MOCO 2019 Rider Information

Thank you for being a part of the 2019 MoCo Epic! We are thrilled that you are joining our celebration of the amazing trail network that MORE maintains in partnership with Montgomery County, Maryland Park Service, and National Park Service land managers. The MoCo Epic also serves as MORE's largest fundraiser of the year, thus providing funding to expand and improve local trail systems. Thanks to our phenomenal series sponsors, great support from local bike shops and businesses, and our incredible volunteer community, we're looking forward to the 10th edition of the MoCo Epic!

Information for Epic Day on Sunday October 13, 2019, is listed below. This information should help you plan your day. There is a lot of information here, but it’s there to make your ride and day a good one. It’s worth your time to read through it all. If you have questions, please reach out to mocoepicteam@more-mtb.org

MoCo Epic Command Center: 301-834-2703 *Please program this number into your phone for easy access*

Course Information

The MoCo Epic is offering 5 different length rides on Sunday, October 13^th. The ride, RidewithGPS link, registration time, ride start time, and the color for course signage are shown below.

If you are not familiar with Ride with GPS, we suggest that you install the app on your device to easily view the route and save it for viewing during your ride. After the app is installed on your device, click on the RidewithGPS link in the table above, then select “Open in the App”, or scroll down to select “Go to route’ from the list of Routes, to access other options.

Ride and RidewithGPS Link	Registration on 10/13/2019	Course Start on 10/13/2019	Course Color
The Sandy Spring Bank 70 Miler**	6:15 AM - 8:00 AM	7:00 AM - 8:00 AM	Orange to Blue @ AS6-Riffle Ford Rd.
The Shimano 55 Miler	7:30 AM - 9:00 AM	8:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Orange
The MoCo Parks 40 Miler	8:00 AM - 10:00 AM	8:30 AM - 10:00 AM	Blue
The Bryce Bike Park 30 Miler	9:00 AM - 10:30 AM	9:30 AM - 10:30 AM	White
The REI 15 Miler	10:00 AM - 11:30 AM	10:30 AM - 11:30 AM	Pink

**NEWS FLASH- The Full MoCo Epic is slightly shorter this year at about 70 miles and we changed the name to 2019 MoCo Epic 70 Miler; however, not all our documents & signs were changed. In our documents & signs, you may see either the 70 or 75-miler, but rest assured, these are the same awesome ride and follow the same route.

Location - South Germantown Recreational Park: 18045 Central Park Cir, Boyds, MD 20841 Once at the South Germantown Recreational Park, follow the signs directing you to the MoCo Epic event.

Onsite Registration/ Packet Pick Up- Each course's onsite registration will open at least ½ hour prior to the course start on 10/13/2019. You're welcome to pick up your rider packet anytime between this time and the close of registration for your course. Once your course's registration time is closed, you will not be able to register or ride that course; this requirement helps ensure all riders complete the course and make it back within the set time frames. You also can register onsite on Saturday October 12^th from 10 am to 4 pm.

Course Start - To avoid chaotic mass starts, we've scheduled a window of time for riders of each course to begin. Be aware that you must start your ride in your scheduled time window. If you should miss your course's start window, you are welcome to ride in the next ride (i.e. move from the 55 M to the 40 M). Please decide your departure time carefully, so that with your average pace, you'll comfortably make it to all the aid stations within the hours of operation listed below.

Parking - All parking is located in a grass field onsite at the South Germantown Recreation Park. MoCo Epic event signs will guide you to the event parking area.

Maps - GPS tracks are available for each course if you click on the desired course on the above "Course Information" table or from the Bike Reg site. They have recently been updated, so please check that you have the most up to date version for the 2019 event.

