2008 SavageMan Triathlon Festival
Athletes Guide

In partnership with Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation, Deep Creek Lake State Park, and our official lodging sponsor Railey Mountain Lakes Vacations, "TRI-TO-WIN" Events is very excited to welcome you to the 2008 SavageMan Triathlon!

This Athletes Guide contains very important information that all athletes must be familiar with.
Please read this Athletes Guide in its entirety.

The SavageMan Triathlon is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event and will follow all USAT Rules. Please review USAT's list of most commonly violated rules.

Table of Contents
  1. Prerace Details
  2. Weather
  3. Saturday Timeline
  4. Sunday Timeline
  5. Swim Details
  6. Bike Details
  7. Westernport Wall Details
  8. Run Details
  9. Relay Details
  10. Postrace Festivities
  11. Be A SavageMan Champion!


Race Venue
This map shows the layout of Deep Creek Lake State Park, the transition area, the start/finish area, the swim, bike, and run routes, the categorized climbs and the dangerous descents, and the best spectator areas.

Dogs are not allowed in the day-use area of Deep Creek State Park where the Finish Area is located, but leashed pets are allowed on the State Park trails and in the campgrounds.

Please be respectful of the the State Park and the local communities, which are hosting this special event. The local community is very enthusiastic and supportive of the SavageMan Triathlon Festival, so please represent triathletes well!


Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup is at the Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center from 12pm - 6pm on Saturday, Sept. 20.

All athletes must check in at packet pickup, including all members of relay teams.

USAT cards must be shown with a valid photo id to pick up your packet. One day USAT passes are available for those of who need to purchase them who have not already done so during registration.


Mandatory Athlete Briefing
All athletes must attend one of the two mandatory athlete briefings at the Transition Area on 2pm or 5pm on Saturday, Sept. 20. Both SavageMan bike courses are highly technical and all athletes, no matter how experienced in triathlon, must be present for the course overview and safety briefing.


Mandatory Bike Check and Saturday Bike Racking
Athletes must rack their bicycles in the transition area on Saturday between 12pm and 6:30pm. In order to gain access to the transition area, each bicycle must pass a rigorous safety inspection. The SavageMan Triathlon bike courses include numerous very technical descents, and only bikes that are deemed safe will be permitted on the course.

In order to expedite the bike inspection process, athletes living in the Washington, DC area are encouraged to have their bike pre-inspected at Conte's of Arlington, and athletes in the Deep Creek Lake region at High Mountain Sports.


Wrist Bands
All athletes will receive a wrist band at packet pick-up. The wrist band must be worn to gain access to gain entry to the Transition Area. The wrist band also provides Athlete's access to free race-day parking and the post-race party. Volunteers will receive a wrist band during volunteer check-in at 3pm on Saturday. The wrist band provides volunteers access to free race-day parking and the post-race party.


Parking
All race participants and volunteers are provided complimentary park access on Saturday and Sunday. Race-day parking will be assigned based upon the athlete’s wrist band color. Parking is limited so athletes, volunteers, and spectators are encouraged to car pool. If camping in the park, please leave cars at camp site. Please carpool to allow adequate parking for all and be sure to allow yourself plenty of time on race morning.


Transition Area
  • The transition area will close at 7:50am for all athletes, including the SavageMan International participants
  • Only participants are allowed in the transition area
  • Only participants may remove his/her bike from the transition area
  • No glass containers inside the transition area
  • Body marking will be done at entrance to Transition Area on race morning



The weather in Garrett County in mid to late September is typically very cool in the mornings. Average low is about 50 and average high around 70. All participants and spectators should expect cold temperatures early in the morning and dress accordingly. Last year's chilly morning in which athletes had to scrape frost from windshields was cooler than normal, but not extraordinarily so.

SavageMan Half participants start the bike with a long, shaded descent into Westernport. The cool temperatures, long descent, and wet clothes from the swim can combine to severely chill an underdressed athlete.

All SavageMan Half participants are strongly encouraged to put on excess clothing for the bike, including socks, gloves, arm warmers, and vest or jacket. A clothing drop will be provided in Westernport so athletes can shed excess clothing before the climbing begins in earnest. Please label/write your last name inside, or on, your clothing to be dropped - you will be able to identify and claim your clothes post-race in pre-sorted piles.

