OVERVIEW

The spectacular high-desert of Fruita, CO sets the stage for the series prologue and the first XC race of the season. If you didn't race here last year, then you probably don't know Rabbit Valley.

Rabbit Valley is known for the fun nature of its trails- lots of whoops, minor technical sections and fast tracking. This course best suits a well-rounded rider whose skill sets blend both fitness and technical prowess.

The McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA) was created in October 2000 to protect the NCA’s nationally significant resources for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The National Landscape Conservation System, of which the NCA is a part, adds to these special designations by focusing on the opportunities and management needs of BLM’s national treasures.

REGISTRATION

Download the Rabbit Valley Rally Registration Form.  Forms mailed in must be postmarked by Saturday, April 11. Forms faxed or emailed in must be received by Wednesday, April 15. You can also call in your registration to 720-407-6142 by Wednesday, April 15.

RACE ENTRY TRANSFER POLICY

ON-SITE REGISTRATION: If you don't pre-register online or mail/fax in a form, you can still register on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. $15 on-site registration fee applies to registration on Friday and a $20 registration fee applies to registration on Saturday/Sunday. Registration/check-in for your wave will close one hour prior to it's designated start time. This includes pre-registered riders. No exceptions.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Learn it, love it, live it. All riders will be required to sign it prior to receiving a number plate. Save yourself some time and bring it with you signed. FRUITA CODE OF CONDUCT

PER RIDER FEE

There will be a $5/rider/event user fee assessed at registration and packet pickup for ALL RIDERS. This includes season pass holders. Thanks for understanding that this fee underwrites the preservation and maintenance of the incredible network of trails in and around Fruita.

LODGING

HOLIDAY INN - GRAND JUNCTION: The Holiday Inn Grand Junction Hotel is Grand Junction, Colorado's hotel of choice. Conveniently located off I-70 in the heart of Colorado Wine Country we offer 291 completely renovated rooms with voice mail and complimentary high-speed internet access. The Holidome Indoor Recreation Area includes indoor pool, hot tub, arcade, and fitness center in an atrium setting. The outdoor pool and hot tub is surrounded by a grass courtyard. Coco's Bakery Restaurant and Bar offers excellent food and drink at moderate prices. Pet friendly.

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOT GRAND JUNCTION (PET FRIENDLY!!!) Special $129.00 (breakfast included) rate for Mountain States Cup, call 1-800-936-1903 to reserve a room; ask for the Mountain States Cup Block.

767 Horizon Drive
Grand Junction, CO
Marriott.com/GJTRI
(970) 263-4114 Fax
(970)263-4004 

Amenities include: All Suite Property, Indoor Pool, Indoor Whirlpool, 24 Hour Fitness Facility, Billiards Room, Sport Court, Outdoor patio with a gas grill, Pets Friendly, fee applies, Complimentary bike wash area provided, Secured bike storage provided, Guests can use Courtyard amenities as well

COURTYARD BY MARRIOT GRAND JUNCTION Special $119.00 rate for Mountain States Cup, call 1-800-935-4176 to reserve a room; ask for the Mountain States Cup Block.

765 Horizon Drive
Grand Junction, CO
(970)263-4414
(970)263-4424 Fax
Marriott.com/GJTCY

Amenities include: King Rooms with a full size pull-out sofa, Queen/Queen Rooms, Indoor Pool, Outdoor Whirlpool, 24 Hour Fitness Facility, Complimentary bike wash area provided, Secured bike storage provided, Guests can use Residence Inn amenities as well.

CAMPING

We'll have limited camping on-site and it'll be pretty rustic. Plan on bringing your own water and a leave-no-trace ethic. Camping on-site will be $10/car and $15/RV flat fee. Portable toilets will be available.

If you're camping and in need of a shower or a clean chamois, here's where you can get it!

