be determined by the race sponsors).  These awards will be presented by age class for each gender.  If there are less than 10 riders in an age class the Laramie Enduro reserves the right to combine age classes accordingly.

Course Rules and Information:

COWS, COWS, COWS:  Cattle will be present and will impact various trail conditions.  There will be fresh reminders of bovine dietary preferences distributed throughout the course, please be aware of their presence and learn how to tread lightly..

1.  Let me make this perfectly clear, the Laramie Enduro is a mountain bike race.  Mountain bike racing is inherently DANGEROUS!  This mountain bike race is long 70 miles+.  The course is rough, rutted, contains wash outs, areas of deep sand, loose gravel, and loose rocks and logs, branches, water crossings, logs, mud, barbed-wire fences, gates, roots; steep descents; steep climbs, etc.  Sections of the course may contain any or all of these obstacles and/or conditions.  There will be motorized traffic and vehicles, livestock, wildlife, pedestrians, and equestrians on the roads and trails, as well as other trail and road users.  We do not groom trails - PAY ATTENTION AT ALL TIMES!  If you’ve done the race before you already know this is true.  All Riders, if you’ve read this section and still don’t "get it" please consider volunteering instead (you get the same cool swag as the racers with fewer risks).

2.  A maximum time limit of 10 hours (i.e., 5:00 PM) will be enforced for all racers not past the Headquarters Trailhead.  The Cut-Off Time Limits for each Aid Station/Check Point are presented below and will be enforced.  If you do not make a cut-off time, you must cease racing/riding and will be given a ride back to the start/finish area.  This is not optional, you must stop riding.  Cut-Off Time Limits represent the time when riders must leave each of the six course locations listed above.

Aid Station #1 (18.2 miles)                                     2 Hours & 45 Minutes
Aid Station #2 (32.0 miles)                                     5 Hours
Aid Station #3 (42.3 miles)                                     6 Hours & 30 Minutes
Aid Station #4 (54.0 miles)                                     8 Hours & 15 Minutes
Aid Station #5 (63.6 miles)                                     9 Hours & 30 Minutes
Bottom of Headquarters Trail (65.6 miles)                        10 Hours (5 PM)

If a rider arrives at any designated course location after the Cut-Off/Time Limit, they will be notified that they have not made the cut-off time limit for that location and will be designated as DID-NOT-FINISH (DNF).  DNF riders will be offered a ride back to the start/finish area but as noted above, you cannot continue to ride the course.  Cut-Off Time Limits are implemented for rider and volunteer safety.  If you do not finish or were classified as DNF you must check in with race officials at the finish area or one of the aid stations.  All riders must be accounted for (**If you do not contact a race official you jeopardize your future participation).

3.  The course will be marked with universal mountain bike signs (yellow with black symbols), red or orange arrows, orange survey flagging, pink or orange pin flags, signs marked LE, and other bicycle or bike race signs.  Each racer is responsible for reviewing all available race information, including the most recent course description and course map.  The 2008 course will be the same as 2007.

4.  RACE OFFICIALS have ultimate jurisdiction along the course.  For everyone's safety please adhere to their decisions.

5.  There will be check points at unspecified intervals to identify riders.  If you miss being identified at a check point you could be disqualified.  If you ride off the race course, you must reenter the course where you left it to remain eligible to "officially" finish.  Please be courteous to all volunteers.

6.  Stay on marked and primary trails, if possible.  Please do not cut junctions or course corners.  Cutting a corner may lead to time penalties or in the case of multiple occurrences, DISQUALIFICATION.  The continued use of these trails and roads depends on your cooperation.  It’s a long race.  Cheating won't be tolerated, you will automatically be disqualified and asked not to return.

7.  It is permissible to assist other riders with parts, tools, or on trail help.  If a rider is seriously hurt please stop and assist the rider or get medical help ASAP.  Unless you are in the lead pack it’s not going to matter where you place if you spend an extra 5-10 minutes helping out a fellow rider.  Wyoming is a “Good Samaritan” law state, so you can not be held liable when helping an injured person.  Please treat other riders how you wish to be treated.  Please notify a race official (leave your name and number) if you stop to aid another rider.  We will try our hardest to compensate racers who lend medical assistance to injured riders and will adjust your "official" time accordingly.

8.  PLEASE, DO NOT LITTER.  Litter last year (2007) was much better than in previous years. However trail trash continues to be an issue and could affect future racing-trail use.  Try to leave trash at aid stations (within 100 yards of the stations), preferably in the trash bags and receptacles, or stow it in your pockets or pack.  Don’t throw your trash along the trails or roads.  Post-race trash clean-up required almost 60 volunteer hours in 2006.  Our volunteers will be busy enough, so please don't make them pick up your trash.  Do not provide the USFS with an excuse to shut us down.  Littering is unacceptable!