Aid Station Information

Aid Station Number (AS#)	Sponsor	Hours of Operation	Courses
AS1: S.G. Town Park	The Bike Lane	6:45 AM - 5:00 PM	15, 30, 40, 55, & 70
AS2: Black Hill	Bikenetic	7:00 AM - 12:30 PM	30 (two passes), 55, & 70
AS3: Little Bennett	Bike Doctor of Frederick	7:45 AM - 12:15 PM	55 & 70
AS4: Damascus	BikeWerks Olney	8:15 AM - 1:15 PM	55 & 70
AS5: Seneca Greenway	Friends of Seneca Creek State Park & Bike Center, LTD	9:15 AM - 3:00 PM	55 & 70
AS6: Seneca Creek	REI	9:00 AM - 4:15 PM *70 M Cut Off 2:15 PM*	15, 40, 55, & 70
AS7: Muddy Branch	Muddy Branch Alliance & NoVa Cycleworks	9:45 AM - 4:15 PM	40 & 70
AS8: Riley's Lock	Darius Mark State Farm Insurance	10:15 AM - 5:00 PM	40 & 70
AS9: Black Rock Mill	Spokes, Etc. & Shimano	8:45 AM - 6:30 PM	15, 30, 40 (two passes),55 & 70

Aid Station Hours – Aid stations will be in operation during the times listed above. If you arrive at an aid station after the times listed above, you'll need to call the Command Center (301-834-2703) to discuss the plan from there. If available at your location, you may be able to use a cut off and get back on track time wise. If not, we will be more than happy to come and pick you up to join the post ride festivities, but you will need to call the Command Center (301-834-2703) to make these arrangements. Please note that this policy is in effect to ensure all riders have the aid station support they need to safely complete the course.

The Sandy Spring 70 Miler Cut Off Time at AS6: Seneca Creek - 70 Milers have a lot of distance to cover within the limited fall daylight. For the safety of all riders, we have established a special cut off time of 2:15 pm at Aid Station six at Riffle Ford Road to help ensure riders have sufficient time to complete the southern loop before dark. If you arrive at AS#6 past 2:15 pm, you will be required to follow the 55-mile ride route along the Seneca Ridge trail to complete your ride.

*IMPORTANT* If you reach an aid station after the hours of operation or the 70-miler 2:15 PM cut off time at Aid Station 6, should you refuse a ride back to the festival, or to take the recommended shortened ride route, you will be electing to drop from the event. The course sweeper will note your rider number and you will no longer be supported by a sweep rider, aid stations, or course markings (the sweep will ensure you have a map). Please be aware that most Parks do not permit riders on the trail after dark, which is why this policy is in place.

MoCo Epic Command Center: 301-834-2703 *Please program this number into your phone for easy access*

Catching a Ride - Feel unexpectedly tired and don't want to continue? No problem! Give the Command Center (301-834-2703) a call once you arrive to an aid station, and we'll pick you up and take you and your bike back to the real fun of the post ride festivities! If you cannot make it to an Aid Station, give the Command Center a call and we will work out a pick up location.

General Epic Day Information

Course Marking - Arrows will be placed at all intersections and approximately every third of a mile along the course as confidence arrows. Each course will have its own color coordination that will match your bike tag color, so just follow the course signage matching your bike tag.

70 Miler Exception - Your bike tags will be red, but you'll be following the orange 55 M markings until you reach Aid Station 6 (AS6). Then you will switch to following the blue 40 M markings for the remaining course. Please remember that you switch at Aid Station 6 (AS6). There may be special signage on the course to remind you when to switch to following a different color signage.

40 & 70 Milers - When you reach the C&O Canal section of the ride, the arrows will switch to blue pin flags in the ground to meet government regulations. This will only be for the limited 3+ mile C&O section of the trail and then will revert to laminated arrows right after Riley's Lock.

Post Ride Party Check In - To save riders from wearing a wristband during the ride, we have a post ride check in for the party, so make sure to swing by registration again before trying to grab a cold one. If you don't plan on attending the post ride party, you're good to take off without checking in after you complete your ride.

Bring Your ID - Please bring a photo ID, so you can fully enjoy the post ride festivities with craft beer provided by the Rockwell Brewery, Smoketown Brewing and Idiom Brewing Co.

Bring a Reusable Cup - Please bring along a reusable cup to use for beverages during the post-ride event. We will have a limited number of cups available and are encouraging everyone to bring their own to reduce our waste stream.

