Our races began as a way to introduce more folks to the cross country trail system that circumnavigates Yellow Creek Lake and also as a vehicle to raise funds and increase membership for Friends of Yellow Creek. We continue the race for those same reasons. All proceeds go toward FoYC memberships and payouts.
Our mountain bike trails were proudly created and are consistently maintained by LHORBA, the Laurel Highlands On & Off Road Bicycling Association. Please consider becoming a member to help us continue to develop cycling opportunities throughout the Laurel Highlands region.
Race Dates:
(dates include links to BikeReg event pages)
- Saturday – March 27th – Canceled due to another COVID-related restriction.
- Saturday – April 17th
- Saturday – May 29th
- Saturday – September 4th – in collaboration with Bike the Wilds
- Saturday – October 9th
Two races are offered:
- EXPERT – a 23-mile loop that includes nearly all of the trails around the lake
- SPORT – a 16-mile out-and-back that takes in the majority of the south shore trails
Key Times:
- Check-in/Registration Begins at 9:00 a.m.
- Pre-Race Meeting at 9:50 a.m.
- Race Start at 10:00 a.m. (EXPERT first then SPORT a few minutes after)
Cost:
$15.00 Friends of Yellow Creek membership fee. This one-time fee provides the participant with their race plate which is good for the entire race season. $15.00 per race charge. This amount goes toward payouts. That means your first race of the season will cost you $30.00 ($15 FoYC membership + $15 race fee.) All subsequent races for the 2021 season will only cost the $15 race fee.
You can register for all races on BikeReg. Please use the links above.
Race day registration is an additional $5.00, so $35.00 for your first or $20 thereafter. We accept cash and checks only. Please make your check payable to “Friends of Yellow Creek”.
Location:
Both races start at the Beachfront Pavilion located through the Day Use Area Entrance. Registration will be set up here, so park in the circle around this area.
For 2021, we’ll continue to have check-in and registration at the Beachfront Pavilion, which is part of the newly restored beach area. This also provides easy access to the new restroom facility.
Here’s exactly where we’ll meet for registration and the race start:
40.574397, -79.020879
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Hutton-Blew Insurance is sponsoring the insurance cost for the entire series this year! Please consider getting a quote from them for your insurance needs.
Indiana Cycling Center is once again sponsoring our timing services for the September race. Support your local bike shop!
HomeLight is a new sponsor for us this year. Their donation will go toward t-shirt costs for our September race. Please check out their realty services.
Six Hand Bakery is a gem in Indiana. The infamous “Fourth Place Loaf” wouldn’t be possible without them.
Noble Stein will give our race participants a free draft if you bring in your stamped race plate after a race!*
*Must be 21 years old or older.
Results:
April – Expert & Sport
May – Expert & Sport
September – Expert, Sport, and Novice
October – Expert, Sport, and Novice
YC Monthly – Dos and Don’ts:
Do expect to be greeted by friendly, like-minded riders and advocates. We welcome all to our races regardless of your riding ability. First and foremost, mountain biking should be about having fun while staying safe, that’s our top priority. With that in mind ….
Do remember your helmet. You’re required to wear one to participate in our races.
Do expect to have a great time on some of Western Pennsylvania’s best and well-maintained xc singletrack.
Do use your best judgment on whether to do the Sport or Expert (Loop) options. Again, this is open to riders of all ability levels, but please consider how long it might take you to complete the whole loop.
Do remember that this is a fundraiser for Yellow Creek State Park. The organizers make no money from this event.
Don’t expect a highly organized event. Remember, this is grassroots racing. It is almost entirely unsupported. You’ll be given an emergency contact number, but there are no aid stations*. Once you start the race, you’re on your own until you return. Carry a spare tube(s), basic tools, nutrition, and hydration that you’ll need to get you through your ride. You know what you require better than we do.
* Our September race in collaboration with Bike The Wilds will have an aid station on the north shore.
Don’t expect highly accurate timing at the finish*. It’s going to be a guy or gal at the finish line with a stopwatch and a clipboard. We’ll get it right within a second or five, or twenty ….
* Our September race will have highly accurate timing provided by Miles of Smiles Timing Services.
Don’t plan to get rich if you win. We don’t figure out payouts until after the races are underway. Please remember that this is primarily a fundraiser for the park, so we calculate amounts after that is deducted.
Don’t bring any alcoholic beverages into the park. This is a state park, so they’re prohibited.
Don’t expect to use the bridge that we utilize for the Expert loop at any other time. We have a specific agreement with the landowner and it is not to be used for casual rides under any circumstances. If you come back throughout the year to ride (and we hope you do!) don’t use the bridge crossing Yellow Creek. You’ll have to use the spillway crossing and get your tootsies wet. Honestly, it’s not bad most times of the year. Just be cautious during the spring thaw and directly after any heavy rains. Basically, just use your best judgment. The park understands that we would love to have a bridge, but it will be extremely expensive. We’re working on it, but in the meantime, look at the beautiful view you’ll get ….
If you’re on the Facebooks,
consider joining our group for frequently infrequent updates:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/YCMonthly
Any questions? Please email us at info@rideyc.org.
Looking forward to seeing you at the races!