Cypress Bend - Battle at the Bend

Battle at the Bend

Battle At The Bend

November 20^th & 21^st, 2010

Welcome to the 1^st Annual Battle At The Bend, a premiere USAC sanctioned cross-country mountain bike race at Cypress Bend Resort.

To view the official event flier, please click HERE

WHERE IS CYPRESS BEND RESORT?

Cypress Bend Resort is located on the Texas/Louisiana border at Toledo Bend Lake in North-West Louisiana. Although the physical address lists the town of Many, LA, we are actually about 14 miles east of Many, LA and our gps coordinates are 31.433100, -93.691000. Centrally located between several major cities across several states, the reference map below shows what areas are generally considered to be within a 4 hour or less drive time.

WHAT IS HERCULES?

On May 23^rd, 2010 Cypress Bend Resort celebrated the Grand Opening of their new mountain biking and hiking Nature Trail. The Nature Trail has five loops ranging from 1.1 to 6.1 miles. As part of the Grand Opening, Cypress Bend Resort hosted a Fast Lap Challenge where riders raced against the clock to determine the fastest lap time on Loop 5 (6.1 miles). During the event follow-up, the comment was made that completing Loop 5 was like battling Hercules….hence the appropriate nickname of this challenging race-course.

The map below shows the general layout of Cypress Bend Resort and Hercules.

IS BATTLE AT THE BEND A USAC SANCTIONED COMPETITIVE EVENT?

Yes. As such, all USAC rules regarding mountain bike cross-country racing applies and there will be a USAC official on-site to monitor the event. All riders must possess a USAC license and one-day licenses will be available on-site for $5.00 if a rider does not have an annual license. Please visit www.usacycling.org to learn more or obtain an annual license (required for all PRO and Cat-1 riders).

WHY SHOULD I REGISTER EARLY?

Although each class will ‘mass start’, we are assigning starting line-up positions according to the date each racer registers. If you prefer to start towards the front….sign up early. This should be an incentive for any racer looking to podium, and also for any team member trying to help their team lay claim to the Fastest Team Award. Registration closes at midnight on Friday November 19^th, 2010.

To register for the event, please click here.

THE BATTLE ACTUALLY OCCURS RAIN OR SHINE?

Yes. With the exception of severe weather (tornado, lightning, etc) the Battle shall ensue as scheduled, though we reserve the right to alter/shorten course lengths to maintain a targeted race time for each class.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

For Battle At The Bend event registrations, cancellations occurring outside of 7 days to the registration deadline are eligible for a 100% refund. There are no refunds for any cancellation within 7 days of the registration deadline.

HOW ARE PRO AND CAT-1 PAYOUTS DETERMINED?

If at least 1 PRO signs up, the PRO purse will be at least $1000. If no PRO attends, all pay-outs will be assigned to Cat-1. (total payout currently at $5000)

Let’s assume (as example) that 1 PRO attends and all Cat-1 entries are either Men’s 30-39 or Women’s 30-39; 40% are signed up in Men and 60% are signed up for Women. The PRO would receive $1000 and the Cat-1/Mens/30-39 group will be racing for $1600 (40% of $4000) and the Cat-1/Womens/30-39 will be racing for $2400 (60% of $4000).

Of the total amount awarded to each Pro/Cat-1 class, the flowing placing chart shows the % payout by depth of class.

5 Racers: 1^st-36%, 2^nd-27%, 3^rd-20%, 4^th-10%, 5^th-7%

4 Racers: 1^st-40%, 2^nd-30%, 3^rd-20%, 4^th-10%

3 Racers: 1^st-50%, 2^nd-30%, 3^rd-20%

2 Racers: 1^st-60%, 2^nd-40%

1 Racers: 1^st-100%

HOW IS THE FASTEST TEAM AWARD WINNER DETERMINED?

In order to be eligible for the Fastest Team Award ($500), a team must have at least three riders complete their race, and the team can have their riders compete in any class except Juniors. Only one Cat-3 time can be used to calculate a team’s average lap time. This does not mean a team can have only one Cat-3 rider, it just means that the team’s average lap time will be calculated with up to one Cat-3 riders lap time. Since DNF’s (did not finish) can occur for a number of reasons, we recommend that team’s have more than three riders if possible.

Only allowing one Cat-3 rider’s time is to discourage sandbagging (faster riders attempting to “cat-down” as a strategy to win the award), since Cat-3 riders only race 1 lap and in theory could produce a faster lap time than Cat-2 or Cat-1 riders, who are completing more than 1 lap.

Let’s say Team X has five riders split amongst Cat-1, Cat-2 and Cat-3 and their three fastest rider’s average lap times are:

1^st Rider: 1:12:00

2^nd Rider: 1:10:00

3^rd Rider: 1:20:00

4^th Rider: 1:22:00

5^th Rider: 1:25:00

Averaging the three fastest riders lap times provides Team X with an average lap time of 1:14:00. If this calculation is lower than any other team’s results, then Team X wins.

IS THERE SPACE AVAILABLE FOR TEAMS/EXPO?

Yes, and it is free. That’s right…free! We have 10X10 and 10X20 spaces available, but since it is limited please reserve yours soon by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

WILL THERE BE SPECTATOR VIEWING?

Yes. In addition to spectators being able to view each races start and finish, we are working to provide easy trail access so spectators can cheer their favorite riders during the race.

WILL CYPRESS BEND RESORT HAVE SPECIAL RATES FOR BATTLE WEEKEND?

There will be special pricing on rooms and suites at Cypress Bend Resort so be sure to bring your entire family to enjoy the luxurious resort atmosphere, Spa and Championship golf course. To receive the discounted rates, please call our reservations desk at (877) 519-1500 and mention “Battle At The Bend.”

WHAT IS THE WEEKEND’S SCHEDULE OF EVENTS?

Friday November 19^th, 2010: Registration closes at midnight.

Saturday November 20^th, 2010: 8:00 AM -3:30 PM Packet & Number Pick-Up, 7:00 -10:00 PM Pre-Battle Party

Sunday November 21^st, 2010: 8:00 AM Juniors, 9:00 AM Cat-3, 9:30 AM Cat-2, Noon Pro/Cat-1, 4:00 PM Awards Ceremony

WHAT IS THE PRE-BATTLE PARTY?

We’re firing up the outdoor fire-pit, planning for live music, bringing out the telescope, having a ping-pong tournament and so much more. Details are in the works and it promises to be a fun event for racers, their families, bike industry types and any press. Gourmet brews and wine will be available from the bar.

Be forewarned, stories told around a fire by mountain bikers are likely to be greatly exaggerated!

ARE THERE CAMPING/RV ACCOMODATIONS IN THE AREA?

Yes. For a full listing of all area options please visit the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission website at www.toledobendlakecountry.com and click the “To Stay” tab at the top. Campers & RV’s should pay special attention to the State/SRA parks tab.

[ Back ]

Cypress Bend Resort on Facebook