Dirty Kanza 200 Rider's Bible 2014

2014 RIDERS’ BIBLE

DIRTY KANZA 200

To all Dirty Kanza Participants, Fans and Followers; On behalf of the entire staff here at Dirty Kanza Promotions, I want to say “Thank You” for your interest in and support of Dirty Kanza 200. It was nine years ago that we held the inaugural DK200 in 2006. Inspired by stories of some of the early gravel grinder events, we found ourselves saying “Someone ought to put on a race like that in Kansas.” We felt as though we had the best gravel roads to be found anywhere, right here in the heart of the Flint Hills. It only seemed right that someone share them with the rest of you folks.

Well, the more we discussed it, the more we began to realize that “Someone” didn’t exist if it wasn’t “Us”. So we scouted out a course, printed up a few maps, then got the word out the best we could about our new little adventure.

With little more than a single lawn awning and a clipboard, we set up shop in a motel parking lot and hoped a few racers would show up. As it turned out, thirty-eight racers did show up, and everyone had a blast. So much so that we decided to do it all over again the following year.

Somewhere along the line, this whole gravel grinding thing decided to take off in a way nobody could have ever predicted. Each year we increased the limit on our field size and each year the DK200 sold out in record time. And although we certainly enjoyed the growth and success each year, we intentionally throttled that growth back by setting our field limits not by what we perceived the current demand to be… but rather what we felt we were capable of supporting. You see, we have always been… and intend to always be… a grass-roots promoting group, putting on a grass-roots event. We ourselves are bike racers. Our lives have been enriched through cycling. Dirty Kanza 200 is simply our attempt to give back to the cycling community.

In the pages that follow, you will find what we hope to be all the information you will need to prepare for a successful Dirty Kanza experience. Please read this information completely and carefully. It is our most sincere hope that your DK experience will be one that rewards you, inspires you and enriches your life in ways that exceed all your expectations. Should that prove to be the case, then we will have been successful in our mission to serve you, our friends and fellow cyclists.

Most Sincerely Yours,

Jim Cummins Jim Cummins Executive Director, Dirty Kanza 200

Mission Statement The mission of the Dirty Kanza 200 is to provide the ultra-endurance off-road cycling community with a high quality event at an exceptional value. The event will be structured in such a way to be extremely challenging, but at the same time possible to complete. We will strive to effectively utilize the ruggedness and remoteness of the Flint Hills region to properly challenge the self-sufficiency of event participants, while at the same time provide an appropriate level of support, to ensure an enjoyable, life-enriching cycling experience.

“What the Kanza does to you (is) it surprises you. It’s tougher than you think it’s going to be. It’s prettier than you think it’s going to be. The community is more supportive than you think they’re going to be. And, ultimately, it’s more rewarding than you thought it was going to be.”

Dan Hughes – Lawrence, KS (4-time Overall Champion)

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Course Description The course will be a 200 (plus) mile-long, single-loop route through the Flint Hills region of eastcentral Kansas. This area, once home to the Great Kanza Nation, is quite scenic and rich in history. It is also very rugged and remote. Often times, riders will see no signs of civilization for miles on end, other than the gravel (or dirt) road upon which they are riding. The course will be flat on occasion. At other times it will be extremely hilly. (Hint: It will be more hilly than flat.)

The entire course will be on open public-access roads. Although some blacktop roads will be necessary from time to time, the vast majority of the course will be on gravel and dirt roads.

Some of these roads receive little, to no maintenance throughout the year and can be quite primitive in nature. This course will require a high-quality, well-prepared bicycle with a wide gear range and good tires. Participants should be prepared to suffer, and to have their physical, mental and emotional strengths tested to the full.

The event will start in front of the historic Granada Theatre, 807 Commercial St., in downtown Emporia, Kansas. Participants will leave the starting line under police escort at 6:00 am. Each rider will be responsible for printing out their own maps and cue sheets.

These maps and cue sheets will guide the rider to each checkpoint.

Upon arriving at each checkpoint every rider is responsible for checking in. No one else can check in for a rider. As a general rule, Checkpoints will occur every 45 to 60 miles along the route, and are normally located near a convenience store.

