Calvin’s Challenge

1. What’s this Calvin’s Challenge thing all about?

It’s a simple concept. Everybody starts at once, then 12 (or 6) hours later, the riders with the most miles in each class win a medal.

2. But how will you know how many miles I ride?

You’ll ride a 50 mile loop as many times as you can. Checkpoints will verify your completion of each loop. When there isn’t enough time to complete another 50 mile loop, you’ll switch to a 7 mile loop until time is up.

3. What about food?

We provide fruit, water, animal cookies, and Hammer Nutrition samples. The rest of your food is up to you.

4. Can I stop and rest during the race?

You can stop as often and as long as you like. The clock, however, keeps running while you’re loafing.

5. Is Drafting allowed?

Drafting is permitted between registered competitive riders in the 12 & 6 hour races only. No drafting of vehicles, fun riders or farm animals.

6. Can I sign up Day-of-Ride?

Yes. We’ll take your money until 15 minutes before each race time. To maintain the integrity of the competitive race, Fun Riders may not start until 9 AM. Fun Riders can sign up all day long.

7. Can I have my own support during the event?

Yes, however, crew vehicles are not allowed on the course. They can meet you at the checkpoints.

8. Will I need lights?

The event will run entirely in daylight. You should bring a tail light or strobe light in case of rain or fog.

9. What about awards?

Medals will be awarded at an 8:00 pm ceremony, to the top three mileages in male and female age classes (5 year increments) and for tandem, triple, HPV, recumbent, single speed, high wheeler, hand cyclist and most overwhelmed support crew categories.

10. What’s the No Medal Medal?

As Calvin’s Challenge has grown, and become more competitive, the race organizers felt it was important to recognize everyone that reached a benchmark level in ultra cycling – 200 miles in 12 hours. So, if you don’t place in the top three of your category, but ride the magical 200 miles in 12 hours, we’ll award you with a “No Medal Medal.”

11. What’s the terrain like?

Flat to rolling.

12. Will there be headwinds?

No

13. Are there any other rules?

No cheating, no whining, no drugs, no motors, no abusing the organizers.

14. Will the new guys be as good as the McKinleys?

Probably not, but they will try their best.