9.  There will be FIVE MAJOR AID/REST STATIONS along the route.  All aid stations will have food, drinks, medical personnel, and radio support.

AID STATION ONE located at junction of Road 714 & Road 702 (18.2 miles).
AID STATION TWO located at junction Hooch Trail & Road 707/Headquaters Road (32.0 miles).
AID STATION THREE located at junction Road 710 & top of Sagebrush Revenge Trail (42.3 miles).
AID STATION FOUR located at junction Road 707AA & Road 707A (54.0 miles).
AID STATION FIVE located at junction of Road 707AF (terminal end) & Regolith Trail (63.6 miles).
FINISH located at Hidden Valley Picnic Area (70+ miles).

See the course description and map for more specific trail information.  Distance values are estimated using odometer distances, so odometer inaccuracies should be expected.

10. Obey all USFS, Albany County, and State of Wyoming rules pertaining to fire, firearms, and fireworks.  Leave your firearms and fireworks at home.  This area of Wyoming remains in an extended drought (*Fire Restrictions have been put in place throughout the Medicine Bow National Forest in each of the past three years*).  The Happy Jack Area is a busy recreational user area within the Medicine Bow National Forest, so look out for and be courteous to other forest users.

Post-Race Festivities:

All post-race festivities (food, prizes, awards, music, etc.) will take place at the Hidden Valley Picnic Area (start/finish).  We’ll have professional massage therapists working for tips to sooth those aching muscles (compliments of Dynamic Endeavors and Ripple Effect Massage).  The First Aid Headquarters will be located at the start/finish (look for the signs).

The Awards Ceremony for top finishers will begin at 3 PM.

We'll have several excellent Laramie and Cheyenne establishments providing food for volunteers and racers (food will be supplied by Altitude Chophouse and Brewery; Sweet Melissa's Vegetarian Café; Grand Avenue, Corona Village-Andale Rapido, Winger's, and Mort’s Bagels).  Complimentary Beer will be provided by New Belgium Brewery and served by our volunteers.  Other drinks compliments of Pepsi.  Additional dinner tickets may be purchased for family, friends, and other non-racers/volunteers for $7.50 each (available through electronic registration or at packet pick up).

Music will be provided compliments of Rock-on-Wheels.  Bring lawn or camp chairs, as seating (other than the ground and picnic tables) is very limited.  On course music will be provided by Wyoming Sew Works and Burning Spear.

Camping: (**CAMPING AT HIDDEN VALLEY GROUP/PICNIC AREA IS FULL**)

The HIDDEN VALLEY GROUP/PICNIC AREA is reserved for group camping from Thursday (7/24) through Sunday (7/27).  Camping is $12 per vehicle for 1 to four nights and limited to the first 35 camper vehicles.  Trailer space is very limited (6-8) and trailer campers must contact the race director for permission (enduro.rv(at)gmail.com).  Camping reservations are available on a first come-first serve basis.

Reservations for group camping in the Pole Creek Campground must be made online at http://www.reserveusa.com/index.jsp.  There will also be camping available at the Yellow Pine and Upper Tie City (if open) Campgrounds which are first come-first serve campgrounds (i.e., reservations are not accepted).  Contact the Medicine Bow National Forest Laramie Ranger District at 307-745-2317 or http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr for additional camping information.

This race falls on the last weekend of Cheyenne Frontier Days and motel space in Laramie is always at a premium during that weekend (they will be full), so please make reservations early (See Tourist Board information below or link available on this website homepage).

Lunch & Dinner in Laramie: (All Laramie Restaurants are Smoke-Free – Refer to the Sponsor Page for more information)

Altitude Chophouse and Brewery (320 South 2nd St) serves some of the tastiest food and drink in Laramie.  Their menu provides a wide range of selections exceeding your typical brewpub fare expectations.  They also serve their award winning brews and have a terrific wine and spirits selection to compliment your meal.

Sweet Melissa's Vegetarian Café (213 South 1st St) serves the finest vegetarian fare in Wyoming, period.  Personal favorites include the mouthwatering portabella frijita or the stir-fry vegetables with peanut sauce.  Beer and wine available.

Grand Avenue (301 E. Grand Ave) has been happily serving the best gourmet pizza, pastas, and calzones in the region for over 22 years.  My personal favorites are the Thai pie (pizza) or the fresh spinach and feta pasta, both taste bud sensations.  Beer and wine available.

Winger's (3626 East Grand Avenue in Laramie) serves all your favorite wings, salads, burgers, and other specialty fare, in a family atmosphere.  Come see why their restaurant is always full.

Corona Village-Andale Rapido (2900 E Grand Ave.) authentic Mexican food prepared fresh and served fast.  If you're looking for a south of the border taste look no further than Corona Village.  Simply delicious!

