FAQ

FAQ and GENERAL EVENT INFO

When does Registration open?

Registration for the Scarecrow Gravel Ride will open on January 15, 2023. All other events will be announced later. Sign up for our mailing list newsletter or follow our social media for the latest updates.

If I enter an event do I have to buy an Expo pass?

No! Entry to the Expo is free to everyone. So, you can engage with all of our Exhibitors, visit our food vendors, relax in the beer garden and generally soak in the great vibe and cycling culture.

Bike demos are also FREE this year. Get a wristband at the registration desk inside Blue Mountain Inn, and then you can check out bikes from the bike vendors at the Expo. The Demo Pass will allow you to try out bikes of all kinds offered by many of our Exhibitors, subject to each Exhibitor’s specific terms of usage.

What is the refund policy?

Our refund policies are designed to be fair to everyone. Full refunds (minus processing fees) or deferrals will be given up until May 16, 2023.

After May 16, deferrals will be given for valid medical reasons.

After May 31, NO REFUNDS OR DEFERRALS will be given for any reason. At this point, our resources have already been allocated to run the events, so our expenses do not change if fewer people show up. Thank you for your understanding.

Deferred registration

If a Sea Otter Canada staff member confirmed with you that you could defer your registration from 2022, you can email us when registration opens to claim your 2023 registration. You must have the original confirmation email on hand.

What happens in the event of inclement weather?

We will do whatever we can to ensure that all rides and races are completed but safety always comes first. Here is what may happen in the case of inclement weather…

In the event of light to moderate rain, and the absence of any lightning, our goal would be to proceed with the scheduled event so long as road and/or trail conditions permit. If there is lightning in the area, the event may be placed on hold. The hold will be kept in place until we are confident that the weather has passed or changed course and the event will not be affected. If lightning is still in the area or remains a possibility during the day, distances may be limited for the road events and course conditions will continue to dictate for the dirt events.

If after a one-hour weather hold conditions remain uncertain, the event may be cancelled. The hold may be extended after taking into consideration safety and other factors such as:

  • Other scheduled events may interfere with the execution of your event.
  • Increasing traffic on bike courses as the day progresses.
  • Paid duty police schedules.
  • EMS and medical support schedules.
  • Race venue permits limitations.

Because all of our events take place outdoors, weather conditions can play a big factor in every ride or race. A large portion of the event fees collected have already been allocated and expenses incurred prior to the event day. As such there will be NO REFUNDS DUE TO WEATHER CANCELLATIONS. Registered participants will still receive their ride/race kits. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Helmets
  • Helmets are compulsory for ALL events.
  • Full face helmets are strongly recommended for the Enduro and Dual Slalom, but not required.
  • Chin straps must be fastened anytime the rider is on their bicycle.
Other Protective Gear
  • Full-face helmets and body armour are strongly recommended for the Enduro and Dual Slalom events, especially for riders under 18.
  • Chin straps must be fastened anytime the rider is on their bicycle.
Drafting

Drafting can be dangerous to you and other riders unless you have experience. Please conduct yourself accordingly.

Blocking

Cyclists should keep to the right at all times, unless passing. Alert fellow cyclists of your intention to pass by saying, “on your left”.

Ride / Race Courses

Riders must follow the prescribed course (road route or dirt / off-road trail) in all segments of the ride/race as defined for your event.

Ride / Race Instructions

It is the rider’s responsibility to read all supplied information provided in the ride/race kits and posted at the race site. It is of the utmost importance that all riders listen to verbal announcements given by SOC staff and ride/race volunteers.

Respect

Everyone participating in the events wants to have a fun and safe experience. Please respect your fellow riders, event staff, support personnel and volunteers.

Timing

All of our rides/races are supported with timing services provided by Zone 4. Your ride/race kit will indicate the timing particulars for your event(s). To be included in the timing results you must wear a timing chip which will be provided to you upon check-in at the registration area on site.

NOTE: Timing chips are the property of Zone 4 and must be returned as instructed when you receive your chip device. Participants will be responsible for returning timing chip devices according to Zone 4 requirements.

Prizing

Prizing for each event is detailed in your ride/race kit.

What do my registration fees pay for?
  • Professionally run top-quality events that are fun. Sea Otter Canada is proud to partner with ‘Best In Class’ event operators.
  • Police services for control on the roads.
    Traffic control materials such as barricades and cones.
  • On-course rest stops and aid stations.
  • Portable Toilets.
  • First Responders and first aid services.
  • Medical personnel including Paramedics and Ambulance on standby.
  • Course marshals.
  • OCA sanction fees.
  • Permits and venue fees.
  • Race day insurance.
  • Race numbers (bikes and clothing).
  • Timing services.
  • Race staff and crew services and expenses.
Cut-off times

Cut -off times will be listed in the event brief in your ride/race kit. Riders finishing after the cut-off time may not be included in timed results.

Route and Trail Markings

Road Events
All courses will be marked with turn signs and/or paint markings on the road. Key intersections will be managed by police (OPP) and/or designated marshals.

Dirt Events
All the courses will be marked using tape, arrows, and signs. During the timed stages, we will do our best to mark the course at a high level, with all intersections well marked, along with dangers and hazard areas. BUT, please be aware that Enduro racing is not Downhill racing where the course is potentially only 2mins long. Do not expect the Enduro course to be marked at the same level of Downhill races. Some Enduro timed stages can be over 30 mins in length.

Riders who blatantly go off the trail or cut corners will be disqualified. In an effort to reduce trail erosion, please stick to the trail. Braiding of trails is a serious infraction and cutting corners/cheat lines will not be tolerated!

Rest Stops / Food Stations

There will be rest stops/food stations at all events. Energy bars, water and other snacks will be available.

Check Route + Trails for rest stop locations.
We do not make accommodations for people with allergies or intolerances.

Can I ride with friends?

Yes, for sure! Some events will have staggered stages for different categories. For these events, we ask that you remain in your designated category and meet up with your friends at rest stops/food stations!

I thought there was no mountain biking at Blue?

Blue Mountain Resort has always had a network of mountain bike trails. The Enduro and XC events will be held on these trails. Only lift access Downhill riding was discontinued at Blue.

Is there lift access for mountain biking?

Blue Mountain discontinued lift access riding in 2021, so there is no lift access for bikes. 

More questions?

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