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Show ) bicycle down in under four minutes, at top speeds in excess of 30 mph. On some terrain, downhill mountain bikes are faster than mo- torcycles. Thats because some courses are so steep and fast, braking can be more important than accelerating. In these situations, the lighter, more nimble mountain bikes have the advantage. While theres no question that speeding down the Moab Rim is dangerous, promoter Eric Jean is working to keep the race safe. A racer himself, Jeans continuing goal is to create a flowing course which limits speeds to below 35 mph. As riders establish new limits for difficulty, safety has been a concern, Jean said. It's a case of be careful what you ask for. All the riders, for years, have been saying We want harder courses. And now people have been asking, Arent you afraid of somebody getting hurt? Jean says that his biggest fear as a promoter is that someone will be critically or permanently injured. For that reason, hes taking precautions to keep riders on the course. The three main exposure areas will be heavily barricaded with hay bales, a metal fencing, and more hay bales, Jean said. If a riders hits hard enough to get into the metal fencing it wont feel good but he wont go over the edge. Cjti oh tie Ityab uitk The NEW Grand County road map by Jack Bickers Simple, black on white, GPS backed data Inexpensive - $4.00 Available at T.I. Maps 29 E Center 259-552- 9 www.moabmaps.com 2002 Jour of Canyonlands Htnn how TO GET supplement tq The TknemjbpendetU Aro Easy Fbfcdi TO THE JAOAD I fltmtt There will be room for spec-VJ- o tators all along the course. How-1- 1 evcr piasc be aware that the larg- est ecological impacts from this event have been due to spectators trampling delicate vegetation and soil. Stay on rock whenever possible. Parking will be available at the Moab Skyway; carpooling is advised and bicycling is pre- ferred. Spectators can hike up from the bottom or ride the Skyway to the top. |