Note… This is an extremely remote area. You will likely not pass through any towns, and therefore no c-stores between checkpoints.

Official Event Checkpoints are the only spots along the entire route where participants are allowed to meet their support crew to resupply and fix equipment.

“The prairie, in all its expressions, is a massive, subtle place, with a long history of contradiction and misunderstanding. But it is worth the effort at comprehension. It is, after all, at the center of our national identity.” - Wayne Fields

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Event Registration Participation in Dirty Kanza 200 and Dirty Kanza Half-Pint will be allowed on a pre-registered basis only. Registration will begin on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 8:00 am (CST), and will be conducted on-line at the following website: www.bikereg.com. Participation will be limited to the first 750 entries in the DK200, and the first 450 entries in the DK Half-Pint. (For a total of 1,200 participants.)

Event registration will close once this limit is met, or on Saturday, May 3, 2014, whichever comes first. Note: Act quickly. We may sell out sooner than you anticipate. Registrations will not be accepted after the field limit has been reached, nor after the May 3 deadline. No refunds. No entry transfers after May 3, 2014.

DK200 COMPETITION CLASSES & ENTRY FEES: Men 29 & under..........................................................

Men 30-34 ................................................................

Men 35-39 ................................................................

Men 40-44 ................................................................

Men 45-49 ................................................................

Men 50-54 ................................................................

Men 55+ ..................................................................

Women 39 & under ....................................................

Women 40+ ..............................................................

Single Speed (Open gender / age) ...............................

Tandem (Open gender / age) ......................................

$95.00 $95.00 $95.00 $95.00 $95.00 $95.00 $95.00 $95.00 $95.00 $95.00 $180.00 per Team

(We reserve the right to add, combine and/or delete classes.)

DK200 PRIZING & SWAG: *All registered participants will receive a swag bag, chock full of goodies from our sponsors. *All DK200 finishers will receive a custom DK200 Pint Glass and "200" window sticker. *All DK200 finishers will receive one drink voucher, and one meal voucher for Saturday evening’s Finish Line Block Party. *All DK200 riders who finish before sundown (8:42pm) receive a special "Race the Sun" award. *Top 3 finishers in each class will receive a custom podium award. *Top Overall Male will receive a custom belt buckle and title of "King of Kanza". *Top Overall Female will receive a custom belt buckle and title of "Queen of Kanza". *All registered participants will receive one meal voucher for Sunday’s Rock Star Breakfast. *Merchandise prizing will be randomly awarded at Sunday's breakfast / awards ceremony. (Must be present to win.)

“So much to say about this event… It's awesome… It's brutal… Its' relentless. I love Emporia, Kansas. The event blew me away on all fronts: the organization, the kindness and enthusiasm of the locals, the challenge of just completing it. It was one of the greatest cycling experiences of my life.” Paul Errington – Newcastle, United Kingdom

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Event Registration DIRTY KANZA HALF PINT (100-MILER) CLASSES & ENTRY FEES: DK Support Crew-forHire

Open Men (all ages) .......................................... $80.00 Open Women (all ages) ..................................... $80.00 Dirty Kanza Half-Pint is a non-competitive classification, designed to serve as an introduction to endurance cycling. If you are new to endurance cycling and hope to someday compete in Dirty Kanza 200, but feel a little intimidated by the thought of 200 miles of gravel in one day, then this class may be for you. Get 100 miles of gravel under your belt this year. Then go for the full 200 in 2015. No prizes will be awarded for top finishers in the DK Half-Pint. However, all riders completing the entire 100-mile route will receive a special Finishers Award. All DK Half-Pint entrants will also be eligible for our multitude of prize drawings and give-aways. Dirty Kanza Half Pint riders will be subject to all event rules noted within this document; including the requirement to have a support crew present at the event.

DK HALF-PINT PRIZING: * All registered participants will receive a swag bag, chock full of goodies from our sponsors. * All Half-Pint finishers will receive a custom DK Half-Pint Glass. * All registered participants will receive one meal voucher for Sunday’s Rock Star Breakfast. * Merchandise prizing will be randomly awarded at Sunday's breakfast / awards ceremony.