In case of rain the SavageMan bike course can be particularly treacherous and extreme caution should be taken.



12:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Registration and Packet Pickup at Discovery Center
12:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Mandatory Bike Safety Check and Bike Racking at Transition Area
2:00 PM: Mandatory Athlete Briefing #1 at Transition Area
3:00 PM: Volunteers Meeting at Transition Area
5:00 PM: Mandatory Athlete Briefing #2 at Transition Area

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM: SavageMan "Champions" Carbo-Load Reception and Dinner
  • Menu includes appetizers, a variety of pasta and sauces, chicken and beef kabobs, glass of wine and other beverages
  • Ticket prices are $25 for adults and $15 for children and must be reserved in advance
  • Tickets may be picked up at packet pickup from noon-6:00PM on Saturday, September 20th in the Discovery Center


SavageMan Half
6:00 AM:Transition Area opens
7:50 AM:Transition Area closes
8:00 AM:SavageMan Half Race Start
8:05 AM:Spectator Shuttle departs for Westernport Wall
8:25 AM:First athlete on bike course
9:10 AM:First athlete encounters Westernport Wall
9:30 AM:Swim cut-off time
10:45 AM:Finish line party begins!
11:05 AM:First athlete on run course
12:40 PM:First athlete finishes!!
2:30 PM:Bike cut-off time
4:00 PM:Awards ceremony at Finish Area
4:40 PM:Run cut-off time
SavageMan International
6:00 AM:Transition Area opens
7:50 AM:Transition Area closes
9:00 AM:SavageMan International Race Start
9:20 AM:First athlete on bike course
10:15 AM:Swim cut-off time
10:20 AM:First athlete on run course
10:45 AM:Finish line party begins!
10:55 AM:First athlete finishes!!
3:00 PM:Awards ceremony at Finish Area



Water Temperature and Wetsuits
The water temperature at Deep Creek Lake on September 21 is expected to be around 69 degrees. Wetsuits are allowed and encouraged.


Swim Course
The swim course is a long narrow rectangular course that stays near the Deep Creek State Park shoreline. The swim course is diagramed in the venue map. Buoys are to be kept on your right at all times.

Large, colored inflatable buoys will mark the International and Half swim turns. Smaller buoys with strobe lights will line the course every 60 meters to present an easy line to follow.

If for any reason you are having difficulty, roll on to your back and wave a hand in the air. A boat will come by to assist you.


Swim Waves
There will be four waves for the SavageMan Half and three for the SavageMan International, each with 70-100 participants.


SavageMan Half Waves
  • Wave 1 (Half): 8:00 AM (red): Elites, Athenas, Relays, All Females
  • Wave 2 (Half): 8:07 AM (yellow): M30-39
  • Wave 3 (Half): 8:14 AM (orange): M40+
  • Wave 4 (Half): 8:21 AM (green): M15-29, Clydes, Aquavelo
SavageMan International Waves
  • Wave 5 (Intl): 9:00 AM (blue): M15-39, Clydes, Relays
  • Wave 6 (Intl): 9:07 AM (silver): F40+, M40+, Athenas
  • Wave 7 (Intl): 9:14 AM (pink): F15-39



Rider Safety
Both SavageMan bike courses have very steep, very dangerous descents and it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that riders show caution on the descents and obey caution signs. DO NOT USE AEROBARS and pass with extreme caution on these dangerous descents.

Both bike courses are primarily on beautiful, remote country roads, but each course also encounters more heavily trafficked roads. Police and volunteers should assist with traffic control, but ultimately it is the athlete's responsibility to know the course and to ensure all turns and crossings are safe.

This bike course will be open to traffic and this bike course is very technical - BE ALERT, BE CAREFUL, and OBEY SIGNS!

Upon final left turn onto State Park Road for both courses - please be aware and observant of intersection with run course and merge with runners crossing the road from Fire Tower Trail exit.


Rules of the Road
No drafting! Draft Marshals will be on the course and drafting will be enforced!

Hard shell helmets must be worn and must be fastened before leaving the transition area.

Stay to the right to allow faster cyclists to pass on the left.

Bike frame numbers that are provided go on the top tube of the bike near the handlebars.

