The Exam - 33km XC MTB Race
The Toughest Dirt Circuit in Tennessee!
Sunday May 25th, 2025
Register Today: https://www.bikereg.com/the-exam
Three, 11km laps that will test rider grit, strength, and skills. A private Navy SEAL trail system in the Smoky Mountains. This is an examination of rider physical readiness, mental fortitude, and mountain bike prowess. The course is full of power climbs of various distances and steep, fast descents that highlight rider strength or expose limitations. The entire 6.8mi / 1,800'elev lap is 100% rideable; no purpose scramble areas or forced hike-a-bike.
Trails are considered well groomed and highly maintained. Berms, bridges, mild drop-in features, mountain top ridges, views into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Cherokee National Forest are all things a rider will experience here. Maybe (just maybe) some leg burn and red zone cardio too... haha.
The circuit loop is primarily aged, machine cut single track with a few double track Jeep trail sections, and even has a quarter mile of gravel tossed in.
The private trails facility owner is a 55y/o Clydesdale Navy SEAL (Ret) and rides every inch of the course regularly, proving it's rideablility and adventurous nature. But, it's not easy and is not meant for everyone.
Register Today: https://www.bikereg.com/the-exam
Event Timeline:
9:00am Facility gates open
9:30am Check in open
10:30am Check in closed
10:50am Mandatory rider meeting at start/finish area
11:00am Race start
12:15pm First lap must be complete to begin second lap
1:30pm Second lap must be complete to begin third/final lap
2:45pm Awards – Top 3 per category
RULES / NOTES:
- Non sanctioned event. Waiver and Release of Liability must be signed.
- Rider feed zone snacks and sports drink will be sponsored between laps.
- Come prepared to hang out! Post ride chips and hot dogs fresh off the grill available to all. Bring your own drink!
- Cash only for walk up race day participants is $80.
- Pets ON LEASH at all times and please be responsible and pick up after your pet!
- This event does not include the use of E-MTBs and are not allowed.
CAMPING INFORMATION: Primitive camping (tent/vehicle only, no power, no water) is avail for $20/site with PRIOR coordination. Multiple sites available, some require a 4wd vehicle to access. Nearly every camp site is located next to a portion of the event trail route. Each site has a fire ring. No outside firewood allowed. Firewood can be purchased for $5/milk crate full or area deadfall can burned for no charge. Some camp spots are in the event area, others are more remote and away from the event area. Please contact race director for additional details!
TRAILS ACCESS: Pre-rides and training availability is easily coordinated with race director, just call to arrange a ride together to become familiar with the route. Once familiar, you could do rides here on your own.
WEATHER/CANCELLATION: Unless posted, race will be held rain or shine with safety of all racers being considered primary. If there is a cancellation due to weather, racers are responsible for checking information posted on website, registration platform, social media, phone or email prior to the race. Although our trails system is known to handle and shed water very well, Mother Nature's rains may cause the race to be postponed and transferred to another date. Steep climbs may be unrideable and steep descents may become extremely dangerous in poor conditions. There are no refunds, but your entry fee will be moved to the new date if we are forced to change. There are no registration transfers from rider to rider. Thank you for understanding.
Race Location:
Outdoors in the Smokies, Inc.
462 Middle Creek Rd
Cosby, TN 37722
From Hwy 321, 1.5mi down Middle Creek Rd you will see signs and arrows to "Outdoors in the Smokies". Please follow to the top of the hill and metal farm gates. Proceed left inside gates and continue to follow signs to the outdoor pavilion event area. You will be guided where to park.
Register Today: https://www.bikereg.com/the-exam
