GRO RACES is proud to have TRAIL FORKS as our official Map host. There is no better way to find comprehensive route information than through their interactive maps, elevation profiles, and GPS download.
This page will provide all the key information you need to navigate the course race day and plan any training rides to get you ready.
Listen to Mountain Bike Radio 2015 Course and Race Highlights
GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION
The race will start and finish in downtown Santa Clara. The first mile will be on pavement past tree lined shops and historic buildings. The venue location will allow for a fun and lively finish line atmosphere we are sure the whole family will enjoy.
The dirt portion of True GRIT takes place in the desert south west of the City of Santa Clara. You will travel through sandy washes, over sandstone and rock outcroppings, through and around large boulders, over fast and flowy single-track, up steep climbs to the top of 4 different ridges, you will see miles of beautiful desert plateaus, red mountains, and white cliffs. It will be one of the toughest, most technically demanding courses you have ever raced – and the most beautiful.
The Course travels through 3 riding areas in St George – Red Bluff, Curly Hollow, and Boomer Hill area of the Santa Clara River Reserve – to create one long epic ride. The course uses the Red Bluff Competitive Area, the Barrel Ride, the Zen trail, the Bear-Claw Poppy Trail, Stucki Springs Trail, The Rim Runner, Cove Wash Trail, and the Barrel Roll Trail.
The course is very technical and should be pre-ridden, especially the Zen and Barrel Ride trail section. There are several steep drops, climbs, and turns that may require riders to get off their bike (please watch the videos). There are also 3 ‘step over’ gates that require dismounting to lift your bike to the next region of trails and terrain.
The course travels in a generally clockwise direction (except for the Zen loop which is counter clockwise). Start elevation is 2739 ft and the highest point is 3615 ft in elevation.
Over the years the course has been modified based on racer feedback. The changes have greatly improved racer satisfaction but have shorted the course slightly. Although billed as a 50 and 100 these are not the exact distance. However, finish times are comparable to other NUE events due to the “Toughness” factor of this course.
+ Note. Strava uses minimal points to be able to provide a small file for their platform. This course has numerous elevation changes as you flow up and over rocks. Strava does not pick these up and will therefore show a shorter distance and elevation. This is also why Strava cannot be used to as an accurate timing device.
TG 100 Course
The 100 course is a full 2 laps on the course. The second lap is exactly the same as the first. Once racers finish the Barrel Roll and drop down to Gates Ln/Stucki Spring Road, they will make a right turn, instead of left, and head back down Cove Wash the same as the starting lap. The actual course distance is 88.6 miles, with fast finish times around 6.5 hours. Total Climbing is 12,295’ (BLM GIS Accuracy).
TG 50 Course
The course is 46 miles in length with 43 of it on dirt. There will be check points at each of the loops. Total elevation gain for this course is 6,197’. Expect fast finish times around 3.2 hours.
Feed Zones and Course Aid
There will be 2 aid stations with food, water, first aid, and repair services that can be accessed at approximately miles 13.7, 19.6, 36.5, and 41 for the TG50 loop and additionally at 55.5, 62, 79, and 85 for the TG100 .
Check Points and Cut-Offs
Qualifying Times,
All racers must finish by 6 PM and make all the cut-off times listed below.
Check Points
Checkpoints keep racers honest and help us track you on the course. There are 4 checkpoints on the course. When you pass these timing points, they will record your bib number which will show as a split-time LIVE at the results tent.
- Start Wave Time. Your number plate will be coded to match your category. This is programmed into the timing chip. If you jump the gun your race will not be recorded. You may however start any time after your start wave and receive an accurate total time.
- Zen Trail. You will be recorded at the beginning and end of the loop.
- Stuki Spring Junction. You will be recorded as you make the turn from Stucki Springs Road to the Rim Runner Trail.
- Barrel Roll Lap. You will be recorded at the beginning and end of this loop. (if you need to access the feed zone after your lap you should do so after exiting the check station).
100 Mile racers will receive a total of 6 checkmarks, 3 for each lap.
Any racer who crosses the finish line without their timestamp in the system will be assumed to be a DNF.
Cut-Off’s Times
The dreaded Cut-Off is no joke. Every year there is someone who does not quite make it. These are for your safety and the respect of our volunteers who work hard.
Cut-off points apply to all 50- and 100-mile categories equally. For 100-mile racers, these are absolute times. If you reach a checkpoint past these times you will be redirected to the Finish and given a DNF for the race. Pace yourself accordingly so that you can reach all the checkpoints to finish.
- ➡ Leaving FZ1 -Zen-heading up to the Poppy Trail 3:30 PM (50-mile race@ mile 20.6), (100-mile race @ mile 63.8 )
- ➡Junction of Stucki RD & Rim Runner access – 5:00 PM (50-mile race @ mile 34.4 ) , (100-mile race @ mile 77)
- ➡Start of Barrel Rolls 5:30 PM (50-mile race @ mile 37.5) (100-mile race @ Mile 80.5)
If you choose to continue riding after being pulled you will be on your own.