Helmet numbers provided must be affixed to the front of your helmet.

No headphones, earphones or any radio-type devices will be allowed.

The bike course cut-off is 2:30pm. Any athlete who has not completed the bike by this time will not be permitted to start the run.


Navigation
The course will be marked with spray chalk arrows on the road, posted yellow directional arrows, and posted yellow caution signs.

Volunteers will be on the course, but it is up to the athlete to know the course. If at any point on the bike or run you see an arrow that looks like this, follow it.

Miles will be marked in 5 mile increments.

Aid Stations are available at miles 18, 25, 35, and 44 of the SavageMan Half course and mile 12 of the International course. All Aid Stations will have water, Hammer HEED, and Hammer Gels. Participants may drop their water bottles and trash at the Aid Stations only.


Westernport Wall Block Party and Shuttle Buses
Shuttle buses will be transporting spectators to the Westernport Wall Block Party. In order to beat the first athletes to Westernport, the buses must leave at 8:05 am sharp. Spectators are encouraged to take the shuttle buses and not to try and drive themselves to Westernport.

Shuttle tickets can be reserved here. Please reserve your tickets ahead of time and bring bells, clappers, noisemakers, and a lot of energy to the Westernport Wall Block Party!


Westernport Wall
All SavageMan Half solo participants who make it up the Westernport Wall without unclipping and go on to complete their race receive a brick engraved with their name in the Wall. Athletes are given only one attempt at The Wall, and race management reserves the right to close the Wall if conditions are wet or dangerous.

Athletes can choose to go around the Wall if desired. However, if you do attempt the Wall and fail, out of courtesy to other riders quickly get out of the road and walk up on the grass to the side.


Hammer Nutrition Big Savage Challenge
All SavageMan Half athletes will be timed for their ascent from the base of Westernport to the top of Big Savage Mountain, a 7.1 mile climb. The fastest ascent wins the Hammer Nutrition Big Savage Challenge and a $150 gift certificate from Hammer Nutrition.


Run Course
The run course is a two loop course for the SavageMan Half and a single loop course for the SavageMan International. The Half course is 13.1 miles and the International course 6.2 miles.

Athletes pass by the finish area at miles 0.1 and 6.6 providing a nice opportunity for spectators to view the race. The course also runs through the Deep Creek State park campgrounds and along State Park Road, which are both quite near the Finish area providing additional locations for spectators to watch the athletes.

The run course will be marked with spray chalk arrows on the road and posted yellow directional arrows. Not every twist and turn of the run course will be staffed with volunteers, so keep alert for these markings.

State Park Road will be open to traffic – runners should remain within shoulder area cones from Brant Rd. to the Fire TowerTrail. Use CAUTION upon crossing State Park Road after descent from Fire Tower Road where the course merges with bikers incoming from the right. Runners must remain on the inside shoulder of the road with bikers remaining to the left.

Most of the run course is on pavement. About a half mile is on a hilly trail, and the remainder all paved or smooth gravel.

Every mile will be clearly marked.

There are 4 separate run aid stations, with the Brant Rd aid station encountered twice per loop, for a total of 5 aid stations per loop. Each aid station will have water, Hammer HEED, Hammer Gels, Endurolyte tablets, pretzels, bananas, and Coke.


Rules of the Road
The run number must be worn on the front of your body at all times on the run and shirts are required on the run.

No headphones, earphones or any radio-type devices will be allowed.

Much of the run course is conducted within Deep Creek Lake State Park. It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that athletes drop trash only at the aid stations only. Deep Creek Lake State Park has been very supportive of the SavageMan Triathlon and we hope to be welcome back.

The run course closes at 4:40pm. Any runner who has not started his or her 2nd loop of the run course by 3:30 will not be permitted to start the 2nd loop.


All relays must pass the team timing chip between athletes. The handoff location is at the bike rack location for the relay team for both the swim to bike and bike to run handoff.


Finish Area Entertainment
Starting at 11am the SavageMan Finish Area will be a buzz of excitement. The first SavageMan International athletes will finish between 11:00 and 11:15am, and all athletes will be passing by this area as they start the run and start their 2nd loop. Brad Rex, race announcer of Great Floridian, Vineman, Blue Devil, and Luray Triathlons will be providing non-stop commentary and entertainment to participants and spectators alike. Music will be playing and food and drink will be available for free to athletes and volunteers and for a small charge to others.

