Event Description

The Catalyst Race Series begins Saturday, August 28th with a day of fun for racers of all ages and experience. Racers can begin picking up their packets at 8 a.m. A race for adults starts at 9 a.m. A kids race begins at noon.

The entry fee for the Aug. 28th race is $35 which includes lunch and a drink. Registration deadline is August 26, 2021.

The first phase of completed trails officially opened on May 1 after five years of planning, fundraising, construction, and thousands of hours of volunteer work. All proceeds for this racing series are dedicated toward the ultimate goal of constructing 30 miles of trails at Touch of Nature.

Sponsored by the Bike Surgeon, the Shawnee Mountain Bike Association (SMBA) and Touch of Nature, it is the first of three racing events scheduled this fall at SIU’s outdoor education center. A second race is planned for September 18, 2021. A third weekend event is scheduled for November 19-21, 2021.

Event details and schedule

• The event schedule:
• • 8 am – Packet Pick up and Check in at Freeberg Hall
  • 8:45 am – Race Course pre meeting at Freeberg Hall
  • 9:00 am – Expert Mens and Womens start
  • 9:30 am – Sport Mens and Womens start
  • 10:00 am – Beginner Mens and Womens start
  • 10:00 am- Food and Drink services open **
  • 10:15 am – Junior Mens and Womens start
  • 10:15 pm – Kids boys and girls start
  • 12:00 pm - Awards
• Course info
• All start locations are in Camp 2 and have an open road section before entering main singletrack trail system
• Expert course – Three 8-mile laps
• Sport course – Two 8-mile laps
• Beginner, Junior, and Kids – One 8-mile lap
• Arrival info:
• Packet pick up opens at 8 am at Freeberg Hall in Camp 2 at SIU’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center. There will be directional signs to the race start once you have entered the Center.
• Parking information:
• Riders and spectators will be able to park in either of the 2 parking lots located in Camp 2. Parking for spectators will also be available at the main trailhead located at the main entrance of the Center. Spectator viewing locations on the race course will be available as well BUT spectators will need to hike out to those locations from the trailhead parking area.

• Waivers and ID:
• Waivers are completed online during registration. Additional waivers will be available on site at registration if needed. NOTE: Juniors and Kids under 18 REQUIRE a parent or guardian signature on the waiver to be able to race.
• What to bring:
• Items you need to race in the category you register for.
• All entry fees include one meal and one drink.
• What to wear:
• HELMETS ARE REQUIRED.
• Other details you don’t want to forget:
• Race start times are subject to change due to weather or other issues.
• Race may be rescheduled due to inclement weather. These decisions are made by site director and race promoter. Racers will be refunded in the case of cancellation due to weather.