Over the Hump Mountain Bike Series

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I Pre-Register? - Pre-register for $20/race,  then print and bring your “Waiver/Release”  to the registration table on race day.  Allow 30 minutes to check-in at registration table to receive your number, and T-shirt (if ordered).

Can I Register on Race day? – Yes, provided the race does not sell out prior.  Registration on Race Day will open at 4:00pm and stay open until races begin.  Race Day registration is $25/race, and t-shirts will be $10 on site as supplies last.

If I did not race in other races, can I race this time? – Yes, preregister now. When you check in at the race we’ll give you a number and receive your Release/Waiver.

I raced last time, do I have to check in? - Yes, you’re required to check in at each race, so we know you’re starting that race.

Do I need a new release form for each race? - No, if you raced Over the Hump this year, at Irvine Lake, we have your release on file. If this is your first race this year see Registration Table or download the form online.

Where is Irvine Lake? - Irine Lake is East of the 241 tollroad on Santiago Canyon Road, South of the Chapman/Jamboree Exits. Click here for a map.

Is there Parking? – YES, and it’s FREE! See map above, enter gate and turn right to parking lot.

How can I race if i work till 5:00 pm? Where there’s a will there’s a way. Race starts at 6:00pm.  Pre-register, so all you need to do is grab your number and turn in the “Waiver” – you can of course work the second half of the day in your spandex to save time, too!

What are the “Classes”?- There are currently three broad classes: Beginner, Sport, Expert – On race day we’ll post the age bracketing, based on ridership. Why? No-one wants to race alone, not even the 75 year young-expert-woman.  It’s one benefit of not being sanctioned.

Will there be specialized sub-categories (example: Singlespeeds? Clydesdales? ) No. Over the Hump’s philosophy is SIMPLE…we’re keeping it SIMPLE. See above question on classes. One Note: The class you enter is on the honor system, don’t sandbag and drop down to win…it will be embarrassing for you when you beat your daughter, who is racing, and then jump up and down chanting “I’m faster than you are!” There’s no cash prize…push yourself!

I’m a first time racer, which class should I enter? Enter based on your skill and fitness level, not on race experience. There are technical sections of single track, steep descents, and climbs throughout the course. The course lengths are posted under Race Information so if you ride ride 10 miles, and that feels like death, then begin @ beginner. There’s 1/3 single & double track on the course, so there’s bike handling needed, but if you don’t feel comfortable on a section you can always walk it.

What type of bike, equipment? Any mountain bike is welcome.  Suspension is optional, you don’t need a race machine, or a “big-hit-bruiser”, we’ve heard some will try the course on “cross” bikes though thee’s not a “cross” category.  One note, there are a couple of soft spots on the course, and wider tires will be a plus. Old and new bikes welcome!

How difficult is the course? - The course has two fast-n-steep descents, some sharp corners, and 1/3 single and double track.  It’s not extremely difficult, as there is fire road and wider trail involved in places, but it’s a fun course @ 3.75 miles and 350+ feet vertical gain the race  is you against the clock (Oh and your buddy at work, that you have to buy lunch, if he wins).  Come race and try the course and give us your feedback, we’d love to hear it.

Will you release course GPS data? - No.  Irvine Lake is private, and has allowed us the opportunity to race there.  Currently they do not offer regular riding opportunities.  Help us honor that by not encouraging people to pre-ride until race day.

Can I preride the course? Yes. The Course will be open on race day…RACE DAY ONLY.  The course will be open from 4:30pm -5:30pm, then it will close course until the race.

Do you plan to have more regular races in the future?- Next summer Over the Hump will be a weekly-after-work/school-series. We need the sunlight!  There are other events in the making: group rides, an endurance race, and Mountain Bike trips to some amazing riding destinations. Fill in your email on the Home Page to stay up to date on upcoming events.

Do I need to belong to a bike race association? No.

Does insurance cost extra? No, it’s included.  Your race fee covers insurance, and racing. It’s easy, and a great value!

Can people come watch? – Yes, that’s what this event is about. SPECTATORS ARE FREE. Our sponsors will have booths and since you can see a good chunk of the course from the staging area, it will be a front row seat for spectators, unlike any mountain bike race we’ve seen.  The spectators area is right at the water’s edge with plenty of grass and Shade (and restrooms).

Does the Race benefit a Charity?- Well, yes, Kind of.  We love what project Rwanda is doing.  They are using the bicycle to change lives in Rwanda.  We will have a few ongoing programs to raise both awareness and finances for them.  The first fundraiser is the after party at Tustin Brewing Company.  The brewery will be donating a healthy portion of the proceeds to project Rwanda.  Please come try their great beer and pizza after the race and support Project Rwanda!

Have more questions that we have not answered: email us at info@overthehumpseries.com or post your questions on the website, and we’ll get the answers posted ASAP.

See you at the races! -Over the Hump