Rider acknowledgment & release

Not an official race

Trans San Marcos is an underground, invite-only, self-timed trail day among friends and locals. It is not an official, sanctioned, permitted, or commercially produced race. There is no event insurance package, no official course marking crew, and no guarantee of medical support on course. You are joining a backyard ride day — not a UCI, NORBA, or park-district event.

Assumption of risk

Mountain biking is dangerous. You may ride on open terrain shared with hikers, equestrians, other cyclists, wildlife, vehicles, and the public. Trails may be steep, rocky, loose, overgrown, unmarked, poorly maintained, or not officially sanctioned. Hazards include, without limitation: falls, collisions, heat, dehydration, mechanical failure, remote location, delayed rescue, and injury or death.

You participate entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your fitness, equipment, navigation, food, water, first aid, and decisions on course. Self-sufficient means self-sufficient.

Release of claims

To the fullest extent allowed by law, you release and hold harmless other riders, the invite circle, landowners, trail builders, and anyone else you encounter in connection with Trans San Marcos from any claim arising from your participation — including injury, death, or property damage — whether caused by negligence or otherwise, except where such release is prohibited by law.

Trail ethics — leave no trace

You agree to:

• Leave trails as you found them. No digging, cutting, blowing, berming, or “improving” features.
• Respect trail builders, landowners, land managers, and private property. Stay off closed or posted areas.
• Share the trail. Yield appropriately. Do not endanger other users.
• Pack out everything you pack in. Leave no trash.
• Race fair. No shortcuts that damage terrain or skip mandatory sections. No gaming stages.

Keep it quiet — no publicity

Do not publicize the trails, stages, meeting spots, or full course if it is not allowed — including Instagram, Strava public posts with precise maps, TikTok, forums, or group chats that spread location details beyond the invite circle. When in doubt, keep it offline. Respect that some sections may be sensitive, private, or not meant for the wider internet.

Conduct

• No whining. Full stop.
• Be kind to other riders.
• Follow any day-of course notes shared with the group. If you cannot, sit that stage out.
• Juniors (under 15): a parent or legal guardian must approve participation and accept this waiver on the rider’s behalf.

Classes (for context)

• Really Fast — race pace; full send (self-seeded).
• Not So Fast — fun pace; still on the clock if you want.
• Master — age 40 and over on race day.
• Junior — under 15 on race day; guardian required.

Your yes means yes

Checking “Yes” on the invite form, or riding the day, means you understand Trans San Marcos is not an official race; you accept the risks of open terrain and other users; you will respect trails, builders, and owners; you will leave no trace and not blow or alter trails; you will race fair; you will not publicize sensitive trails; and you release claims as stated above.