17th Annual Banana Belt Bicycle Weekend
September 16-17, 2006

2005 Banana Belt Overall Results
2005 Banana Results by Age Group

What is the Banana Belt Loop?
The Banana Belt Loop was started in 1989 by Banana Belt Fat Tracks (a local bike club) and Otero Cyclery. the race attracted 76 riders in its inaugural year and ahs grown every year. Its increase in popularity has been driven by the fun, low-key atmosphere geared to participants of all abilities. The classic single-loop cross-country course is excitting, while the trials competition provides frun for all.

The Banana Belt Loop Course Description~Course Map
The race begins and finishes in Historic Downtown Salida. Staging is a mass start on the F Street Bridge adjacent to Riverside Park. We expect all riders to place themselves in a start position appropriate to their ability and strength. There will be plenty of time to postition yourself. A police escort takes the riders north along Hwy 291 to CR 176, then proceeds along the Arkansas River on rocky doubletrack for 2 miles where it meets Hwy 50. The course then crosses over the HWY to CR 101, and begins a fireroad-like climb along Bear Creek for 5.8 miles. The Rainbow Trail, a rolling six mile stretch of singletrack, connects Bear Creek to CR 108; the start of a rough 1.8 mile descent. The course truns right fo 1.2 miles of doubletrack before a singletrack decent back to hwy 50. At 23.6 miles you must dismount to cross Hwy 50 via a culvert. The course then returns back to town to the finish line next to Riverside Park.
Categories are: 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+, Single Speed and Tandem.

The Banana Split
A police escort will take the riders north along Hwy 291 to CR 176, then the course follows the Arkansas River on rocky doubletrack for 2 miles where it meets Hwy 50. the course crosses over Hwy 50 and continues West before turning into Castle Gardens; the original start of the Banana Belt Loop. From there it winds through hilly challenging terrain, then turns West on the Powerling Road until it joins back up with the Banana Belt Loop for the singletrack decent, finishing in Riverside Park, Downtown Salida.
Categories are: 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+, Single Speed and Tandem.

Safety and Race Rules
To participate in teh Loop, one must be fit enough to ride at an elevation of 9,000 feet. All participants must: wear an ASNI, Snell or ASTM approved helmet, carry a minimum of one water bottle, pump, patch kit and spare tub. The organizers, if necessary, reserve the right ot remove riders from the course after 4 hours. Sagety is of utmost importance to the race committee. Course marshals, along with EMT's, will be stationed throughout the course with radios in case of emergency. There will be water stations along the course and at the finish. The organizers resrve the right to move or merge categories as they feel necessary. In the event of inclement weather, organizers will make any changes in the course or time at the start of the race. There will be no refunds for any reason.

Awards Ceremony
The Award's Ceremony and Drawing for the Loop will begin at 1:30 PM or 3.5 hours from the start of the race. Awards are presented in Riverside Park. If you cannot be present to receive a race award, shipping arrangements need to be made through the Chamber of Commerce. You must be present to be eligible for a drawing prize.

Kids Race ~ Course Map
The Kid's Race is for girls and boys from tricycle up to 12 years of age. Tricyclists race from one end of the F Street Bridge to the cul-de-sac and back to the start, while the Junior Mountain Bikers ride a loop starting at the F Street Bridge. (See map above) The race will take place Saturday, September 11 starting at 3 pm. Competitors will need a tricycle or bicycle in good working order, a helmet and a completed registration form with a parent or guardian's signature. All bikes will be checked for safety before the race. Registration is on race day from 1:30pm-2:45 pm. Entry fee is $5 per child.
Categories are: tricycle, 5-6yr, 7-8yr, 9-10yr & 11-12yr

For Trials and the Loop, entry fee includes: T-shirt, refreshments, drawing entry and resistration for one event.

For more information on registration contact
The Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce
877.772.5432 ~~~~ 719.539.2068
info@salidachamber.org

Download Entry form in pdf format

Register On-Line At Active.com

** Phone registrations with VISA, MC, AMEX, and Discover **
Call (719) 539-2068, or Toll free at (877) 772-5432

NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED IN RIVERSIDE PARK!

THIS EVENT IS AUTHORIZED UNDER SPECIAL USE PERMIT WITH
THE U.S. FOREST SERVECE, SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FOREST,
AND U.S.D.I. BLM. The Salida Chamber of Commerce is an
Equal Opportunity service provider.

Medallion Sponsors

GOLD Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

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Copper Sponsors