(Must be present to win.)

Support Package includes: 1.) Drop Bag Service. You will be allowed one drop bag per checkpoint.

2.) Water to resupply your bottles and hydration bladders at each of the three checkpoints.

3.) GU hydration and nutritional products at each of the three checkpoints.

4.) Sandwiches and other snack foods at your mid-way checkpoint. (Checkpoint 2.)

5.) Someone to haul you back to town, should you need to abandon the event.

DK LITE FUN RIDE: Want to experience Flint Hills gravel, but not 200 mile's worth, and at a more relaxed pace? Consider the DK Lite Fun Ride. This is not a race. It's a map-guided tour, designed specifically for recreational cyclists. The ride will start at 6:20 am in front of the Granada Theater, 807 Commercial Street, in downtown Emporia, Kansas. Participants will follow portions of the DK200 course.

Riders may choose between 20-mile and 50-mile options. Registration will take place the morning of the event. Cost is $25 per rider.

The Flint Hills of Kansas were really pretty and there were so many twists, turns and hills. The character of the gravel was even changing all the time. The whole town of Emporia, Kansas came out for the event and it was a huge party. It’s a great race with a great vibe. I would go back for sure.” Rebecca Rusch – Ketchum, ID MultiTime World Mountain Bike Champion

The Dirty Kanza Support Crew For-Hire Program is designed for those riders who do not have their own support crew to cart around their supplies from checkpoint to checkpoint, and to be onhand to come rescue them if they need to abandon the event. And the best part is all of the proceeds (after costs to run the program are covered) go to benefit a very worthy cause. The “Never Let Go” Foundation is dedicated to the memory of Adrian Lewis Solano.

* For all the details for the 200 and 100 mile support options visit our registration page at: https://www.bikereg.com/Net/ dirty-kanza-200

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Event Rules 1. The EVENT SPONSORS, ORGANIZERS, PROMOTERS, STAFF and anyone having anything to do with this event ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE for your safety or well being. Think of this event as a 200-mile hard training ride with prizes. We can not stress this strongly enough…

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU! 2. Dirty Kanza 200 is a non-stop, self-supported, bicycling marathon event along the gravel and dirt roads of rural Kansas.

This is a remote and rugged environment. Participants must carry with them all necessary food, water and equipment.

3. Each participant is considered to be on a private excursion and remains solely responsible for any accidents in which he or she may be involved. No responsibility can be accepted for participants becoming lost, stranded, injured… or worse.

4. Participants will be responsible for printing their own set of course maps and/or cue sheets prior to the event. These documents will be the riders primary means of navigation. In addition, the course may have a limited number of course markings to reassure participants they are on route. DO NOT RELY ON COURSE MARKINGS FOR NAVIGATION. USE THE MAP AND/OR CUE SHEETS!!! Participants may load the route into their GPS prior to the event, to assist in navigation.

5. There will be several checkpoints along the route where all participants must check in.

6. A “Cut-Off” time will be established for reaching each checkpoint. Any participant not reaching a checkpoint before the established cut-off time will not be allowed to continue past that point. Cut-off times are based on an average speed of 10 mph. These times may be adjusted, as deemed necessary by event staff, to account for unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather, poor course conditions, etc. Cut-off times are established for the purpose of rider safety, and will therefore be strictly enforced.

7. Outside support is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to assistance with navigation, supplies, lighting or lodging.

The only exceptions to this are outlined in Rules 8, 9 & 10 below.

8. Official checkpoints along the route will serve as neutral areas where event participants may meet their support crew to restock supplies and repair equipment. These checkpoints will be the only locations along the entire course where participants may receive assistance from their support crew. Receiving assistance from a support crew, or any other nonparticipant, at any other point along the route will result in immediate disqualification from the event. NO EXCEPTIONS. 9. Participants may help other participants with mechanical support, navigational assistance or by any other means.

