IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION
PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY
Welcome to the 2024 Fire Mountain Inferno weekend. We are excited to welcome you to two days of Enduro racing in Cherokee. The information below is important and will help you and your supporters enjoy the event to its fullest.
RACE DATES: Saturday, May 4 & Sunday, May 5
Pre-Race Meeting @ 9:15 AM - Races Start @ 9:30 AM Both Days
Fire Mountain Trail Head above the Oconoluftee Indian Village
Packet Pick Up
Friday, May 3 – 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Bryson City Outdoors-Cherokee (Inside store)
516 Tsali Boulevard, Cherokee, NC 28719
Saturday, May 4 – 7:30 to 9:00 AM
Bryson City Outdoors-Cherokee (Inside store)
516 Tsali Boulevard, Cherokee, NC 28719
Sunday, May 5 – 7:30 to 9:00 AM
Bryson City Outdoors-Cherokee (Inside store)
516 Tsali Boulevard, Cherokee, NC 28719
Should you want to change categories, these are the times to do it. We will not change categories after a race has begun or concluded.
We encourage you to leave yourself plenty of time to park and get to the start line. It is a 10-minute bike ride to the trail head.
Race Day Parking
Parking will not be permitted at the Fire Mountain Trail Head or the Oconoluftee Indian Village. Riders may drop off their bikes below the upper village parking lot but race management assumes no responsibility for any bikes or equipment left unattended.
Parking will be available in multiple locations near the event. Please see this Parking Map for your options.
Parking Map
NOTE: Drama Road will be open to traffic so please use caution coming back for post-race activities.
Weather
This is a rain or shine event. Please come ready to race. In the event the weather conditions create an unsafe situation, we reserve the right to adjust the schedule and/or event. These decisions will not take place until race morning and will be communicated to riders at that time at the race site.
Getting to the Trails
Riders may either ride or walk their bikes the approximately .9 miles to the race start along Drama Road. After you finish, please ride back to the parking areas and post-race activities.
Race Numbers
You will receive a race number in your registration packet. Those riding both days of the event will use this number for the entire weekend so don’t discard it after Saturday.
Numbers must be attached to your handles bars and visible for the entire race. Ties will be in your packet and available at the registration tables.
If you don’t have the correct number on your handle bars at the start line, you will not be allowed to participate in the race.
How Are We Timing You?
On race morning, you will be given a timing chip at the timing tent near the Trail Head. Please show your race number to receive your chip.
The chips are worn on your wrist.
Those racing both days can keep their chip for the Sunday races and return it after you are done that day. For those only racing one day, please return your chip after you are done.
There will be a $200 fine for any chips not returned to the timer.
Results
Results will be posted each day at www.zone4.ca. Final results will be posted on the Event Page at GloryHoundEvents.com by Monday.
Restrooms
There will be restrooms at the Welcome Center next to Bryson City-Outdoors and near the Trail Head.
Important Times
The Enduro races starts at 9:30 AM sharp at Trail Head. Riders should be ready to race and near the start line by 9:15 AM for a pre-race meeting with the Course Manager.
Course
The course will change for each day of racing.
Saturday
Use Uktena trail to climb to the top of the mountain
Spearfinger Stage - Starting at the very top of the mountain, this stage uses all of Spearfinger and ends at Lazy Elk. 1.6 miles, 630’ elevation loss
Upper Kessel Run Stage - Starting at the top of the mountain at the upper pavilion and finishing shortly after the flyover, mid-mountain. After the stage finish, continue along the flat mid-section of Kessel Run to transfer to the Lower Kessel Run Stage. 1.4 miles, 490’ elevation loss
Lower Kessel Run Stage - Includes the downhill final section of Kessel Run and then merges with the bottom of Lazy Elk and finishes at the lower Pavilion (Overlook Lounge). .6 miles, 200’ elevation loss
Skilly Stage - Starting at the lower pavilion, this stage uses all of the brand new Skilly trail. The wooden features are optional for all categories. After finishing this stage, use the Skilly Return trail to climb back to the lower pavilion. .5 miles, 140’ elevation loss
Saturday Course Map
Sunday
Use Spearfinger Trail to climb to the top of the mountain - 1.6 miles
Upper Kessel Run Stage - Starting at the top of the mountain at the upper pavilion and finishing shortly after the flyover, mid-mountain. After the stage finish, continue along the flat mid-section of Kessel Run to transfer to the Lower Kessel Run Stage. 1.4 miles, 490’ elevation loss
Skilly Stage - Starting at the lower pavilion, this stage uses all of the Skilly trail. The wooden features will be optional for all categories. After finishing this stage, use the Skilly Return trail to climb back to the lower pavilion. .5 miles, 140’ elevation loss
Upper Uktena Stage - The wooden feature, dropkick woody, is optional for all categories. After the stage finish, follows signs to take the Fire Tower Trail back to the trail head - 1.9 miles, 590' elevation loss
Waya to Lower Uktena Stage - This stage uses all of the Waya Trail and merges with Lower Uktena. The finish is just before the bottom of Uketena - .7 miles, 320' elevation loss
Sunday Course Map
Other info:
- Tinker’s Dream or Lower Tinker’s can be used to transfer across the bottom of the mountain from the trailhead to the lower pavilion. Be aware of 2-way traffic!
