Avita Water Black Bear FAQ’s (Frequently Asked
Questions)
IS THIS A
RACE OR A TOUR? It is a tour
It is a tour that is timed so that you will have an accurate indication
of your ride time. If you want to take
your time - then you can do that.
IS THERE FOOD? We have
five food and water stations with snacks and water. The food and water stations are at 26
miles, 46 miles, 57 miles, 73 miles and 93 miles.
WHAT
KIND OF FOOD IS THERE ? We have muffins and fruit and water and gatorade.
HOW ARE THE RIDERS STARTED? We will start
riders in groups of 10 each minute starting at 8:00 AM until all are gone. This is done to reduce congestion and
increase safety. Rider minutes are
handed out on a first come first serve basis through the mail-in registration
process. The event Director reserves the right to make changes in the starting
order that may not make everyone happy. When you start your ride the canoe
racers will have been paddling 11 hours throughout the night.
HOW DOES THE SHUTTLE FROM OSCODA TO GRAYLING WORK? We again will use buses. Our trailer and bus program will make the
return ride comfortable for you and safe for your bike. It is our goal to have you scored out
quickly, so you can be on your way safely home at a reasonable hour. Please take note, Oscoda and Grayling
are equal in drive times to many southern state locations, it might be
advisable to bring someone to shuttle your vehicle to Oscoda so you don’t have
to take the 2 hour drive back to Grayling and then drive south.
WHEN
DO THE SHUTTLES LEAVE? We try to have shuttles leave at 1:30 and 3:30. It many times doesn’t work that way because
we have to adjust because of riders
waiting for other riders and we get a lot of changes, unfortunately, on tour
day when riders want to add or be taken off the shuttle.
HOW GOOD ARE THE RIDING SURFACES? Most are very good, but a few areas require
that you mind your wheels. The surface
on North Down River Road
right after the start is the worse. It
only last for a few miles. Overall the surfaces are very good.
WHAT IS THE MCKINLEY CLASS?
We love McKinley. You may want to
live there someday. You and a partner
can split the 100 miles by having someone waiting in McKinley, at the 56 mile
mark, to ride the last 44 miles and have your vehicle ready for you. If you ride this class, please remember that
you should not stay in McKinley forever, -- go home -- or go to Oscoda and pick your partner
up. Don’t even ask about the secret
McKinley Loop.
HOW LATE IS THE FINISH LINE OPEN? We have been open as late as 8 ½
hours. We wait until the last rider
comes in.
WHERE ARE THE BATHROOMS? There are porta johns behind the small grassy
pocket park two doors down the street from The Bicycle Shop.
HOW DO I GET A CERTIFICATE WITH MY TIME? For $3.00 we will mail you a certificate
with your name and time and a window sticker that has your individual time.
WHAT ABOUT SHIRT AVAILABILITY? We order enough shirts to cover our
pre-orders and a few extra. The extra
are available on a first come first serve basis. $15.00 each.
ABOUT HAVING FUN? “If
you really want to be happy – no one can stop you.” Sister Mary Tricky