Postrace Massages
Complimentary massages provided to all athletes by The Sewickley Spa which has repeatedly been voted 'best day spa' by several newspapers reader polls and was also featured in a cover story of Spa Management Magazine. Sewickley is recognized nationally as an outstanding day spa facility, committed to superior services and satisfaction. Look for the massage area near the finish line pavilions.

Awards
The awards ceremony will begin at 3:00pm for the SavageMan International and 4:00pm for the SavageMan Half. In addition to standard awards, the winners of the Hammer Nutrition Big Savage Mountain Challenge and the Club Challenge will be announced.

Additionally, the winners of the exclusive Champions Fundraiser raffle and the Guess Bjorn Andersson's Bike Split contest will be revealed. Prizes of these contests include: Railey Mountain Lakes Vacation Weekend Home Rental, Xterra Vector Pro X2 wetsuits, $1500 set of Hed Stinger wheels and a $500 package of clothing, shoes, and gear from K-Swiss. It's not too late to be eligible for these contests!

There are lots of great prizes and some raffle prizes so be certain to stick around and enjoy the Finish Area Post-Race party and awards presentation.

Results
Results are managed by SommerSports and will be available onsite as raceday progresses and online as soon as possible.

Race Photography
Throughout race day, photographers will be on hand to capture the event, and that may include you! Photographs will be posted for free download once they are available.

Volunteers
Please be courteous to our volunteers and be sure to thank them liberally throughout the day. Not all have triathlon experience so your understanding and appreciation of their time is appreciated. This Savage race could not happen without them!

Sponsors
The inaugural SavageMan Triathlon would not be possible without the support of our great sponsors. Please thank and support them.



It's never too late to become a SavageMan "Champion" Fundraiser. Fundraising is key to the success of the "TRI-TO-WIN" SavageMan Triathlon Festival. In addition to helping the fight against melanoma, those raising funds receive excellent premium awards courtesy of our outstanding sponsors.



Consider becoming a "TRI-TO-WIN" Champion and receive these excellent awards based on amount raised:
  • "Champions" raising $1000 earn:
    • an exclusive SavageMan Triathlon bike jersey
    • two passes to the "Champion" Carbo-Load Reception and Dinner
    • Five guesses for the "Guess Björn's Bike Split" package
    • a portable sun-shade canopy
    • one ticket for the grand prize raffle courtesy of Railey Mountain Lakes Vacation and Xterra Wetsuits.
      1. 1st Prize wins a luxury lakefront rental home for future weekend
      2. 2nd Prize wins an Xterra Vector Pro X2 "Full" wetsuit
      3. 3rd Prize wins an Xterra Vector Pro X2 "John" wetsuit
      Increase your chances and earn an additional raffle ticket for each $100 raised above the $1,000
  • "Champions" raising $500 earn:
    • an exclusive SavageMan Triathlon bike jersey
    • two passes to the "Champion" Carbo-Load Reception and Dinner
    • two guesses for the "Guess Björn's Bike Split" package
  • "Champions" raising $300 earn:
    • an exclusive SavageMan Triathlon bike jersey
    • one pass to the "Champion" Carbo-Load Reception and Dinner
    • one guess for the "Guess Björn's Bike Split" package
Creating your own fundraising page as an individual or group is easy. Go to the "TRI-TO-WIN" SavageMan Fundraising site and select "Become a Fundraiser"

Please consider raising funds for the Joanna M Nicolay Melanoma Foundation and help us Fight this Savage Cancer!

Are You Savage Enough?

"TRI-TO-WIN....the fight against melanoma" Events benefit the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation – the SavageMan Festival organizer and host. Melanoma is the most serious and lethal form of skin cancer accounting for 79% of all skin cancer deaths. This savage cancer is a potential threat to the full spectrum of active and casual outdoor sports enthusiasts - and that especially includes triathletes. All proceeds benefit the Foundation known as, the "voice of melanoma prevention, detection, care and cure."

Be a SavageMan "Champion" and actively fundraise to join in the fight against melanoma.