General Information
Racer Categories:
Pick the category that best suits you and the level of competition you want. Remember: Poca Go! is time-based competitive racing. Each racer is solo on the timed stage, not side-by-side. Racers are buffered by 30 seconds, so it’s just you, the trail, and the clock.
Middle School (MS): Rising or current (as of race day) students.
High School (HS): Rising or current students.
Beginner: Men and Women divisions. Adults who are new or have limited experience to mountain biking and/or racing.
Sport: Men and Women divisions. Adults who have moderate experience on MTB trails. Having raced in other races is helpful but not necessary. You’ll also need more endurance than the Beginner category.
Expert: Men and Women divisions. Adults who have been riding MTB extensively for years. This is an ultra competitive level.
Master 40+: Men and Women divisions. Those of a certain age (by calendar year). You have years of MTB experience or are getting back into it–you are competitive and have technical skills.
What’s the difference Beginner and Sport? The amount of experience you have AND… Beginners race 4 stages while Sports race 5 stages. See Course Information for more details.
Directions to Race:
Use Address – 10301 State Park Rd, Chesterfield, VA 23832. That should take you to the main gate at Pocahontas State Park. When you get to the gate house, let them know that you are there for the race and you will gain free entry. Follow the fluorescent yellow Poca Go! signs to the Amphitheater Parking Lot (1 ½ miles to the very end of the road).
Pre-rides and Early Packet Pick-up:
It’s a good idea to pre-ride the race course. Early packet pick-up is available the day before the race. See the Schedule of Events below.
If you cannot make Early Packet Pick-Up, you can still get your packet on race day.
Race Day Info:
Once parked, everyone will check-in at Base Camp located between the Nature Center and: the Amphitheater. Even if you were at Early Packet Pickup, you still need to get a timing chip at Base Camp.
Checkout our Poca Go! gear tent at Base Camp.
We recommend that you leave Base Camp at least 20 minutes prior to your Stage 1 start time. From Base Camp, ride your bike through the parking lot, down the hill toward the boat ramp, over the pedestrian bridge and up the fireroads to the start of Stage 1. There will be course marshal volunteers and signs to direct you.
The start times are listed below, plus an email will go out before race day with official start times for each category.
The HUB is an intersection of several trailheads. Bike maintenance, hydration, and porta-potties are located here and at two other areas. Refer to the map for the locations.
Emergency medics are are on-site. If an injury occurs, get help from a Volunteer–who will call the medics.
Volunteers are stationed at the start & end of each stage and at transfer intersections. If you need help or have questions, please ask a volunteer wearing a Poca Go shirt.
Stage starts are controlled by volunteers who will tell the racers on when they can start. Racers start in 30 seconds intervals.
Spectators can watch from a variety of spots on adjacent fire roads. For the safety of the racer and the spectator, DO NOT watch from on or directly next-to a trail. A map of recommended viewing areas is coming soon.
[Tenative]
Schedule
of Events:
Early packet pick-up will be at Steam Bell Beer Works. Time: 4-7 pm
1717 Oak Lake Boulevard
Midlothian, VA 23112
8:00 AM-10:35 PM
Packet and Chip pick-up at race “Basecamp.” See your category below for specific times.
9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Racers on course
1:30-2:45 PM
Awards ceremonies
3:30 PM
Clean up
[Tenative]
Schedule per Category:
Check-in:
8:00-8:30 am
Start (30 Sec. Intervals):
9:00 am
Awards:
1:30 pm
Check-in:
8:00-8:30 am
Start (30 Sec. Intervals):
9:07 am
Awards:
1:30 pm
Check-in:
8:05-8:35 am
Start (30 Sec. Intervals):
9:09 am
Awards:
1:40 pm
Check-in:
8:30-9:00 am
Start (30 Sec. Intervals):
9:30 am
Awards:
1:40 pm
Check-in:
8:30-9:00 am
Start (30 Sec. Intervals):
9:32 am
Awards:
2:00 pm
Check-in:
8:50-9:20 am
Start (30 Sec. Intervals):
9:53 am
Awards:
2:00 pm
Check-in:
8:55-9:25 am
Start (30 Sec. Intervals):
9:55 am
Awards:
2:10 pm
Check-in:
9:05-9:35 am
Start (30 Sec. Intervals):
10:05 am
Awards:
2:10 pm
Check-in:
9:00-9:30 am
Start (30 Sec. Intervals):
10:07 am
Awards:
2:20 pm
Check-in:
9:30-10:00 am
Start (30 Sec. Intervals):
10:36 am
Awards:
2:20 pm
Check-in:
9:45-10:15 am
Start (30 Sec. Intervals):
10:44 am
Awards:
2:40 pm
Check-in:
10:00-10:30 am
Start (30 Sec. Intervals):
11:02 am
Awards:
2:40 pm
After the Race:
- After completing your final stage, proceed back to Base Camp. Awards will be held in this area. Return your timing chip (mandatory). This is very important in order to tabulate your results.
- Poca Go! gear will be available at the merchandise tent.
- Friends of Pocahontas State Park will have soft drinks and beer for sale.
