The following is the Baker’s Dozen 2008 Rain Policy.  The number statements are from the SORBA Race Policy.  The explanations below each number statement are the policy that will be used for the Baker’s Dozen 2008 event.

1.      All SORBA events for which a fee is charged must have an alternate route plan, rain date, cancellation, and refund policy stated on all advertising.

 Alternate Route Plan – None

 Rain Date – April 12, 2008

 Cancellation Plan – The weather channel web site www.weather.com for McCormick SC will be used to make the cancellation decision.  The weather channel website will be checked on Thursday April 3, 2008 @ 7:30 pm . A chance of rain equal to or greater then 60% for Friday evening after 6:00pm or for Saturday up to 3:00pm will be cause to reschedule for the rain date April 12, 2008 . 

 Refund Policy – If both the event date April 5, 2008 and the rain date April 12, 2008 are cancelled, then a prorated refund will be given back to each paid rider.  All expenses related to the Baker’s Dozen 2008 will be calculated and then divided by the number of paid riders.  The difference between the rider’s entry fee and the expenses per rider will be refunded to each paid rider. Once the race has started, no refunds will be given due to delayed start or early conclusion of the race.

2.      If the weather is so bad that even the alternative route is not usable, then event must be postponed or canceled. Environmental protection and the public image of the sport must always come first. If cancellation is the only option, refunds of entry fees may not be possible.

 Alternate Route Plan – None

 Postponement – April 12, 2008

 Cancellation Plan – See item 1

 Refund Policy – See item 1.

3.      An organizer should be sensitive to trail conditions 72 hours before an event. If conditions are poor and it appears they will not improve, then the event should be postponed or cancelled. Cancellation or postponement must be announced on www.sorba.org and every effort to communicate the event change will be undertaken by the organizer.

 72 Hours – The Baker’s Dozen 2008 is taking exception to the 72 hour notification and will provide a 36 hour notification about event cancellation.  A decision to proceed with the Baker’s Dozen 2008 will be made by Thursday April 3, 2008 @ 7:30 pm and posted on the www.sorbacsra.org home page.

We are trying our best to adhere to the SORBA Rain Policy guidelines, but yet still have the Baker’s Dozen 2008 on April 5, 2008 .  The Hickory Knob Lake Trail is a well established trail, hence a small amount of rain 24 hours before riding the trail will not be damaging to the trail. We understand a shorter notice may inconvenience out-of-town riders, but we feel this is the best policy for the trail and the overall event.

Poor Weather Conditions – The weather channel web site www.weather.com for McCormick SC will be used to determine weather conditions.  A chance of rain equal to or greater then 60% for Friday evening after 6:00pm or for Saturday up to 3:00pm is consider poor weather conditions.

Communicate Event Change – Any event changes will be sent to paid rider’s email and will be posted on the www.sorbacsra.org home page.

4.      If weather conditions change within the 72 hour window, then the organizer must decide if the event can go forward taking into consideration the trail conditions. Changing the route to make use of roads and to move the event off fragile trail surfaces must be an alternative when possible.

Weather Conditions Change within 72 hours – At the discretion of the Event Director due to weather and/or trail conditions observed on Hickory Knob Lake Loop:

·          Event start time may be delayed

·          Event end time may be changed

·          Reschedule for the rain date April 12, 2008

5.      After an event begins under good circumstances, but conditions worsen, the organizer should shorten the event to limit impact when possible.

 Weather Conditions Worsen During Event - If during the race a thunder storm with lightning occurs, all riders will be encouraged to stop the race and seek shelter.

If during the race, rain occurs, the Event Director will make the decision whether to delay the race or to conclude the race.  The decision will be based on trail conditions observed in section 5 and the amount of mud on rider’s bikes & clothing.

6.      The organizer is expected to balance the benefits to SORBA when making a decision to run an event. The trail, the mountain biker, and the reputation of SORBA must all be weighed when making this decision.