This year's event will be the fourth event of the 2021/22 Hill Country Bicycle Works Texas Marathon MTB State Championship Series. The Excruciation Exam (EE or marathon distance) will follow the same format as previous editions: start with one lap of Bluff Creek Ranch (BCR), ride backroads to Smithville, ride a modified (shortened) loop at Rocky Hill Ranch (RHR) and then ride a similar backroads route back to Warda and finish your event after riding BCR's lower "30 Aker Woods" loop. The total race is approximately 68 miles. The EE races start at 8AM and you must start your return trip from RHR no later than 1:00PM. There will be an aid station on the route to RHR, one at RHR (entrance/exit) and the final station on the route back to BCR. You are allowed a single drop bag which will be taken to the RHR aid station.

This year's event also includes The Excruciation Quiz (EQ or half marathon) again after a successful debut last season. The EQ race which will consist of three laps of BCR with special prizes for fastest male/female lap and mystery section. Please note the half marathon races start at 11AM. EQ only racers can not access BCR before 9:00AM so we can ensure proper distancing between inbound EQ racers and outbound EE racers.

Ranch use/access fees: race entry fees include all applicable ranch use/access fees for RHR only. BCR ranch use/access fee will be collected when entering the ranch for parking/camping for the race weekend. Ranch liability waivers will need to be signed online (links provided after registration closes) prior to race day.

Tech Guide: this important document contains all race details pertaining to number plates, onsite registration, drop bags, how-to access results, awards procedure and, most importantly, details and links to route GPS files (racers are responsible for knowing the transfer routes!). View the tech guide now.

Race Wave Start Times & Distance:

• 8:00 AM : Marathon racers (EE: ~68 miles comprised of race loops of BCR & RHR and out/back country road transfer)
• 11:00 AM : Half Marathon racers (EQ: 3 laps, ~27 miles), no parking for EQ racers prior to 9AM at Bluff Creek Ranch

To register for the event, click the "Registration" link in the main navigation bar or click here.

That P-word:
Due to the ongoing pandemic situation we strongly recommend you are vaccinated and not attend the event if experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to the virus. Similary, we recommend wearing a face covering (mouth and nose) anytime you are interacting with race staff (onsite number pickup, staging or award ceremonies). Please be a good health steward.