More updates

This just went out via email to registered riders:

Greetings riders.

The race is just 4 nights away so I thought a few updates were in
order. For starters, thanks for signing up! Please keep passing word
along to like minded folk, I'm really pleased with the current
turnout, about 20 are signed up so far, but the more the merrier.

--Support--
I wanted to make it perfectly clear that this ride has no official
support because, well, you get what you pay for. Right now, don't
wait, think of someone who cares about you and call/email them to let
them know what you're going to be up to. If you find yourself in a
bind that you can't ride out of you're going to need to be able to
call in your own cavalry. That said, the course doubles back on
itself, so if you run into an issue just stay put and the group will
catch up with you eventually.

--The Course--
Google maps - http://g.co/maps/ssxs
Map my ride - http://soc.li/cCMNLOG

A few of us did a late night scouting ride over the weekend,
everyone agreed that riding out there in the dark is a fantastic
experience. The trail is mostly smooth and clear but you'll need to
keep an eye out for gopher holes, they are tough to spot and we got
some practice slamming into them unexpectedly; although it's somewhat
jarring they failed to knock any of us over or damage the bikes
(though either of those outcomes is possible). The race starts at
midnight sharp on the night of Friday Sept 9, at the end of West
Washington Ave at the capitol. Be there at least 10 minutes before the
start. The first 6 miles will be an easy neutral lead out through
town, the official 'go' point will be at Hwy PD/Mckee road.

--What to bring--
Most people seem to be underestimating how long this ride will take
so I'll just say this; bring more calories and water than you think
you'll need, you're going to be out there for a while. Marked on the
Google map above is the location of a water fountain in Belleville
just off the trail, and a soda machine in Monroe that is visible from
the trail. Those are the only services that I'm aware of. There may be
something open in Monroe but you should not count on it and it's
likely that some of you will be caught by the returning group before
you reach Monroe.

Front and rear lights are required. You can get by with a pretty
basic head light, the more lumens the better, but a basic AA powered
commuter light should be just enough to avoid hitting anything big. I
recommend having a backup headlight and keep in mind that you may need
up to 6 hours of battery power.

--For the winner--
Whomever reaches the state line first wins and gets to bring back
the trailer that has refreshments and prizes, you will be popular.

If you can't figure out how to hook up the trailer to your bike
then you forfeit the win to the first person who can. Here is a link
to the instructions on how to attach this style of trailer, if you're
fast you should check this out:
http://www.burley.com/shop/images/2009ForgedStandardHitch.pdf