We hope you're getting excited and geared up for the Mountain race this Saturday. We just wanted to drop you a note and let you all know we're also very excited to be kicking off our 2005 racing season. We're looking forward to seeing you all at the race.

Here are some additional items and clarifications we wanted to share with you.

Race HQ and Check In
Saturday Morning - 7:00 am to 8:00 am - Pro Course Saturday Morning - 9:00 am to 10:00 am - Sport Course

NOTE: Pro Course check in has been changed from 6:00 am to 7:00 am (enjoy the extra hour of SLEEP!).

Updated Schedule is available at: http://www.WickedAR.com/2005/race/sprint/winter/data/schedule
Race Start
SPORT COURSE race will start at 10:30 am, 30 minutes earlier Check in schedule remains the same (see link above).
Check In Location
Mount Hood Meadows (MHM) Ski Resort Main Lodge Patio behind lodge in the large white tent labelled "Dawg House"
Mountain Biking
Un/Fortunately, the weather has moved in and dropped over 18" of new snow on the race course. We are going to have to cancel the Mountain Biking section. Race disciplines are now: Snowshoeing/Trekking, Ropes Rappel (Pro Course), and Navigation. All MTB related gear is not required. Helmets are still required for Ropes (Pro Course only).
Ropes Course
Pro Course participants will be rappelling. You will need to rappel with your backpacks and snowshoes, so insure your shoes lash/attach to your packs.
Parking
Park in the MHM main parking lot You MUST have an Oregon Sno-Park permit for the parking lot Permits are available at MHM - $4 per day, or $17 per year http://www.skihood.com/pricing/SnoParkPermit/Default.aspx (other States' permits honored, see above link)
Maps
PRO COURSE - you will be required to Plot your UTM coordinates for the race. Maps will be handed out starting at 7:00 AM.

SPORT COURSE - your CP locations will be pre-plotted for you. Maps will be handed out starting at 9:00 AM.

Absolutely NO OUTSIDE maps are allowed.
Required Gear
Chemical Handwarmers, at least 16 hours combined warmth, you may use 6 hour warmers, as long as you have 3 of them.

Straight blade knifes are acceptable in place of a locking knife.
Gear Checks
There WILL BE mandatory gear checks ON THE RACE COURSE. Count on it. Time penalties will be enforced, and some infractions may disqualify you completely from the race.
Weather
Currently the weather forcast for Saturday, March 26th is calling for 60% chance of snow, temperature high of 35 degrees, with a rising freezing level to 7,000 feet elevation by Saturday evening, meaning potential rain in the afternoon or evening on Saturday.

For updates throughout the rest of the week, plesae check: http://www.skihood.com/mountain/conditions/default.aspx