10. Each participant MUST have present at the event at least one support crew person to come get them should they need to abandon the event. Multiple riders may share the same support crew. If you don't have someone to serve as your support crew, please consider our "Never Let Go" support crew for-hire program. However you decide to meet this requirement, just remember... WE WILL NOT COME RESCUE YOU. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU. 11. Support Crews are NOT allowed on course, except to pick up a rider who is abandoning the event. If a support crew vehicle is spotted on course for any other reason, their rider will be disqualified from the event. Providing support to a rider while on course goes against the self-sufficiency spirit of this event. It is unfair to other participants, and therefore will not be allowed.

12. Participants may stock up on food and other supplies at stores and businesses along the route. Note… This area is extremely remote. While each checkpoint is located in close proximity to a convenience store, you likely won't find any convenience stores along the way between checkpoints. Always be aware of the distance to the next checkpoint, and be prepared to travel that distance with the supplies you carry.

“Waves of people have hurried across this landscape, cursing its vastness, but Dirty Kanza is about loving this place. Look at the immense sky, and the people patient and brave enough to live under it. 200 miles is just far enough to feel how strange and fierce this nation once was, and still is. I come back to Kanza because I want to be present in the wild center of America.” -Emily Brock

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Event Rules 13. Participants may not advance along the route by any means other than bicycle, or by foot. There will be no hitching rides.

14. Participants may, in the case of an emergency, mechanical failure or other unforeseeable problem, be assisted by motorized transport. By accepting such motorized transport, you will be automatically disqualified from the event.

15. The primary route must be followed at all times. No short cuts or alternate routes are permitted. (The course may be altered by the promoters in the event of inclement weather, or other unforeseeable circumstance. Should this occur, participants will be sufficiently advised.)

16. If you exit the course for food, supplies, or any other reason, you must re-enter the course at the same spot at which you left. If you get lost, you must back track to the point you left the course.

17. Participants must start and complete the entire course on the same bicycle frame. All other components and equipment may be repaired or replaced during the event. Participants in the Single-Speed class must complete the entire event using the same gearing combination.

18. Participants must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet while operating their bicycle.

19. Participants must obey all city, county and state laws, and "Rules of the Road". They must conduct themselves at all times in a manner that will not bring discredit to the event.

20. All participants must have a clear front headlamp and a red taillight for the duration of the event. Riders will not be allowed to start the event without proper lighting mounted and ready for use. Riders may choose to mount additional lighting while at one of the official event checkpoints. (Headlamps may be mounted either on the bike or on the rider's helmet.)

21. Drafting on another event participant is allowed. Drafting on a non-participant cyclist, or on a motorized vehicle will result in disqualification from the event.

22. You are completely on your own. Use your head. Watch for and yield to traffic. There will be no course marshals to hold up traffic.

23. Challenges to event results must come from a participant(s) registered in the category for which the challenge is being made. Challenges must be made either in-person, or via email to jkcummins29@gmail.com, and must be received no later than 11:59 pm, on Sunday, June 1, 2014.

What you have there in Emporia, the incredible race, the people who organize this thing and the people of Emporia themselves is something magical. I've been to tons of races and sporting events over the years but Dirty Kanza beats them all hands down. Keep doing what you are doing. I'll be back. Jenny Wise-Cook - Gardner, KS

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Checklist Each participant must carry with them (on their body, or on their bike) every item on this list: 1

Cycling computer

2

Red taillight

3

Front light (Power output is up to you.)

4

Minimum of two liters of water or sports drink

5

Two spare inner tubes

6

Air pump or inflation system *No rider will be allowed to start the event without each item on this list.

ADDITIONAL Supplies You Should SERIOUSLY Consider: 1

A cell phone to contact the “outside world” should you need help.

2

A GPS system to communicate your exact location to support or rescue personnel in the event of an emergency.

3

Small rucksack / hydration pack

4

Waterproof / windproof jacket

5

Extra thermal top or warm layer to wear if stopped

6

An emergency / survival blanket

7

Food – energy bars, gels, chocolate, etc.

