Race #4

North Fruita Desert Classic

October 5-6, 2024  ||  SATURDAY: Piedra  ||  SUNDAY: Yampa

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

SATURDAY: Piedra  ||  SUNDAY: Yampa

FRIDAY

2:00 PM
Team Pit Zone Open
2:00 PM
Pre-Ride Open
5:30 PM
Pre-Ride Closed
6:30 PM
Venue Closed
Ride in tutu navigates the aspens

SATURDAY + SUNDAY

7:00 AM
Pre-Ride Open
7:45 AM
Coach Meeting
8:00 AM
Pre-Ride Closed
8:05 AM
National Anthem
8:20 AM
JV/Soph/Fresh Girls XC Staging
9:45 AM
Fresh Boys XC Staging
10:15 AM
Senior Singletrack Send-Off
11:10 AM
Soph Boys XC Staging
12:35 PM
JV Boys XC Staging
2:00 PM
Var Boys/Girls XC Staging
2:00 PM
Pit Zone Opens for Sunday Teams
3:45 PM
Pre-Ride Open Estimate (Saturday)
4:45 PM
Awards
5:30 PM
Pre-Ride Closed (Saturday)
6:30 PM
Venue Closed

event info

REGISTRATION

ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY

Registration closes at 12:00 PM (noon) on the Monday before race weekend.

Student-athletes must be associated with a team:

  • Complete Colorado League Membership: $170
  • Purchase Series Race Pass $260 (Only Available Before Race #1 Registration Deadline, State Championship Not Included)

OR

  • Purchase Individual Race Entry $75
  • Replacement Race Plate $10 (Issued Rider Plate Used All Season)

Colorado League Membership Fees and Race Series Pass are non-refundable. Individual race entry fees are transferable within the same race season. Team fees may be in addition to the above.

Independent riders and for other registration questions, please contact registration@coloradomtb.org.

 

Registered Rider + Call Up Lists

Registered Rider List will be posted no later than Friday, September 27th @ 5:00pm.

Call Up Lists will be posted no later than Thursday, October 3rd @ 5:00pm.

Team huddle

Special weekend events

Grand Valley Youth Cycling would like to welcome the Colorado League to Fruita with a catered dinner that includes a taco bar with a vegetarian option from 5 pm to 7 pm on Saturday, Oct 5th. The cost is $15/per person. This gets you a plate with a main and side(s), and a dessert. Proceeds go to GVYC to support the young riders in the Grand Valley!

Pre-Order Your Food Tickets HERE (Limited to 200 Meals)

COACH MEETING

A mandatory coach meeting is held at 7:45 AM on Saturday and Sunday. 

Each team must have one (1) representative present at the meeting. Information about the race day, risk management, course conditions, and other considerations are discussed.

Feed Zone

Honey Stinger gels and water are available for all racers.

WEEKEND CONTEST

Superheroes. Come dressed as your favorite superhero and show off your superpowers. Feel free to make up a new superhero. Who knows Marvel may want to start a series about your new character.

The most creative team with high participation is recognized during the Awards Ceremony.

Team App

The Colorado League partners with Team App to provide up-to-the-minute information. Important race weekend updates are sent via Team App. It is and includes news, race information, race results, schedules, and more. It can be quickly and easily accessed via the app.

Sign up for Team App HERE.

ROCKSHOX NEUTRAL SUPPORT

RockShox Neutral support is available for any student-athlete having mechanical bike issues. Mike’s Bikes will have mechanics ready to help get your bike fixed and race-ready.

Yeti Skills Zone

Test and hone your skills on a maze of features sponsored by Yeti Cycles. Try the course many times throughout the weekend.

The best male and female are recognized during the Awards Ceremony.

Volunteer announcers flashing smiles

Volunteer

The Colorado League runs on the spirit and energy of our community. Each race weekend there are volunteer spots to fill. You can be a part of the race experience and there is no experience needed for any volunteer position. All you need is a willing heart and a smile! Please do not bring your pet to your volunteer shift.

race schedule

pre-ride protocol

We encourage teams to pre-ride prior to the event weekend.

  1. Pre-ride is for registered coaches and athletes only.
  2. All coaches and athletes must have a number plate on their bike during pre-ride.
  3. Family and friends may pre-ride the course after 5:30 pm on Friday and/or Saturday.
  4. EMS will not be available after 5:30 pm on Friday and Saturday.
  5. E-Bikes are permitted.
  6. If you are not a registered coach or rider with a number plate, we encourage you to explore other trails in the area. MTB Project Fruita

pre-ride schedule

Friday, October 4
2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Saturday, October 5
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM / 3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
Sunday, October 6
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Wave 1 – JV/Soph/Fresh Girls – Staging 8:20 AM

Race Plate
Start Time
Cut-off Time
Laps
Mileage
JV (3001-3999)
8:30 AM
9:40 AM
2
11.8
Soph (5001-5999)
8:35 AM
9:40 AM
2
11.8
Fresh (7001-7999)
8:40 AM
9:40 AM
2
11.8

