The Forge Fall Cooldown MTB Race

The Forge Fall Cooldown MTB Race

in Partnership with The Bike Hub

October 16, 2022

2022 Results

Race Information:

The Forge Fall Cooldown MTB Race will be ridden on the crushed limestone, gravel, and single track trails throughout the Forge: Lemont Quarries and the adjoining trails.  Two race distances will be available: A longer course of approximately 10.4 Miles and a shorter less technical course of approximately 5.5 miles. 

This is an open class MTB race.  You may use any bike and equipment of your preference, but E-bikes are not allowed.

Registration:

Registration will remain open through the week and at packet pick-up (PPU) and race day.  

Entry Fees:

Long and Short Course Race =

$35 (October 1 - Race Day)

Register Here: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Lemont/TheForgeFallCooldownMTBRace

Packet Pick Up:

Saturday October 15

Noon to 5:00 PM

The Forge: Lemont Quarries

At the Foundry (Food and Beverage Location)

Race Day

Sunday October 16

7:15 AM - 8:15 AM (We may keep this open longer for long course riders if needed)

The Forge: Lemont Quarries

At the Foundry (Food and Beverage Location)

You will be given a timing sticker that wraps around your seat post (it has a timing device in it – it must be affixed to your bike) and a Forge bandana.

Registration will be available at PPU and race day.  If you register on site you will simply use a computer (or your phone) and pay via credit card. Sorry, no cash or check transactions.

Directions:

Use These Directions for PPU and Race Day: https://forgeparks.com/plan-your-visit/hours-directions/#directions

Parking:

Use Lots 1 or 2 after the 2nd Stop sign on the gravel road. (They are the closest to the Park entry / PPU / Race Start / Finish):

https://forgeparks.com/plan-your-visit/park-map/

Race Day Schedule:

7:00 AM – Parking Opens (Follow Signs) Park in Lots 1 or 2, then cross the bridge and head to the east side of the Park (by the zip line landing, Mount and Foundry).

7:15 AM - 8:15 AM – Race Day Packet Pick-Up & Registration (We will keep this open longer for long course riders if needed)

8:20 AM – Course Talk & Short Course Line-Up

8:30 AM – Short Course Race Start

~ 9:15 AM – Post Race Food / Beverage Available

~ 9:20 AM – Long Course Talk and Line-Up (Pending status of short course race)

~9:30 AM - Long Course Race Start (After the Short Course Race Clears)

Course Information:

Course Map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2046730

Short Course = ~ 5.5 Miles, 1 Lap
Long Course = ~ 10.4 Miles, 2 Laps

Note, this is subject to change based on weather and trail conditions on race day.  

Course Description:

•    Start = The Forge Arch on the lawn by the Mount / stage, heading East.
•    Start to ~ Mile 1.25 = Gravel, crushed limestone, flat, 1 wooden bridge crossing.
•    ~ Mile 1.25 – ~ Mile 2.3 = MTB trails, relatively flat, dirt, rocks, roots, a few small technical spots.
•    ~ Mile 2.3 - Mile 2.5 = Gravel, crushed limestone, flat.
•    ~ Mile 2.5 – Mile 3.2 = MTB trails, variable terrain, dirt, rocks, roots, 1 steep but short drop / downhill, 1 smaller drop, several technical spots.
•    ~ Mile 3.2 – ~ Mile 4 = Mix of gravel, crushed limestone, a mulch path and a segment on a limestone path along a quarry. Mostly flat, 1 small downhill, 2 x road crossings and looping around the access road (watch for truck / vehicle traffic).
•    ~ Mile 4 – ~ Mile 4.6 = Drop-In Zone MTB course. Follows the green, then the blue courses. Short hill on gravel to enter, variable terrain and elevation. Dirt, rocks, clay, gravel and several jump features, 2 small uphill sections, 3 smaller drops. Cool views of the climbing towers and ropes courses.
•    ~ Mile 4.6 – ~ Mile 5.2 = Crushed limestone, mostly flat, 2 x wooden bridge crossings, 1 sharp left turn on a gravel downhill.
•    After completing 1 lap by the Forzley / Waterfall Bridge:
o    Short Course: End 1st Lap = Turn right after bridge and return to the Park for the Finish along the same route that the race started.
o    Long Course: Turn left after the bridge and begin 2nd lap of the same route. After completing 2nd lap, turn right after bridge and return to the Park for the Finish along the same route the race started.
•    Finish = Same location as the Start, at The Forge Arch on the lawn by the Mount / stage, finishing on the same route that the race started, heading West to the finish line.

Pre-Riding and Course Marking:

We will begin marking the course early on Mon – Wed of race week. Expect to see orange / red trail / landscape flags, flagging tape and paint in the woods and trails. It will be marked with cones with yellow arrows, paint and larger signs on the gravel areas, which will be set Saturday 10/15.

You may pre-ride the course. The trails north of the I&M canal and outside of the Park are open to the public from dawn to dusk. The gravel sections within the Park are open during Park operating hours. Please note some of the MTB trails are raw, new or overgrown (sections not on the race course). Feel free to ride them - helps them develop.

The Drop-In Zone MTB course may be pre-ridden on Saturday 10/15 after you pick up your packet. You will be given a wristband and no additional fee or waiver is required to ride it (your race entry fee and waiver counts for this).

The gravel trails connect to downtown Lemont, and lead to the outdoor deck of our sponsor Pollyanna Brewing Company, who will be providing beer for our post-race fun.

Thank you to the Forge staff and Mark MacKenzie owner of The Bike Hub for helping get the trails in shape.

Awards:

1st - 3rd Overall Male and Female in both races 

1st Overall Male and Female Masters (Age 40+) in both races.  

We will post all times and age group placements as well.

Spectators:

The race is very spectator friendly, with multiple locations to watch the race.  Best locations would be near the Drop-In Zone, located across the quarry from the start area, and along the trails that parallel the gravel road as both races will use this trail.

Questions?

Contact:

Dave Fako

Race Director

The Forge: Lemont Quarries

708-705-6791

e-mail: dfako@theforgeparks.com

www.forgeparks.com

Our Partners:

The Bike Hub

Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling

Multisport Mastery

Rush Physical Therapy