What is a PICL Rally?
A PICL Rally is a mountain bike race format inspired by enduro-style racing. Student-athletes ride one lap of the course from start to finish. Along the way, they will encounter designated race segments where their time will be recorded.
Why a PICL Rally?
The Rally format gives us the flexibility to race in places that may not be well suited for a traditional XC course by racing select segments of the trail instead. It also gives student-athletes the opportunity to discover and showcase different strengths, while allowing us to explore new venues, bring events closer to home, and keep events and courses fresh, fun, and exciting.
Race Segments
As a rider arrives at a race segment, a volunteer will stop them and provide instructions. The volunteer will then count down to “go” and the rider will begin to race. Once the rider reaches the end of the race segment, another volunteer will slow them down to indicate the race segment is finished. A rider will encounter 3 or 4 race segments during their ride, depending on their race category.
Non-Race Segments
The non-race segments are referred to as transitions. Students ride the transitions at a relaxed pace, taking in the scenery and enjoying the company of other riders along the way. During the transitions, riders will recover, hydrate, fuel, and pace themselves in preparation for the next race segment. The transitions are not for racing and do not count toward the student's overall time.
Timing and Scoring
After racing has concluded, a student-athlete’s race segment times are added up to give them their overall time. For scoring, the riders are ranked in order of fastest to slowest overall time within their race category.
Due to the timing method utilized for PICL Rally events, times and scores will not be available live. Instead, they will be communicated post-event.
What if a student-athlete has a mechanical?
If the mechanical is repairable, Rolling Coaches will be available to provide the rider with support. If the mechanical is beyond repair, see the answer to the next question. No penalties will be applied for mechanical support provided during non-race segments. Penalties will apply in race segments (see PA Handbook for details).
What if a student-athlete cannot finish?
If that student is just uninterested in finishing the course or has a mechanical that is beyond repair, they will need to wait patiently at a finish line of a segment and will be brought back as able by a Roving Marshal.
What if a student-athlete gets injured on the course?
Just like in all our PICL races, Roving Marshals and a Medical Quick Responder will be on-site and ready to implement standard injury protocols.
What if we see a Sasquatch?
My understanding is that they appreciate a good party so invite them along for the ride. This is an unknown fact, but as they originally evolved in the Pacific Northwest, they can rip, and most have a bike hiding somewhere in the brush close by.
Coaches Can Set Their Athletes Up For Success
The Rally is different from a traditional XC race, so it is important that student-athletes understand that they are not racing the entire course.
Student-athletes ride the full length of their course, but only the race segments contribute to their overall time. The non-race segments should not be raced. Instead, they should be used to recover and prepare for the next race segment.
Riders will need to manage their energy throughout the Rally. Going all-out on the first race segment may make it hard to perform well on the following race segments.
The Rally format rewards riders who can combine fitness with good cornering, braking, descending, climbing, line choice, and overall bike handling.