Wave 2 – Freshman Boys – Staging 9:45 AM

Race Plate
Start Time
Cut-off Time
Laps
Mileage
Wave A (6001-6999)
10:00 AM
11:05 AM
2
11.8
Wave B (6001-6999)
10:05 AM
11:05 AM
2
11.8

Senior Singletrack Send Off – Staging 10:15 AM 

Wave 3 – Sophomore Boys – Staging 11:10 AM

Race Plate
Start Time
Cut-off Time
Laps
Mileage
Wave A (4001-4999)
11:25 AM
12:30 PM
2
11.8
Wave B (4001-4999)
11:30 AM
12:30 PM
2
11.8

Wave 4 – JV Boys – Staging 12:35 PM

Race Plate
Start Time
Cut-off Time
Laps
Mileage
Wave A (2001-2999)
12:50 PM
1:55 PM
2
11.8
Wave B (2001-2999)
12:55 PM
1:55 PM
2
11.8

Wave 5 – Varsity Boys/girls – Staging 2:00 PM

Race Plate
Start Time
Cut-off Time
Laps
Mileage
Boys (0001-0999)
2:10 PM
3:35 PM
3
17.7
Girls (1001-1999)
2:15 PM
3:35 PM
3
17.7

location

North Fruita Desert

18 Road Trailhead

Fruita, CO 81524

Please check COtrip for the most up-to-date road conditions.

NOTE: Highway 50 is closed in both directions from 7PM t o 6:30 AM check for updates Hwy 50 Blue Mesa Bridge Open times

COURSE INFO

This racecourse is part of the BLM’s master plan to expand the 18 Road trail network. It includes fast, smooth, winding singletrack with a few moderate climbs, winding berms, and fun rollers. Spectators will be treated to racing through the event and camping area. The racecourse is a 5.9 mile loop with 335 feet of climbing per lap. Running counterclockwise, the course starts and finishes at the 18 Road Event Area. Special thanks to the BLM, Grand Valley Youth Cycling, and Chris and Melissa Pipkin.

venue info

Team Pit Zone Guidelines

Team Div
# trailers
# Athletes
Size
1
2
50 +
700 sq. ft.
1
2
30 - 49
600 sq. ft.
2
2
13 - 20
400 sq. ft.
3
1
12 or less
300 sq. ft
  1. Team Pit Zone opens at 2:00 PM each day.
  2. No RVs or generators are allowed in a team’s pit zone.
  3. Do not move team signs or adjust the amount of space allotted by the Pit Zone Manager.
  4. If grills are onsite and in a team’s pit zone, then a fire extinguisher with current tags must be present.
  5. Canopy Weight Guidelines. Be prepared prior to arriving at the venue.

Parking + Drop-Off Location

Parking is available at the race venue. Please refer to the Venue Map for parking locations. Parking is first come first served. There are designated handicap spots near the start/finish area.

If a vehicle is parked illegally, it will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Please obey signs and directions from parking staff and volunteers. 

People and equipment may be dropped off at the race venue prior to parking your vehicle. 

Food Service

Southern Belle will provide breakfast and lunch items on Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM.

Lodging

Balanced Rock Inn Fruita

Balanced Rock Inn is located in downtown Fruita and offers clean, comfortable rooms, free WiFi and cable TV, a microwave, small refrigerator, air-conditioned rooms, with free parking. The inn is non-smoking and pet friendly. Colorado League members receive 10% off standard room rates. Book directly at Balance Rock Inn Fruita, identify yourself as a Colorado High School Cycling League member, and use the code “Balancedrock10”. Limited availability. If you’re already booked at this great hotel, reach back out to them and they will adjust your reservation to reflect the League discount.

DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Hotel Grand Junction

DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Grand Junction is offering 2 Queens or 1 King rooms for $129 per night to Colorado League members. Amenities include restaurant, fitness center, hot tub/spa, and swimming pool. Reserve your room today using the Colorado High School Cycling League Lodging Link. Rooms must be booked by September 6th to guarantee the discounted rate. Limited availability.

Holiday Inn & Suites Grand Junction Airport

The Holiday Inn & Suites Grand Junction Airport is a pet-friendly hotel offering 2 Queens or 1 King rooms for $139 per night to Colorado League members. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, kids eat free, pool, and fitness center. Reserve your room today using the Colorado High School Cycling League Lodging Link. Rooms must be booked by September 14th to guarantee the discounted rate. Limited availability.

Other Fruita Lodging Options

Other Grand Junction Lodging Options

Camping

Grand Valley Youth Cycling will be the camp hosts for the North Fruita Desert Classic. The campsites are located along the racecourse within the Colorado League venue. 

The trail system and associated camping amenities provide great opportunities to experience the diverse desert terrain along the base of the Book Cliffs.

Camping Reservations Link

Other Fruita Camping Options

Other Grand Junction Camping Options