July Handicap: Let’s Play Some LEAPFROG!

The July Handicap will take place on Saturday, July 25th in the foothills. The race will feature a new and exciting format called a LEAPFROG event! Teams of 2 competitors will be required to advance a mountain bike over a 5.03 mile course. Teams will be handicapped by the sum of the anticipated 5K running times for the competitors. Both competitors on a team will start at the same time at the start line. One competitor will start out as a runner, and the other will start out as a biker. At the designated transition T1, The biker will drop the bike and run to transition T2; and, the runner will pick up the bike and ride to transition T2. The competitors will alternate running and biking (e.g.: leapfrog) until both competitors reach the finish line (one competitor may need to wait for the other competitor before the team crosses the finish line together).

WHERE AND WHEN
The race will start at the Michial Emery Trailhead at the top of Spain, east of Tramway. The parking lot is approximately 100 yards south of Spain. Restroom facilities are available. The first team will start at approximately 8AM.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Each team should supply their own mountain bike. Each competitor should have his/her own bike helmet.

If you would like to participate but don’t have a mountain bike (and are unable to borrow one), please contact Ed (ezanelli@yahoo.com) or Shannon (shannon.zanelli@gmail.com). We strongly recommend that you use either flat pedals or baskets/cages. If you and your partner use a different seat peg height, you should consider using a quick release style seat peg adjuster, which can be purchased for a nominal price (around $10) at Sports Systems.

Also feel free to contact Ed or Shannon if you are seeking a partner and we will do our best to match you up with someone.

SAFETY
In general, runners should stay to the right. Bikers should verbally alert other racers (and others using the trails) prior to executing a pass. Bikers should ONLY execute a pass when it is safe to do so. Also, helmets MUST be worn AT ALL TIMES while riding. While running, competitors can either wear or carry their helmet. We recommend that each team use a frame-mounted water bottle for proper hydration.

BIKE SECURITY
We will have attendants/volunteers at the start/finish and all transitions to secure bikes.

LEGS
Leg 1 starts at the Michial Emery Trailhead and is a gradual uphill over 1.21 miles, finishing on the gravel road approximately 20 yards east of the main trail (365). Leg 2 features rolling terrain over 1.53 miles, finishing at the Elena Gallegos parking lot. Leg 3 features rolling terrain over 1.24 miles, finishing uphill on the gravel road at the same location of the first transition. Leg 4 is a 1.05 mile downhill, finishing at the Michial Emery Trailhead.

All areas featuring “technical” terrain will be marked with cones. The biking difficulty level for the entire course is easy to moderate.

SCORING
Each competitor will receive 2 points times the number of teams that finish after them.

AFTER PARTY
Everybody is invited to convene at Flying Star on Juan Tabo near Montgomery after the conclusion of the race.