How do I drive to the Feed Zone? Finish Line?

[Mike S]

Directions to the feed zone, from the staging area:
Go back up 7-Mile Road were you came in, toward Spokane. After about 1 mile, make a Left on Pine Bluff Road. It's a gravel road that goes up a big hill. Follow Pine Bluff for about 2 miles. Make a LEFT on Craig Road (dirt) and proceed to the race course. Park on Craig Road and the Feed Zone will be on Four Mound Road, just to the right.

Directions to the Finish Line:
From the staging area drive back wards on the course until you get to Four Mound Road and Wood Road. Do not turn right on Four Mound; instead continue on Wood Road as it veers to the right and becomes Charles Road. Make a RIGHT on Ritchey Road (gravel) and proceed to the course. Park on Ritchey Road. You'll be about 150 meters from the finish line.

[Joel]

I don't know the area well enough to be able to tell by the map the actual location of the feed-zone in relation to the hill. Is it before, during, or after the climb?

[Tom M]

Jun 26, 2009 6:42:11 GMT -8 Joel said:

I don't know the area well enough to be able to tell by the map the actual location of the feed-zone in relation to the hill. Is it before, during, or after the climb?

It's just as the climb is about to crest, so you'll be past the worst of the climb but not up to full speed yet.

I have a question about the neutral water, since I've never been in a race that had a feed zone: do they have the water pre-bottled and racers just ditch their empty bottle and grab a full one, or how does that work exactly?

[Joel]

Thanks Tom...

Better let Mike confirm, but usually it's toss one off and grab another bottle. I've seen both w/bike water bottles and/or standard bottled water (screw top) handed out.

My first couple times, I would get confused between the official neutral water folks vs. individual teams handing out their own bottles. I've reached for the wrong bottle a couple times and couldn't figure out why they would pull'em back in...lol, but I get it now

[Pat S]

Hi guys,

Alan has regular cycling water bottles lined up. They'll be full and ready to go so you just toss your empty and grab a full one.

The team and neutral feed zones are two separate zones. The beginning and end of each will be clearly marked with signs.

[Mike S]

Yes, what Pat said. You may discard your old bottles after you enter the feed zone then a volunteer will hand you up a fresh bottle of water.

For the neutral feed, we've got Specialized brand bike water bottles filled with fresh water. If you'd like something different, you can have your own volunteer in the "team feed" zone.

[Joel]

Sounds good Pat and Mike, thanks again for the details!