Coal Creek Coffee (110 E. Grand Avenue) is Wyoming's premier coffee roaster serving fine coffee and other drinks, as well as excellent breakfast and lunch fare, fine brew on tap, and live entertainment.

Coffee and Morning Munchies in Laramie:

Coal Creek Coffee (Wyoming’s premiere coffee roasting establishment) is a major supporter of the Laramie Enduro and will be open early on Saturday morning so you can get your java fix before heading up the hill to the race venue.

Food in Cheyenne:

Be sure to visit Mort’s Bagels (the original!) on your way through Cheyenne (307-637-5400; located at 1815 Carey Ave, downtown Cheyenne).  Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or just a morning snack.

Bike Shops

We are extremely lucky to have Fine Edge Ski & Cycle as one of our major sponsors (307-745-4499, http://www.fineedge.net; located at 1660-E North 4th Street).  They have been an Event Sponsor since the beginning.  This is our Registration Packet Pick-up Location (see above).

The Pedal House, another magnanimous sponsor, is also available for your biking and repair needs (307-742-5533; http://www.pedalhouse.com; located at 207 1st Street).  This shop is situated in historic downtown Laramie.

Please support one of these local shops, if you need repairs, parts, and/or accessories when in Laramie.

In Cheyenne, Rock-on-Wheels has been supporting and sponsoring the Laramie Enduro since the beginning.  Visit George at 1908 Rollins, call him at 307-631-0011, or check out their webpage at http://www.rockonwheels.com.  Also in Cheyenne, visit with Patrick, Fritz, and the crew at the Bicycle Station (1-800-877-4268/307-634-4268, http://www.bicyclestation.com, located at 2634 Dell Range Blvd.) for your bicycling needs and information.

Other regional cycling shops that have supported us in the past and we hope again in 2008 are:

The Cycologist - 4041 Platte Drive, Ft. Collins, CO; 970-482-0822;
The Ski Haus - 1457 Pine Grove Road, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477;
                             970-879-0385 or 1-800-932-3019

Other Downtown Shops and Sponsors

The Herb House, The Jeweler, Brown and Gold Outlet, Atmosphere Mountainworks, Big Hoss Mountain Sports, Cross Country Connection, and Undercover Spas all of whom generously support the Laramie Enduro.

Sponsors

Elk Mountain Herbs and The Herb House
The Jeweler - David Perry
WyoTech (Wyoming Technical Institute)
Hammer Nutrition
Cliff Bar
Pepsi-Cola & Seven-Up
Pauline Dunnuck, CPA
Modern Printing
Brown and Gold Outlet
Action Photographic
Fine Edge Ski & Cycle
The Pedal House
Rock-on-Wheels (DJ Services & Bike Shop)
The Cycologist
Bicycle Station
The Ski Haus
Dirt Rag Magazine
IDES - The Plastics Web™, Laramie
TriHydro, Corp.
WellDog, Inc.
The Medicine Bow Mountain Bike Patrol
University Amateur Radio Club
Altitude Chophouse and Brewery
Sweet Melissa's Vegetarian Café
Grand Avenue
Coal Creek Coffee
Winger's
Mort’s Bagels
Corona Village-Andale Rapido
New Belgium Brewery
Oskar Blues Brewery
Ultimate Support
Dynamic Endeavors-Kathy Muthig
Laramie Spinal Care-Jeremy Jones
Ripple Effect Massage
Cycle Wyoming
American National Bank of Laramie
WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology), Inc.
Atmosphere Mountainworks
Big Hoss Mountain Sports
Undercover Spas
Cross Country Connection
Wyoming Disposal Systems

Please refer to our website Sponsor Page to learn more about many of these businesses which have committed to the highest levels of sponsorship for the Laramie Enduro.  Please patronize these terrific local and regional businesses all of whom are committed to making your participation in the Laramie Enduro a memorable occasion by helping us through sponsorship.  Thank them for their sponsorship of the Laramie Enduro and make sure to mention the Laramie Enduro in connection with your visit to their business, it helps all of us.

Accommodations:

Visit the Albany County Tourism Board website (www.laramie-tourism.org) or give them a call at 1-800-445-5303 for questions or information concerning Laramie.

Currently we do not have any motels offering special rates for Laramie Enduro participants, although the Baymont Inn and Hampton have provided us discount rates in the past.  Please remember this is the Cheyenne Frontier Days Finals Weekend and Laramie motels will fill up fast.

**Your cooperation is needed when you stay in Laramie – please tell the motels that you are in town for the Laramie Enduro, both when reserving your room and during registration.  We need your help with room information to continue receiving crucial tourism funding.

For tourism information contact the County Tourism Board at
1-800-445-5303 or click http://www.laramie-tourism.org
"This event is authorized under a permit with the USFS."