An update from Ashland Mountain Adventures
COVID has literally turned things upside down: the race this year will start and end at the top of Mt. Ashland. This unconventional format is per US Forest Service permit requirements in light of the pandemic.
The 5-stage course will be on the east side to include: Bull Gap, Missing Link, Catwalk, MARTY’S (yes !!! new course trail!), Lizard, Caterpillar and Rabbit Hole (another new addition to the course, short but oh so sweet).
Pro Men, Pro Women, Beginner and Sport categories will race on Saturday; Junior Pro, Master Pro, and Expert on Sunday.
We know you will all miss climbing to the west side, so as not to disappoint you, you’ll be pedaling back up to the top of Mt. Ashland after racing your stages. Yep, this is mandatory, and there will be checkpoints. It’s a total of 4,800’ of climbing — same as always, just in a different order. Hey, this is 2020, after all!
An awards ceremony will take place at the Mt. Ashland Ski Lodge. As with other CES races, only podium winners will be allowed at this ceremony.
Everyone else, take the tickets we give you at packet pick up, and make haste back down to town for a well-deserved meal at Falafel Republic and your favorite post-race bevo at Gil’s of Ashland. These tickets can actually be used any time Friday through Sunday … huzzah!
Transfers
Lastly, the deadline to transfer entries is September 28 at midnight.
Practice Shuttles
Practice shuttles on Saturday and Sunday afternoon (2:30; 3:00 and 4:00) are available to book now on-line.
Snag your seat(s) NOW … spots WILL fill up because of COVID restrictions (shuttles are running at half capacity unless it’s a privately reserved van — we can NOT go over capacity, so plan ahead).
Please be at least 30 minutes early to the shuttle pick up.
FYI: vans are sanitized after every run. Masks are required on the vans and in the shop.
Camping and Accommodations
Due to fire danger, camping is strictly forbidden anywhere on Mount Ashland or in the national forest! This includes the Mt A lodge parking areas!!
Other camping options are Emigrant Lake, Creekside Campground, and Jackson Wellsprings.
Otherwise, many hotels and motels in Ashland are offering great deals.
Stay in the Loop
Follow CES, Ashland Mountain Adventures and Ashland Mountain Challenge on Facebook for updates.
