3rd and 4th Grade Rangers will compete under an “individual time trial” format during the Race at Expedition 4. Here’s how their races will be conducted:

• This race uses a CHIP TIME format, which refers to the time it takes an individual to cross the start line mat and finish line mat. Each rider has a race plate on their bike containing a microchip that tells our timing computer when the Ranger’s bike passes over the start and finish line mats.

• Each grade level and gender (ex: 3rd Grade Boys) will have a designated start time (see schedule below). Rangers will be lined up in the start chute based on their “ranking” with faster riders staged at the front of the pack. A Ranger’s ranking is the average of their finishing places in Race 1, Race 2, and Race 3.

• Each row of Rangers will contain five athletes. Rangers will be sent off on the course row by row with a buffer time between each row. This is designed to help manage rider safety.

5th Grade Rangers use a traditional mountain bike race format during the Race at Expedition 3. Here’s how their races will be conducted:

• This race uses a GUN TIME format, which refers to the time it takes to finish a race from when the starter's gun is sounded until crossing the finish line, irrespective of when the competitor actually rides across the start line. The first Ranger to cross the finish line wins. (Note: we do not use an actual starter gun, but rather a PA announcer who tells riders when to “GO!”)

• 5th Grade Boys and 5th Grade Girls will have designated start times (see schedule below). Rangers will be lined up in the start chute based on their “ranking” with faster riders staged at the front of the pack. A Ranger’s ranking is the average of their finishing places in Race 1, Race 2, and Race 3.

• Rangers will be sent out on the course in waves of 20 student-athletes at a time. A small buffer time will be given between each wave of Rangers. This is designed to help manage rider safety.

The top 10 fastest riders (5 boys/5 girls) in each grade level will be recognized at the Medal Ceremony at 2:30 p.m. We encourage everyone to come together as a huge Trail Rangers family at the medal ceremonies to cheer on your teammates from across the state.