FAQs

FAQs

Got a question? You’re not alone. Check out our FAQs for our most commonly sought-after race info. If what you need isn’t here, shoot us an email at community@clippedinforlife.org.

• Are there any weekend accommodations available?

  We’ve got a great excuse to turn your race weekend into a weekend getaway (or a staycation if you’re local!). Thanks to our partner Placer Valley Tourism, Cross Off 2020 racers have access to discounted rates as low as $82/night at local hotels near the race venue. To sweeten the deal, Clipped In Races receives a small portion of the fee for each room booked through PVT’s website. Click here to view hotel and rate options for the weekend. Enter your dates, and click on a specific hotel for booking info.

• How do I return my RFID chip?

  We’re hoping to have more Cross Off 2020 races approved, so hang on to your blue RFID chip and race number! You’ll use the same bib and chip if you want to race again.

  If you’re not sure about racing again or you’re just really good at losing things and want to return your chip now, please follow these instructions carefully:

  1. Wrap your chip in newspaper and/or tape it inside thick cardstock.*
  2. Place your wrapped chip in an envelope addressed to:
     Clipped In Races
     4818 Golden Foothill Pkwy #4
     El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
  3. Please include either a.) the email address tied to your PayPal account or b.) a self-addressed, stamped envelope so we can mail your refund.
  4. Add stamps (we’ve been advised that 5 should do the trick).
  5. Drop it in the mail!

  *We’ve had envelopes rip open and the chips never arrive when they’re not padded. You will not receive your deposit if the chip is missing or damaged due to incorrect packaging.

  Also please note that your chip was programmed specifically for the Cross Off 2020 races, and will not work at any other race until it is re-programmed.

• Why only 20 racers per wave start?

  It’s been a long road to get approval from the Sac County Public Health office to even apply for a permit to hold a cyclocross race, and these are the stipulations they have set.

• Are masks required?

  Facial coverings over your mouth and nose are required at all times unless you are on the race course. Our announcer will tell you when it is ok to remove your mask 30 seconds before your race or pre-ride.

• Are spectators allowed?

  No spectators are allowed at Cross Off 2020 races. If your partner, friend, or family member wants to cheer you on, we have a limited number of volunteer slots available for folks to sign up for. These slots are available first-come, first-serve.

  Volunteers are required to register and must be age 18+ (small children can accompany parents); click here to sign up.

• How do the RFID chips work?

  We issue reusable RFID chips to each racer. There is a $20 chip deposit fee at your first race that is fully refundable when you return the chip at the end of your race. We will have Tyvek ankle straps available at registration each race.

• How do I sign up for a second race of the day? And how much does it cost?

  If you know you want to do a second race, please pre-register for your second race ahead of time. Sorry folks, no discount for a second race. We’re doing our best to give everyone a fair chance to race.

  If there’s space in a category on race day, we may be able to handle walk-up registration requests, but there’s no guarantee.

• Um, I lost my race bib (or RFID chip). Now what?

  If you lose your bib number and/or RFID chip, it is a $5 replacement fee (plus the $20 chip deposit if applicable). Come to registration on race morning, fess up, and they’ll take care of you.

• Can I transfer my registration to someone else?

  No, you may not transfer your registration to someone else.

• What class should I race in?

  For the most part, we leave it up to you to choose which class you should race in.

  Generally, “C”= Beginner; “B”= Intermediate; “A”= Expert and “Single Speed”= Crazy person. (Just kidding on the single speed. Kinda.) But seriously, we leave it up to you to choose which class best fits your ability.

  However. Everyone races at the race director’s discretion.

  If you are crushing it in a certain class, we reserve to right to congratulate you on your success… and require you to upgrade to the next logical class. We also take into account how your laptimes compare to the class above you when deciding on mandatory upgrades. (Please note that choosing a class based on a start time that is convenient to your schedule, is not a valid reason to race outside of your level.) Alright, enough said. We look forward to good, strong, fair competition in each class this season.

• How do I determine my race age?

  Your race age is how old you will be on December 31, 2020.

• Do I need any sort of license?

  Nope, no license needed! Our Cross Off 2020 races are not USA Cycling sanctioned.

• Can I warm up before my race?

  Not while another race is going on. We used to allow pre-riding while other races were going on, but too many people interfered with racers on course, so we revoked the privilege. If you would like to pre-ride the course, please be ready at least 5 minutes before the end of a race, and queue at the break in the course tape just past the finish line. The announcer will let you know when it is ok to enter the course, and you should make sure to never pass anyone who is still racing. Masks are required until you are on the course. 

• Is alcohol allowed?

  We will not have any alcohol available for purchase at Cross Off 2020 races. Please follow the normal park rules for any alcohol consumed on site.

• Do I have to have a cyclocross bike to race?

  Cyclocross bikes are uniquely designed for the sport; a good cyclocross bike can definitely help improve your lap times, and make racing and riding that much more enjoyable.

  Having a cyclocross bike to race can be helpful, but it is not required to participate in the Cross Off 2020 races! Racing on a mountain bike is fine in most categories. Here’s the rundown: For Elite A, Master A, Open Master and Open Singlespeed categories, bike tire width must be 40mm or less and bikes may not have suspension. For all categories, flat bars are allowed without bar ends. No forward facing bars. No spiked or studded tires. No fixed gear hubs. No power assist (no duh!).

  If you have any questions, please contact Race Director, Clint Claassen.

• Do I have to race a single speed bike if I'm in the single speed division?

  Racers are allowed to zip-tie the shifter of a geared bike and race in a single speed category. If a racer switches bikes, or changes a rear wheel during the race, the gear ratio of the new bike(s) must be the same as the original bike. If we find out that any single speed rider changed gear ratios during the race or changed to a geared bike… DQ.

• Are headphones allowed?

  NO! Please do not wear them… even if you’re not playing music. This is totally a safety issue, and we take it very seriously. Just having earbuds in is grounds for immediate disqualification. If you have sunglasses that have built-in earphones, please make sure they are not turned on, and we recommend advising the timing tent that you have them so there is no confusion.