8

Tire levers

9

Puncture repair kit

10

Chain tool

11

Allen wrench set

12

Spoke wrench

13

First aid kit

14

Chamois Butt’r

15

Chain lube

16

Cash, debit card or credit card. (To purchase food, water, supplies.)

17

Handlebar map case

18

Compass

“Be prepared, work hard, and hope for a little luck. Recognize that the harder you work and more prepared you are, the more luck you might have.” - Ed Bradley

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Schedule of Events THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 7:00 pm

Leisure Group Ride - Hosted by the Human Power Company

Granada Theatre 807 Commercial Street

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014 9:00 am

Leisure Group Ride - Hosted by the Human Power Company

High Gear Cyclery 520 Commercial St.

10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Rider Sign In - All riders must sign in Friday

Granada Theatre

4:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Pre-Race Palooza Dinner - All you can eat pot luck feed. Get tickets here:

St. Andrews Church 828 Commercial St.

http://www.emporiafarmersmarket.org/ 4:00 pm

Rider’s Meeting - Session 1

Granada Theatre

7:00 pm

Rider’s Meeting - Session 2 (You only need attend 1 rider’s meeting)

Granada Theatre

SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2014 6:00 am

DK200 Start

Granada Theatre

6:10 am

DK Half Pint Start

Granada Theatre

6:20 am

DK Lite Fun Ride Start

Granada Theatre

All Day

Family Fun Events

Downtown Emporia (Granada Theatre)

~Noon

First Half Pint Finishers

Granada Theatre

4:00 pm - Midnight

Finish Line Block Party

Granada Theatre

4:30 pm

Kids Races

Granada Theatre

5:00 pm

First DK200 finishers

Granada Theatre

SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2014 7:00-9:00 am

DK Rock Star Breakfast

White Auditorium - 111 E. 6th Ave.

8:00 am

Awards Ceremony

White Auditorium

“Dirty Kanza keeps getting bigger and better every year. The town of Emporia gets a high five for getting behind the event and welcoming all the lycra clad warriors with open arms… I will never forget that day for the rest of my life.

That's why I ride a bike. I'm already looking forward to next year.”

Corey “Cornbread” Godfrey – Lincoln, NE

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Word to the Wise Dirty Kanza 200 is not an event for entry-level cyclists. If you have never completed a solo 12-hour bicycling event, you should think twice about participating in Dirty Kanza 200. Riders will be totally on their own for 200 miles. With the time frame given to complete the event, you will not have the option of sleep, nor much rest. Participants are solely responsible for their personal well-being, will have to make their own informed decisions, and suffer the consequences of those decisions. Please be aware… if you break down or become injured, it is YOUR responsibility to contact your support crew to come get you. DO NOT CALL US. WE WILL NOT COME RESCUE YOU. EVENT PROMOTERS AND SPONSORS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY AND WELL-BEING. So if you sign up for this event, make sure you have a support crew with a well thought out emergency back-up plan. If you do not feel you are prepared to meet such a challenge, please consider a shorter route option.

(For your sake, as well as ours.)

A WORD TO SUPPORT CREW PERSONNEL: We suggest you research the area surrounding Emporia, Kansas beforehand, so you come prepared to navigate the region. Bring your GPS. Although maps will not be provided for you, we will advise you of the various checkpoint locations along the event route. Please stay on paved highways, and off the course. The only time you are allowed to be on the course is to pick up your rider if he or she decides to abandon the event. Dirty Kanza 200 is all about self-sufficiency in a rugged and remote environment. Having to dodge cars compromises this experience for our event participants. Thank you for your understanding on this issue.

AREA HOSPITALS: It is, of course, our hope that no one will need this information. In the unfortunate chance that you do, print this off and keep it in a safe place.

Greater Emporia, KS Area: Newman Regional Hospital, 1201 W. 12 th Ave., Emporia, KS 66801, 620-343-6800 To the North: Morris County Hospital, 600 N. Washington, Council Grove, KS 66846, 620-7676811 To the West: St. Luke Hospital, 535 S. Free-

born,Marion, KS 66861, 620-382-2177 Emergencies Dial 911

“Make no mistake, the Dirty Kanza is rough… To define it as a "typical" gravel event is to underestimate its sheer ruggedness.”

