Rules & FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Race?
The Yankee Springs Time Trial is traditionally held on the last Saturday in April. This year it will be on Saturday, April 25th, 2026
Where is the Race?
Registration, day of packet pick-up, start/finish, awards and the after party all take place in Yankee Springs Deep Lake Campground.
2526 Yankee Springs Road, Middleville, MI 49333
How long is the race?
Beginners will ride an 11 mile loop; Sport will ride an 11 mile loop; and Expert/Elite will ride two loops for 22 miles.
Which direction will the race go, Red or Yellow?
This year the race will run in the RED direction.
What is the refund policy?
Sorry, but there are no refunds. This race is an all-volunteer effort and we do not have the resources to handle this. Rest assured that your registration fee goes to support trail building and maintenance for trails here in West Michigan.
What are the award categories?
Top 3 Overall and Top 3 in Age Categories will be awarded a one of a kind Yankee Springs Medal.
I need to transfer my entry to someone, how does that work?
You can transfer your entry on BikeReg.
Can I change categories?
Yes. Self managed category transfers are now handled through BikeReg.com. Please note: transferring category will reset your registration time and affect your starting order.
When are the awards?
The awards ceremony for the Expert/Elite categories will start at approximately 1:30 PM.
The awards ceremony for the Sport/Beginner categories will start at approximately 2:30 PM.
Can I have someone pick up my packet for me?
YES. We encourage friends and team mates to grab packets from our early packet pick up. Getting a lot of packets out early helps keep race morning flowing smooth.
Once you get your race plate, pre-purchased merchandise is listed on the back. Go to Merchandise table to pick up your items.
I ordered some merchandise at registration. Do you mail it to me?
No. The merchandise will be distributed to you at packet pick-up. After you get your race number plate take it to the merchandise table to receive your items.
I know it takes a ton of volunteers to put on a race, can I volunteer?
Yes, we may have need of your help. Please review our Volunteer page.
Is camping available?
Yes. Deep Lake Campground spots can be reserved through the DNR website. It's actually a ton of fun too. Reserve a spot early if you wish to join in the fun.
Please note: The DNR blocks off the whole campground for the event, but they typically open up sites closer to the race date.
What is available after the race?
There is a finish line recovery tent with food and hydration. Rogue Racing is serving up brats and brisket from The Grilling Company with two sides. Don’t forget to add one to your registration! Craft beer from City Built Brewing will also be available for purchase. See the Race Day page for more information.
When will individual start times be posted?
We do not post individual start times. Wave start times can be found on the back of your race plate.
Is there a racer cap?
Yes, 800 racers.
How do I register?
Registration will open December 18, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. EST. Registration remains open until the cap is met or 1 hour before a category starts. You can register through BikeReg even on race day.
No license required. Sorry, no mail in registrations.
Will there be day-of registration?
If we don't sell out, then yes. Day-of registration is $80. All registration, even day-of, is handled through BikeReg. So register from home before coming.
What age category do I sign up for?
Your registration race age category is your age on December 31, 2026.
How is the race timed and scored?
Professional timing from Ignite Your Event. Rigid handlebar number plates with timing chips will be used for the best timing available. Do not remove the timing chip off of the number plate! Do not put the number plate anywhere but on the handle bar or your time will not be recorded! Do not use zip ties to hold your number plate, they will tear the plate. Please use the twist ties provided.
How can I confirm my entry?
You may confirm who has entered the race by going to BikeReg.com and checking the confirmed riders.
I need to edit my entry on Bikereg, my name is spelled wrong. How do I do that?
Yes, you have the ability to edit your registration information, category, team name, etc. through your BikeReg.com registration for the event.
Can I setup a team tent?
Yes. But you must register for a spot through BikeReg.com. Limited spots are available and they will be assigned on a first come first serve basis. Those who received a spot can setup the tent anytime on race day.
** Bring stakes or weights to hold down your tent.
** Sponsors receive a free spot for a tent. Check with the Race Director for more information.
Where and when is Packet Pick Up?
Packets may be picked up on race day at the Deep Lake Campground in the Registration Tent starting at 8:00 a.m. Look for signs directing you to the Registration Tent.
Early packet pickup will be at City Built Brewing Thursday, April 23rd from 5-7
When does the race start and what are the wave start times?
The race starts at 9:00 a.m. See the Race Day page for detailed schedule information.
What should I do if I DNF?
We recommend you ride to the nearest volunteer and ask for assistance, then work your way back to the start area. Please inform a race official at the finish area that you did not finish. We try to account for all racers.
Can I volunteer and race for free?
If you are interested in volunteering for the race please contact us, there is always plenty to do. However, providing free race entries is at the discretion of the Race Director.
Should I bring my family?
Absolutely. The time trial is a family friendly event to watch. See the Race Day page for more information.
Are the kids races free?
Yes and no. The Kids races are free, but the more advanced Boys and Girls race requires registration. See the Categories page for more information.
Rules
In order to ensure a safe and fair race for all, the following rules have been established. Violation of any of these rules may result in disqualification. Questions regarding these rules should be directed to the Race Director.
• Wearing of a helmet is mandatory during warm up and racing.
• Use of headphones or musical devices is strictly prohibited.
• Bicycles shall be in good repair with both front and back brakes in good working order.
• Racers must yield to emergency medical personnel at all times.
• Use of profane or abusive language or other unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated. All instances of unsportsmanlike behavior can be reported to the Race Director for disciplinary consideration.
• Food and water can be taken from anyone, anywhere on the course. Racers taking food or water must not impede the progress of other racers.
• Racers may change any bicycle components during the race except the frame.
• Racers may accept assistance only from other racers actively competing during the same event.
• Racers riding bicycles have the right of way over racers pushing bicycles. When practical, racers pushing bikes should yield the most ride-able portion of the trail when being passed.
• A racer pushing or carrying his or her bicycle can overtake a racer riding his bicycle provided that it does not interfere with the riding racer.
• Riders should vocally alert those they are passing using announcements like “PASSING on your LEFT!” It is the responsibility of the passing rider to overtake safely. It is also the responsibility of the rider being overtaken to yield the trail as reasonably, quickly and safely as possible.
• Riders will not shortcut the course to pass another racer. Short-cutting the course by any racer will result in disqualification.
• When two riders are vying for position, the leading rider does not necessarily have to yield position to the challenging rider. However, a rider may not block the challenging rider’s progress.