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MOCO Epic Tips

It's a ride not a race! Take your time, stop at the aid stations, and enjoy your ride!
Be Courteous to Neighbors. Trails will be busy with walkers and riders. Neighbors on neighborhood streets could be surprised by you. Please stay slow and polite when meeting others.
Know your limits. Fatigue makes technical single track even tougher - ride within your ability at all times.
Drink, drink, drink! - Stay hydrated. Bring lots of water, we will have more.
Eat early and often. Don't run out of fuel! It's a big day... eating at frequent intervals will help maintain your energy. Each rider will receive a complimentary GU nutrition gel in their rider packet and additional gel packets may not be available at Aid Stations. Aid stations will have different supplies, so, if you have specific nutritional needs, please pack accordingly.
Sometimes you will be riding on the road. Most of these areas are signed bike share areas and are regularly used by cyclists but, always use caution!
Be in touch! This is a well-supported ride with 9 Aid Stations, but let your people know where you are, how you are doing, and how much fun you are having!
Pack your bike kit. All aid stations offer some extent of mechanical support, with many having bike shop mechanics, but it's always a good idea to come prepared. If you end up with a flat in between aid stations, you'll be glad you can avoid the hike to the next aid station by having a spare tube.
Optional Whoop Trail Fun in Schaeffer. For safety and course marking purposes, we will not be marking the optional Whoop Trail near Schaeffer Farms this year. If you know the trails and elect to ride it, you are welcome to do so but it will not be course marked.
70 Miler Cut Off. You will be riding the longest mileage course of the entire Epic Ride Series. You'll be leaving as soon as it's light out and likely be on your bike all day. If you start to feel tired by Aid Station 6 (AS6), don't hesitate to take the shortcut back and follow the 55 miler route back to the festivities where there's cold beverage and food awaiting!

Schedule

Family Day: October 12, 2019

10:00am - Early Packet Pick-up Open
10:00am - Bike Maintenance Clinic
10:30am - 11:30pm - Trails for Youth Skills Clinic
11:00am - 3:00pm - Bike Skills Clinics
11:30am - 12:00pm - Snack Break before rides
12:00pm - Mini Kid’s Ride & Mega Kid’s Ride Depart
4:00pm - Early Registration and Packet Pick-up Closes
2:30pm - 6:30pm - Pump & Jump Competitions

Epic Day: October 13, 2019

6:15am - Registration opens!
7:00am - 11:30am - Rides depart
12:00pm - 4:00pm - DJ House Music
2:00pm - 8:00pm - Post Ride Celebration (beer garden & food trucks open!)
4:30pm - 7:30pm - MORE DJ Music
5:45pm - Raffle & Awards
8:00pm - Party Ends!

In case of an emergency

Safety is extremely important to all of us, and we do our best to limit any potential hazards. If a serious injury should occur, please contact 911 first and then notify the Command Center (301-834-2703) so the event is aware of the situation and can arrange help to meet you. If a minor injury is sustained, please notify the closest volunteer and/or aid station who will assist you. All aid stations and course sweepers will have first aid kits readily available. Please be aware of your fellow riders. If anyone appears hurt, offer your assistance and call 911 and follow up with the Command Center (301-834-2703). Make sure to wait with the injured participant until help arrives.

MoCo Epic Command Center: 301-834-2703 *Please program this number into your phone for easy access*

Riding Policies

To ensure that MORE's MoCo Epic continues to impress land managers, Epic participants are expected to follow the applicable IMBA's Rules of the Trail provided below:

Don't cut switchbacks or litter. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
Control your bicycle at all times.
Always Yield Trail. Remember, hikers and equestrians have the right of way. Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely. Downhill traffic must yield to uphill traffic. Faster riders should pass on the left only after announcing their intentions ahead of time.
Never Scare Animals. All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses (equestrians use some of the trail system) use special care and follow the directions from the horseback riders - ask if uncertain. Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.
Plan Ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding – and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
Follow Traffic Directions. You must follow all traffic directions such as stop signs and crossing lights. On the new Pepco trail there are two state highway crossings. Use the crosswalk buttons to warn oncoming traffic. Please stop and press the button, or wait until the traffic is clear or stops for you

Thank you to our sponsors who make this event happen

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About MORE

MORE (The Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit representing thousands of area mountain bikers. Founded in 1992, MORE maintains more than 700 miles of natural surface trails in 60 state and county parks in the region. MORE members contribute more than 11,000 volunteer hours annually and construct hundreds of miles of new, sustainable trail. The club leads hundreds of rides each year at local parks, ranging from beginner to advanced. Visit www.more-mtb.org.

The MoCo Epic is a registered trademark of "MORE (The Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts), Inc."

Thank you for participating in the 2019 MoCo Epic!