The following is the Sumter Metric Century 2009 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 Sumter Metric Century 2009 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 – If, on the day of the event there had been a hard rain the night before, the Event Director will decide if the alternate route should be used. The alternate route will consist of U.S. Forest service roads and paved roads. Maps will be provided.

 Rain Date – None

 Cancellation Plan – None 

 Refund Policy – If the event date May 16, 2009 is cancelled, then a prorated refund will be given back to each paid rider.  All expenses related to the Sumter Metric Century 2009 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 – The alternate route will consist of U.S. Forest service roads and paved roads. Maps will be provided.  

Postponement – None

 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 – Not Applicable

 Poor Weather Conditions – The alternate route will be used.

 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:

·          Event start time may be delayed

·          Event end time may be changed

·          Alternate route may be used

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, implement the alternate route or to conclude the race.  The decision will be based on trail conditions observed 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.