Caloosa Crank Fest

Caloosa Crank Fest brings a true time-trial mountain bike race to Caloosahatchee Regional Park, showcasing approximately 11 miles of fast, flowing singletrack and classic Southwest Florida terrain. This 3-stage time trial race format blends XC efficiency with enduro-style strategy, rewarding fitness, precision, and smart pacing as riders manage three distinct timed efforts across the course. Note: Novice participants will race an abbreviated three stage course, which excludes Far East (Advanced Trail).

Riders will be released one at a time at controlled intervals, ensuring each competitor is truly racing the clock, not other riders. Individual stage times are combined, and the lowest cumulative time across all stages determines overall placement and category winners. Untimed transition and rest areas between stages allow riders to recover, refocus, and prepare for the next effort, minimizing on-course interference and providing clean, uninterrupted runs. Open practice will take place on Saturday, March 21, with race day on Sunday, when all riders complete the full three-stage sequence.

Race Format

• 3-Stage Time Trial / Enduro-style format
• Riders start one at a time with controlled spacing
• Start intervals are designed so riders race the clock, not each other
• Catching another rider should be unlikely under normal conditions
• Each stage is timed independently
• Final standings are based on lowest cumulative time across all stages

Stage Flow:

Stage 1 → Rest → Stage 2 → Rest → Stage 3

Riders must observe the minimum rest period (e.g. 5 minutes) before starting the next timed stage

Registration Includes

One race entry, finishers medal and event shirt for first 120 participants.

Race Categories & Awards

Podiums will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each category. Fields may be split or consolidated at the discretion of the race director based on rider participation.

Male Categories

• Elite Male: 18–49 | 50+
• Sport Male: 18–49 | 50+
• Novice Male: 0–17 | 18–49 | 50+
• E-Bike Male: 18+
   

Female Categories

• Elite Female: 18+
• Sport Female: 18+
• Novice Female: 0–17 | 18+
• E-Bike Female: 18+

Category Definitions

These categories are intended to help riders select the most appropriate field based on experience, fitness, and comfort on trail.

Novice

• Newer racers or riders with limited racing experience
• Comfortable on basic singletrack at a steady pace
• Prefer smoother trails and less technical features
• Focused on learning race flow and gaining experience

Sport

• Intermediate riders with prior race or group-ride experience
• Comfortable riding at higher speeds and managing moderate technical sections
• Able to maintain consistent effort across multiple stages
• Looking for competitive racing without elite-level intensity

Elite

• Advanced riders with strong fitness and technical proficiency
• Comfortable riding fast and efficiently on all trail features
• Experienced with race strategy, pacing, and multi-stage efforts
• Seeking top overall results

Race Policies, Equipment & Liability Disclaimer

By registering and participating in Caloosa Crank Fest, all participants knowingly and voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries, or damages that may occur as a result of participation. Riders agree to release and hold harmless the event organizers, land managers, sponsors, volunteers, and affiliated partners from any and all claims arising directly or indirectly from the event. Riders must complete each stage within the allotted time window and prior to the start of the next scheduled stage or may be required to withdraw at the discretion of race officials.

GPS, E-Bike & Course Compliance Policy

Official race results are determined solely by the event’s timing system. However, race officials reserve the right to review GPS activity data (including Strava, Garmin, Wahoo, or similar platforms) for purposes of course compliance, e-bike enforcement, and dispute resolution. This may include verifying that riders remained on the marked race course and competed using equipment appropriate for their registered category. GPS data will not be used as official timing, but may be referenced to help resolve questions and maintain fair competition. 

An anti-sandbagging policy will be enforced to ensure fair competition. Participants must register in the appropriate category based on skill level, age, and prior race results. Race organizers reserve the right to reassign or disqualify riders found intentionally competing below their ability level. Riders are expected to compete with integrity and respect the competitive spirit of the event. Pre-riding is permitted during Saturday’s open practice only; no pre-riding will be allowed on race day.

E-Bike Category Disclaimer: The e-bike category is limited to Class 1 pedal-assist bicycles only, defined as providing assistance only while pedaling, with no throttle, and ceasing assistance at 20 mph. Any bicycle found to exceed these limitations or utilize unauthorized motor assistance may result in disqualification or reassignment without refund.