Racer Information

In case you missed the emails, these are the key items to know before you race.

RIDER RESPONSIBILITES

1) NAVIGATION: To keep this race fun and more than a dirt road race, we strive to break the race up with single track sections.  This mean each racer must be responsible for navigating the course.  Because the trails we use are open to the non-racing public during this event, we are unable to block off every trail not in use.  We believe in sharing the trails and are asking our racers to help with a sprit of cooperation.

2)  PASSING: Because our event has nearly equal parts of double track and single track trails, we respectfully ask each racer to allow faster racers to pass through.  This may require both racers to shift off the race line momentarily.  Many races are 100% single track and racers find a way to allow faster riders to pass through.  We ask for the same consideration to be given to your fellow competitors.

3)  CLASSES: We request that participants race in the ability class they race in throughout the summer season.  We are going to use the honor system, but hope that sport racers race in the sport classes, experts in the expert classes, etc.  This will greatly reduce traffic back ups and allow us to continue to offer race courses that are fun to ride and race.

BRING YOUR I.D. FOR BEER TENT

(We card everyone. Just sayin'.)
Note: There is absolutely no alcoholic beverages allowed in the beer tent area, other than your delicious New Holland Brewing craft beer bought in the beer tent area. Please also know you will not be allowed to bring your purchased Short's beer outside the beer tent area, even to hit the Porta Potty. Sorry, but our liquor license depends on you!

MSB: IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU

Race day is an exciting time and we'll have all the great things you've come to love about an MSB race with a whole lot more. This year we'll have a great variety of New Holland Brewing beers to help celebrate the day. 

Other amenities include:

• Local food trucks
• Cold beverages
• Warm fires
• Emergency bike repair services
• Shopping at the MSB Gear Store

MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS/BODILY INJURY

First responders will be stationed at each water/aid station and the finish line. All medical emergencies call 911. Please note: Aid stations will have LIMITED bottles of water and granola bars for distressed riders. Riders are expected to pack their own hydration and nutrition, as well as tire repair kits. Add SEARCH & RESCUE HOTLINE (231) 937- 6200 to your contacts; we will pick you up if you are injured or have a mechanical. ALL DROP OUTS MUST TEXT (810) 869-3255. Drop out points are marked on the map here. 

PARKING

Thanks to FOX Motors we now have the FOX LOT.  If you have a  "FOX Head" sign on your dash follow directions to the FOX LOT.  Please know we will be auditing the Fox Lot - crashers may just be towed up to Short's Brewing in Bellaire.

FOX HEAD PDF

When possible, carpool. Parking is onsite, which is great, but it will be tight.

Drive a 4x4? You'll be parked on the ski hill. Cars will be directed to the flat lots in front of the lodge and south of the lodge near the maintenance building. THERE WILL BE SIGNS DIRECTING YOU AS WELL AS VOLUNTEERS.

HEAVY METAL CATEGORY

All riders entered into the HEAVY METAL category must have bikes that weigh at least 32 pounds with NO CARBON.  Weigh-in will be race day at 7:30 am at the McLain Cycle tent.

SLOW YOUR ROLL (NEW EVENT)

Immediately following the Root Beer you can "race" the Slow Your Roll presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel.  The event is free and open to all.  The objective is to be the last one to cross the finish line without touching the ground, hopping, riding up or across the hill.  Easy right?  We will start the race about 50 yards from the finish line. Register HERE.

ATHENA and CLYDESDALE CATEGORIES

Athena category is for women only, 150 lb minimum.  Clydesday category is for men only, 200 lb minimum.

WIN YOUR AGE GROUP, GET A PRIZE

If you are 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in your category's age group, you get a little love. Just pick up your trophy mug at the awards table following the race. We'll call you up to our Age Group podium beginning at 12pm noon. 

McLAIN CYCLE & FITNESS E-BIKE DEMO & HOLESHOT!

This Friday, McLain Cycle and Fitness will be offering a free Specialized Levo demo, open to all, at packet pick up from 4-7pm. The Specialized Levo is a full suspension e-mountain bike – you'll be able to rip right up the mountain and fly down the trail. You won't want to miss this demo!

Saturday's Holeshot Challenge rewards the speedy: Be the first in your wave (M & F) to the first tree line and win claim your bragging rights.

PRE-RIDES ON PRIVATE LAND STRICTLY FORBIDDEN

Riders caught or reported trespassing on private land up until 7 am Saturday Race Day and ending 5 pm Saturday Race Day will be blacklisted from Mud, Sweat, and Beers. The proper authorities will be notified also. If you have questions about what private land is, contact us here and check out our course map. Sorry but without these landowners, our race can't happen.

WAVES AND START TIMES ARE POSTED

Check your start time and schedule for the day. Please note, if your child is a participating rider, the Ginger Ale and Root Beer races are scheduled so parents riding in the Stout or Pale Ale can ride their race and still watch their child race. Preliminary start times are posted here.

Any rider starting in a wave earlier than their scheduled wave will be disqualified from the competition. Please check your wave start times before lining up. We hate to have a great ride wiped off the records.Registration is wide open for the Ginger Ale and Root Beer. Make sure your kids are registered either online, or at Mt. Holiday on race day. 

PACKET PICK UP

SIGN THE KIDS UP: ROOT BEER AND GINGER ALE RACES

Pack the kids' bikes; kids' 2-mile Ginger Ale (12:45pm Saturday) and ¼-mile Root Beer (1:15pm Saturday) races are scheduled so parents riding in the Stout or Pale Ale can finish and watch their child race and finish in our famous MAX’S MUD PIT. Sign your rider up either this Friday or Saturday under the main tent at the cashier.

Want to transfer your registration to another rider? CLick here.

RACER PROTESTS

All protests regarding posted times, finish order, or racer conduct must be submitted in writing to the Race Jury by 3:30 PM on race day. The Race Jury will be comprised of the Chiefs of Course, Timing, and Registration. The decisions of the Jury are final.

DROP OUTS

If you should decide to drop out of the race, go to the nearest aid station and inform a race official of your decision. A support vehicle will be called to transport you from one of the vehicle pick up spots on the course map (eg. The WALL, Strombolis Aid Station, Timber Ridge, English Woods Aid Station, Nipple).  We also need to account for all riders who do not cross the finish line.  Please text your plate number and the words DROP OUT to 810-869-3255.

AID STATION CUT OFF TIMES

Three aid stations will be positioned around the course to provide backup water and medical support.  The aid station in the English Woods neighborhood will be passed twice.  Be sure to take plenty of water and food.  Please be aware that aid stations will be close down at the following times:

The Rock/Sands Lake Rd. - 11 am

10K/25K Split - 12 noon

Lands End - 1 pm