- Each stage segment is for downhill traffic only. DO NOT ride back up any of the stages.
- You can complete the stages in any order. If there is a big crowd waiting to start a stage, move along and pick a different stage with a smaller line.
- You must complete all stages within the overall time frame for the day.
- Refreshments will be served at both the upper and lower pavilions (Ravens Roost and Overlook Lounge).
- Basic mechanical support will be available at the lower pavilion (Overlook Lounge).
Course Practice
Pre-riding of the trails is available at any time prior to the event. The Enduro segments will be marked by the end of the day Thursday. The course will be open for practice any time on Friday and before 9am on Saturday.
Course Signs
Red lettering signs = information and directions
Green lettering signs = mark the route of enduro stages
Yellow and orange tape = market the start and finish of each stage
Red tape = helps mark the route (Don’t Cross the Red Tape!)
Water & Nutrition
There will be water, Gatorade and snacks at the two pavilions on the course that you will see five times during the race.
Technical Support
Motion Makers Bikes will be near the Trail Head for last minute technical issues.
Post Race
Once you finish your race and have had your timing chip removed, head back to the post-race area where food, beer and music await. Your packet contains the items you will need for post race, including:
- One wooden beer token (for those 21 years and older; Please be prepared to show ID.) at the Seven Clans Brewing tent. There will also be NA beers available while supplies last.
- One meal voucher to either the Iron Wok or Tootsie’s Place food trucks (located in the Visitor Center parking lot). Note: There is a $12 limit for all meal vouchers.
- No token, no beer; no voucher, no meal!
Food and beer will also be available for purchase.
On Saturday, there will be live music from the Paper Crowns from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.
On both days, the awards ceremony will be held at approximately 3:00 PM or after all racers are finished.
Anyone wanting to reserve a Party Pad inside the post-event space for chairs or a pop-up tent should click this link - https://form.jotform.com/team/230866322620047/PartyPadReservation
Pre-Registered Door Prizes
One lucky, pre-registered Fire Mountain Inferno participant will win a Specialized Stumpjumper Comp mountain bike valued at $5,000. All those who pre-register (i.e. enter on or before May 1) will receive one ticket for the drawing. The winning name will be drawn during the awards ceremony on Sunday, but you don't have to be present to win. A special thanks to the EBCI Commerce Division for making this possible.
We will hold daily drawings at the awards ceremony (approximately 3:00 PM) for all those who pre-registered for these amazing prizes and you must be present to win:
Saturday
- $1,000 gift certificate + other items from Bryson City Outdoors
- ENO chair
- Wheel set from Industry 9
- 2 pairs of sunglasses from Julbo Sunglasses
- Jerseys, gloves and hats from Cognitive MTB
- Ch$100 gift certificate from MTB Skills Factory
- Weevil merchandise
Sunday
- Roval Wheel Set from Motion Makers
- Eno hammock rig.
- 2 pairs of sunglasses from Julbo Sunglasses
- Fox Racing truck pad
- Jerseys, gloves and hats from Cognitive MTB
Spectators
Spectators may watch from the course but we ask you consult with race management at the trailhead for the best vantage point at that particular time. You must walk to the trailhead (approximately .9 miles) as no parking is allowed at this location.
Trash and Recycling
Trash and recycling containers will be located at the Trail Head and post-race area. Please help us by disposing of these materials in their proper container.
Thank you for spending your weekend with us at the Fire Mountain Trails!
|