Day Pass $5 - Full facility Workout Gym

Hours:
Mon-Thur     5 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Fri                5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sat               8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun              8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

MORE INFO IF YOU'RE STAYING FOR A WHILE:

www.gjmountainbiking.com - these guys have a great site with tons of local info. They were also cool enough to supply the maps for the race. Give 'em a visit!

COURSES

The Fruita Fat Tire guide book that’s published by Over the Edge Sports in Fruita has maps of the courses. The off-road TT is on page 84-85. We’ll be using the outside loop of trails 3 & 4 in a clockwise direction for the TT. The TT will be 5-6 miles. Plan on the XC distance being between 12-26 miles depending upon category. We will be racing on the Westwater Mesa Trail. This is different from the Western Rim Trail that we raced on last year. We will have a map posted soon!

TT MAP & ELEVATION PROFILE: HERE
XC MAP & ELEVATION PROFILE: coming soon

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TIME TRIAL:
- the start and finish are just over the hill from the parking lot. Allow a little bit of time to ride over there.
- we'll be racing on the course represented in solid red and following the yellow arrows indicated on the maps in a clockwise direction.
- for you 'take everything literally' types, the actual course markings will be white signs with black arrows
- all riders will have a set start time. This will be posted by the registration and by the time trial start no later than 30 minutes prior to your start wave.
- if for some reason your name is not on the start list do not, don't worry. Refer to the category start times listed here and plan on getting started with your group. Out registration and timing folks will track your data down and get you started with your group.
- we estimate that the TT's going to take between 25-45 minutes (ability-dependant)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CROSS COUNTRY:

Straight from the man in the hat:

"Hey all you folks headed over to pre-ride the cross country course. It is marked with pink flagging tape. The course will head out the same way it did last year. When you get to the turn that went down to the Western Rim Trail, stay on the Kokopelli Trail (road) the same way you came back in last year from the end of the Western Rim Trail.

When you get to the point where the Western Rim Trail came back to the Kokopelli Trail you will turn to the west and follow it. It is known as the Westwater Mesa Trail. It is quite challenging. It has several super steep section before a road section. Follow that for a bit, keeping an eye out for the pink flagging tape. You are only on the road for a short bit and then back on to fun and challenging singletrack after another 4 - 5 miles. At this pont, which is the 16 mile mark, you will hit the Kokopelli Trail and drop off the mesa. You will follow this all the way back to the Trail #2. Look for the Shimano tape and the pink flagging tape on the left . You will follow Trail #2 all the way back to the finish area. The entire loop for Pro's and Cat 1 is 27.5 miles +/- 1 mile."

THURSDAY APRIL 16 PRACTICE

Course open and marked. Please keep in mind that there are other user groups on these trails and we need to respect their right to use the same trails and roads. The simple diplomacy of a wave and a nod really does do wonders for our relationships with other user groups. All roads are open to motor vehicles. Please use caution and keep an eye out for fast moving vehicles.

FRIDAY APRIL 17 PRACTICE

Courses are open for pre-riding and inspection.

SATURDAY APRIL 18 OFF-ROAD TT presented by

You will be assigned an individual start time. We'll have that posted Saturday morning one hour prior to your start wave near registration and at the start/finish of the time trial course.

Both courses will be open for pre-riding (and the general public) until race time. That means that the trail will be shared with other user groups. Be careful out there.

TIMING AND RESULTS

Brought to you by CJ Sports Timing- where seconds count.

AWARDS

All riders must be present to receive awards and cash purses for all MSC events. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made so, plan you trip home accordingly.

RACE PHOTOS

Will be provided by our official photography partner, Vast Action Photography. You can visit them at www.vastaction.com

HOW TO GET HERE

Rabbit Valley is about 10 miles west of Fruita on I-70 on exit 2. For those of you who're geographically challenged, head to: www.maps.google.com. Punch in "Fruita, Colorado" and you're golden.

TECH/EXPO SPACE, VOLUNTEERS, SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES

If you're interested in volunteering of finding out about sponsorship opportunities, please give us a shout at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or (719) 221-1251.