Q. I'd like to ride sections of the trail. Is there a course map available?
A. The course travels through a majority of private land. Landowners have been generous in letting riders pass through on race day. We must respect their wishes by not riding through their property. The trail is only open for riding on race day. The Ore to Shore course is unique in that it is a trail that is not normally available to the public. It is the one day of the year in which we can all gather together to ride through this beautiful area.

Q. What type of terrain is on the O2S course?
A. The course is wide, extremely scenic, and biker-friendly. The Hard Rock is challenging in that it is obviously a long ride (48 miles), but it wears riders out due to the rolling hills and constant changes in terrain. The trail for the most part consists of hard-packed dirt, gravel and grass, but you will encounter rocky segments and some sand. There is one popular climb on the Hard Rock course-"Misery Hill"-a long (400 meters) rocky uphill in which many riders are incapable of pedaling the entire way. However, the satisfaction and view are worth the effort. Riders in the Hard Rock will appreciate merging trails with the Soft Rock as this portion of the course offers plenty of flats and downhill sections with a few hills of average difficulty to climb. The beauty of the course will appeal to all riders as it travels through the backwoods passing streams, inland lakes, gorgeous vistas, and historic places of interest.

Q. Would I be able to use a hybrid bike on the O2S trail?
A. There are some sandy sections in which a hybrid bike may have a harder time than a regular mountain bike. Riders have completed and enjoyed the O2S using a hybrid. However, for optimal riding enjoyment, we recommend using a mountain bike.

Q. I've never done a bike race before. Do I need to do a lot of training to be able to finish?
A. Organizers planned this event for both the novice and elite rider. Riders who are out on their bikes just a few times a month have been successful at reaching their goal of finishing. However, your riding experience will be greatly enhanced by riding on a regular basis. Of course, we suggest you consult with your health care provider to discuss starting a bicycling program.

Q. Is there a cut-off time for finishing the race?
A. Yes, riders must pass through Forestville Road (approximately 33 miles into Hard Rock and 13 miles into Soft Rock) by 3:30 pm. Those riders who do not make the cut-off time will be guided off the course and taken to the finish area by a support vehicle.

Q. Is there help for riders who have a mechanical breakdown?
A. Riders are encouraged to carry their own tools and supplies in case of a mechanical breakdown, as there will be no specific aid for those riders who need repairs. Local sports shops will offer technical support at the start areas.

Q. Is there bus service to the start areas in the morning?
A. There will be no bus service to the start areas. Busses will run from the finish to the start areas from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on the half hour in order for racers to retrieve their vehicles. Bikes will not be permitted on the bus.

Q. Are clothing drop bags provided?
A. Yes, clothing drop bags will be taken from the start areas and brought back to the finish. You may use these numbered bags for personal articles such as dry clothes, towels, or shoes needed after the race. The bags will be secured, but we cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen articles.

Q. How do I get a preferred start position?
A. The top male and female riders for the Hard and Soft Rock events from 2005 will automatically be given a preferred start position. Additional spots will be considered if a race resume is submitted by July 15, 2008. Entry forms without a race resume will not be considered. Once the preferred start deadline has been reached, no more preferred starts will be given out.

Q. Can I change events (from Hard Rock to Soft Rock or vice versa)?
A. A change of event request must be submitted in writing by August 7, 2006. Mail your request to Ore to Shore, P.O. Box 864, Marquette, MI 49855 or email to info@oretoshore.com. No phone calls or faxes please. No changes will be allowed after this date.

Q. Is there registration on race day?
A. The only events that allow for race day registration are the Little/Littlest Rock. You may register your child for these events up until 3:30 pm at Lakeview Arena. The Hard, Soft, and Junior Rock events hold registration up until 9:30 pm on Friday at Lakeview Arena in Marquette.

Q. Can I fax my entry form?
A. No. Faxed forms do not transmit very clearly and usually get cut off. Last minute entries can be taken via the on-line registration (up until August 7th at 12 p.m. ESDST) or you may register Friday night at Lakeview Arena in Marquette.

Q. How do I confirm that I'm signed up for the race?
A. All registered riders will receive a confirmation card via US mail (or email) within two weeks of receiving your entry. Participants who register after August 1, 2006, will not recieve a confirmation card due to time constraints.

Q. Do I need to bring my confirmation card to registration?
A. Yes, in order to expedite the registration process for yourself and others, we urge you to bring your card. If you should lose, misplace, or forget it, you will still be able to get your race number.

Q. What if I don't show up for the race-do I get a refund?
A. Due to the enormous pre-race costs, we unfortunately cannot give out refunds for any reason.

Q. If I can't make it to the race, can a friend ride with my race number?
A. Transferring of numbers is not permitted for any reason.

Q. Will there be a secure area to keep my bike while I go back to get my vehicle?
A. Yes, there will be a secured bike corral at the finish. Bicycles will be secured to the best of our ability, but we cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen bicycles. The bike Corral closes at 4:00 PM

Q. Are there showers available?
A. Yes, showers are free of charge at the finish area in Lakeview Arena. Please provide your own soap and towel.

Q. What Kids' Event would be appropriate for my child?
A. The Littlest Rock is intended for the smallest children-those who are not accustomed to riding more than a few minutes at a time. This event will be approximately 50 yards on a paved surface. Children can use any type of wheeled unit from tricycles to Big Wheels to their favorite plastic racing car-as long as it is propelled by child or parent power. Parents are welcome to push or pull their child. The Little Rock is a one-mile ride also on a paved surface. The Little and Littlest Rocks are non-timed and non-competitive events. The Junior Rock is an exciting new race we added in 2001. This is an opportunity for those young riders who feel they are too old for the Little Rock, but are not quite ready for the challenge of the Hard or Soft Rocks. The Junior Rock is available for those riders 16 and under. It will be approximately four miles on a dirt trail. This will be a timed event with riders competing in various age groups. Parents may ride with their child. Riders in all the Kids' Events will be thrilled to ride through the same finish as the Hard and Soft Rock Events. Every child will receive a t-shirt and will be given a "winner" ribbon for participation. The JR Rock Participants have a chance to win an age group Award. For your child's safety, all children must wear a helmet.

Q. Is there a babysitting service available for those parents who would like to compete in the Hard or Soft Rocks but have children with them?
A. At this point in time, the service is not available. If you think that you might be interested in the service, please email info@oretoshore.com with your name and phone number.

Ore to Shore
Address: PO BOX 864
Marquette, MI 49855
email: info@oretoshore.com
Phone: 866-370-RACE