A headlamp OR handlebar light is MANDATORY at the Start. It must be on till after you exit Nada Tunnel (at mile 3.2).

You can drop your light in the first Drop Bag you see. We’ll get everything back to you at the FINISH.

We strongly encourage red-rear-blinky lights as well.

The roads are open to the public, so ride accordingly and expect normal vehicle traffic. We’ll have CAUTION: RACERS ON ROAD signs throughout the course, KYTC will have electronic message boards alerting motorists, and they’re also helping spread the word through county/community social media channels.

Nada Tunnel is one lane. Do not enter against oncoming traffic - wait your turn, just like you would in a vehicle.

I’ve flagged (and chainsawed) the heck out of this course. Follow the pink/black flagging, directional signs, and ground flags - especially at turns and through the off-road sections. All course markings are going up this week, as close to race day as reasonably possible.

That said, having the official route GPX loaded on your device is mandatory. Flags can disappear, or, unfortunately, be deliberately removed or moved. If markings are missing or something doesn’t look right, the official GPX track is your source of truth.

If you do quit:
CALL 606-210-0812 <SCREENSHOT OR NOTE THIS

That rider extraction shuttle will be available for non-medical DNFs throughout the event thanks to 41301 Rentals and Shuttle.

You'll be responsible for notifying race staff and making your way to the nearest accessible extraction point.

Riders choosing to withdraw will contact the shuttle provider directly to coordinate pickup. Response times will vary depending on location, course conditions, and demand.

Please note that there is no mechanical SAG support. Riders are expected to handle basic mechanical issues and be prepared for long stretches of remote terrain with limited or no cell service.

Medical emergencies are handled differently and will be coordinated with local emergency services and race staff as needed. CALL 911.

The short version: We'll help where we reasonably can, but this is still an adventure. Show up prepared, ride smart, and have a plan if your day doesn't go exactly as expected.

My (Shawn’s) #: 513-375-2718

Every Aid Station will have the essentials to help keep you moving:

• Water

• Gatorade (old-school)

• Basic grab-and-go calories (sweet and salty options)

• Friendly volunteers and free encouragement

Beyond that, each Aid Station is being hosted by local businesses and community partners who are there to help you. Many are planning to go above and beyond with their own spin on things.

Think:

• Flavored Lemonades

• Breakfast Biscuits

• Music

• Local treats

• Unexpected surprises

Drop bags must be turned in before 6:45am.

You're allowed 3 drop bags total. They can be sent to any of the Aid Stations. The locations/distances are listed below.

Use a 1-gallon Ziplock bag only per drop bag. Clearly label your bag with:
+Bib Number
+Name
+Intended Aid Station

Drop bags will be returned to the Start/Finish area following the event.

You’ll be traveling through remote, populated hollers where loose dogs are part of riding in Eastern Kentucky - think of them a little like bears out West: be aware and be prepared.

We’ve done plenty of outreach to make sure residents know you’re coming, including talking to residents, posting in county/community groups, coordinating with the Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control, and pre-riding the route.

Still, we strongly recommend carrying a dog deterrent such as pepper spray and/or an ultrasonic deterrent. Staying calm, not escalating a chase, and firm words have resolved all encounters we've had out here.

Please, no outside support from friends, family, or crews that isn't equally available to other riders.

You're welcome to use any publicly available businesses or resources along the route.

A good rule of thumb: if it's available to everyone, it's available to you.

Be back to the FINISH by 8PM to remain official. Both distances. That’s all. There are no aid station cutoffs.

We want you to FINISH, whatever it takes, but we don’t want you riding in the dark without lights. SO, if you think it’s going to be close, put light(s) in your last drop bag.

Post Race Meal: you’ll receive a meal ticket in your check-in bag. Hop's, longtime favorites in the Gorge, will be feeding us.

Finisher Jar: Make it back under your own power and we’ll give you a mason jar to remember it by.

Awards: Top 3 male and female in each distance will get a “faster than most” mug.