Matt Gersib – Lincoln, NE

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Lodging America’s Best Inn 3181 U.S. 50 Emporia, KS 66801

Fairfield Inn 2930 Eaglecrest Dr. Emporia, KS 66801 620-342-4445

Best Western 3021 W. Highway 50 Emporia, KS 66801 620-342-7587

Guest House Inn 2700 W. 18th Ave. Emporia, KS 66801 620-341-9199

Candlewood Suites 2602 Candlewood Dr. Emporia, KS 66801 620-343-7756

Holiday Inn Express 2921 W. 18th Ave. Emporia, KS 66801 620-341-9393

Comfort Inn 2836 W. 18th Ave. Emporia, KS 66801 620-342-9700

Knights Inn 3183 U.S. 50 Emporia, KS 66801 620-342-7822

Days Inn 3032 U.S. 50 Emporia, KS 66801 620-342-1787

Motel 6 2630 W. 18th Ave. Emporia, KS 66801 620-343-1240

Econolodge 2511 W. 18th St. Emporia, KS 66801 620-343-7750

Super 8 2913 U.S. 50 Emporia, KS 66801 620-342-7567

* As in 2013, there will again be lodging opportunities at Emporia State University. More details on this will be available soon. Please check the Dirty Kanza 200 website for more information.

“It's obvious to me that the entire town of Emporia is on board for this event & we were blown away by the whole weekend experience… This race changed my son's life in knowing he can probably do anything he sets his mind to in the future… It was by far my proudest moment as a parent to see him rolling in…”

Matt Bergen – Paxton, NE

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Emporia, KS There will be lots to do all weekend long. We hope you will schedule an extra day or two of vacation, and bring your entire family. Keep checking our Dirty Kanza Facebook page for updates on special hotel / visitor packages, weekend activities, times and places.

Go to the Zoo

Take a miniature Train Ride

David Traylor Zoo of Emporia 75 Soden Rd., 620-341-4365, emporiazoo.org

Soden’s Grove Park S. Commercial at River, 620-341-4360 emporiasertoma.org

See an American Badger, lemurs, prairie dogs, mountain lion, birds, lush botanicals, water features, and more.

Open daily 10am-4:30pm. Extended hrs Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Next door to the zoo, the Sertoma miniature train circulates through Soden’s Grove Park. Hop aboard Wed, Sat, and Sun evenings or Thurs. mornings, May through Sep. ($.50)

(Free)

Galleries

Swimming

Veterans Monuments

Emporia Arts Center 815 Commercial St., 620-343-6473 Emporia Arts Center features fine art

Jones Aquatic Center 4202 W. 18th Ave., 620-340-6400 emporiarec.org

All Veterans Memorial 933 S. Commercial, 620-342-1803 Emporia is the official founding city of

exhibits with purchases encouraged.

Performances and art classes for all ages. Tues-Fri 10am-6pm & Sat 10am3pm.

Water Slides, lazy river, zero-depth entry, and plenty of room to splash and play. Open daily Memorial Day to mid-August.

Veteran’s Day! This monument features a WWII M-4A6 Sherman Tank, Vietnam Memorial w/Huey Helicopter, USS Oliver Hazard Perry Anchor, and Purple Heart Memorial. Daylight to 11pm. (Free)

Emporia is a small city with a big heart, chock full of history and culture. We want to share with you all the things that make our corner of the world special. For more information on all things Emporia, recreation, shopping, dining, parks, museums, galleries, monuments and more please visit emporiakschamber.org.

The atmosphere in Emporia was sensational. On numerous occasions people stopped athletes on the street, in restaurants, or in the grocery store to thank us for coming to the race and to their town. And that’s rare, even in towns with much longer histories of hosting off-road endurance races." Chris Carmichael – Colorado Springs, CO

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Title Sponsors

Bike and Frame

Skin Care

Media

Insurance

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Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

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Silver Sponsors ct’d

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