The Highmark Quad will be going virtual in 2020! A pandemic can’t stop us. Year 38 is going to look a little different than previous Quad Games, but it will be just as fun! Stay tuned for more details!
When The Quad Father started the first Games in 1983 his
goal was create the region’s premier fitness program with four year-round
events designed to keep you and your family in great shape; while having fun. That mission will not change in 2020! It just may look a little different than in years
past.
This year the Highmark Quad Games has been
challenged — to pivot with the current health crisis and Erie County’s
cancellation of all summer events, so we are going virtual!
Each of our events will take place over 8-14
days and participants can ride, run, swim, ski any course available, or the
actual Quad event course, then submitting a time through Big White Trailers
virtual submission form. Certain aspects
of past events will be replaced with new and exciting editions to make this
year’s events still fun for all!
Supporting
the YMCA of Erie
All proceeds from this year’s events will continue to benefit the YMCA of Greater Erie
and their COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and financial assistance program. Since 1860 and throughout the Y’s history, the
Y have been called upon to provide critical services during challenging or
uncertain times. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, our Y closed its physical
doors and pivoted operations very quickly to meet emerging community needs like
essential childcare for the “life-sustaining” workforce, emergency
meals for children living with food insecurity, operation REACH to touch
populations to reduce social isolation and launched a virtual platform to
provide at-home tips and resources for all.
Before You Begin Health & Safety –
The Highmark Quad is here to help you focus on what matters most:
your health, your family and friends, and your community. Your health and
safety is very important to us.
Review national CDC guidelines on safe bicycling, running, swimming and skiing during COVID-19.
All registered participants will need to complete a COVID-19 participation waiver and accept the added question – acknowledging that all courses are open to traffic without aid stations or fire/police. Racing will not be encouraged by the Highmark Quad on any race course without traffic control.
Even with social distancing measures, it’s still best to fly solo for the time being. But share your plans with friends or family before going on your ride.
Make sure you have all that you need while out. Check your equipment before you leave the house – are tires inflated, is your bike running smooth. While bike shops are considered “essential businesses”, not all shops have stayed open. Some have limited hours. Plan ahead. Make sure your toolkit is properly stocked to handle any roadside repair that might come up. Be sure to wear all the appropriate equipment, and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Additional details will be sent out relating to each event – run, swim, and ski.
With hospitals and healthcare professionals overworked and overwhelmed as it is, take this time to keep your mind fresh and body healthy and active without going overboard.
We’re all going through a lot right now. A friendly smile or wave to fellow riders or pedestrians will be appreciated. Remember, we’re all in this together.
Participation
Fee
$35 for Quad Series and $10 for each individual
event. If you previously registered for
the 2020/2021 Quad Games at a higher price, you will be contacted by email with
options for adjusting your cost.
Overall
and Age Group Awards
Due to safety concerns we will not be offering
overall and age group awards in 2020. We
don’t want to encourage racing on open race courses without proper aid
stations, fire police and traffic control.
We will be offering appropriate competitions and fun contest at each
event.
Participant
and Championship Shirts
2020 participant shirts can be purchased at our
online apparel store. Anyone who
completes all four events will earn a Championship shirt (at no additional
cost).
The
Bike Event (July 1 – July 12)
Course: participants can ride any 12 mile course they please, including completing 12 miles on a stationary bike. The Quad Bike course will be marked and participants can ride complete their 12-miles on the original course. Please note that the course will be open to traffic with no additional traffic control or aid stations. All riders must follow regular traffic laws.
Submitting your Time: Big White Trailer will be setting up an online virtual submission form. Registered participants will need to submit their time using this form prior to midnight on July 12, 2020. You must submit a time to be eligible for the championship shirt and event contests or prizes.
After-Party: The Crossroads Diner in Edinboro will be donating a free takeout meal – burger and fries – to all registered participants. A meal voucher will be emailed to each registered participant prior to July 1, 2020. Please give them a lot of love on all our social media accounts!
Contests: Win gift certificates to the Crossroads Diner or the Quad Apparel Store, a Summer Access Pass to Mt. Pleasant, Quad Swag or a free registration for our 2021/2022 Quad Games.
Strava Segments – top rider and other random awards to those who post a time on our Strava segments along the course (they will be marked by July 1 or find them on Strava)
Photo Contest/Scavenger Hunt – while enjoying this year’s course (at a more casual pace) enjoy the scenery and have some fun! Take photos or selfies at the following locations and post on Facebook or Instagram. Be sure to tag the Highmark Quad.
The starting line….can you find it?!
A picture next to the 2nd largest sycamore tree in PA (hint – at the end of the first Strava segment)
Can you find a peacock? Or two? Please be respectful of the owner’s property and take your picture from the road. (hint – red barn)
It’s not time to ski yet, but take a selfie in front of the Mt. Pleasant sign! Get really adventurous and hike to the top of Chestnut (ski slope) for a little extra work out! Tag Mt. Pleasant in the post for a chance to win a Summer Access Pass.
Little White Church – Washington Valley Christian Church (hint – it’s a little off the course but visible around mile 5.5). Can you find it?!
The finish line – the most glorious site around!
A selfie in front of the Crossroads Diner Sign while you are picking up your FREE burger and fries after your ride. Tag the @crossroadsdiner when you pos this picture on Facebook for a chance to win a gift certificate to their restaurant.
Best costume – take your fun to the next level and dress up for your ride. Take a selfie and share on our Facebook page!
Family – Invite your family to join the fun or snap a family selfie (before, during or after the ride)
Riding Solo – stay safe and enjoy a solo ride. Take a selfie of yourself enjoying the ride or click a picture of your beautiful bike.
RULES:
This year’s Highmark Quad Bike course will be open to traffic without any
additional traffic control. We ask that you don’t race but enjoy a ride
while following all traffic rules. No aid stations or assistance will be
available on the course. Be respectful of neighbors and property along the
course.
Post selfies to the Highmark Quad Facebook page or tag @highmarkquad to be entered into prize drawings for the scavenger hunt/photo contest.
Please be respectful or property along the course. While taking pictures stay on the side of the road (or in a safe area) while not disrupting the property owners or property; but also be aware of traffic.
Be safe and have fun!
RaceJoy:
We will also be partnering with Big White Trailer to offer RaceJoy (sponsored
by UTZ Snacks) for all our registrants – have a virtual cheering section or
allow your biggest fans to follow your progress while riding the course. Please use all safety precautions when using
this app.
Safety: All Quad
courses in 2020 will be open to traffic without any additional traffic control
or aid stations. Please abide by all
traffic rules. Do not race on an open
course. Be sure to carry your cellphone with
you, in case of an emergency. Be sure to take any additional equipment with you
– water, sunscreen, etc.
The
Run Event (September 6 – September 20)
Course:
participants can complete any 5 or 3.1 mile course they please, including running/walking
on a treadmill. The Quad Run course will
be marked and participants can complete their run on the original course. Please note that the course will be open to
traffic with no additional traffic control or aid stations. All participants must follow regular traffic
laws.
Submitting your Time: Big White Trailer will be setting up an
online virtual submission form.
Registered participants will need to submit their time using this form
prior to midnight on September 20, 2020.
You must submit a time to be eligible for the championship shirt and
event contests or prizes.
After-Party: TBD
Contests:
TBD
Strava Segments – top runner and other
random awards to those who post a time on our Strava segments along the
course (they will be marked by September 6 or find them on Strava)
Photo
Contest/Scavenger Hunt – details
TBD
RaceJoy:
We will also be partnering with Big White Trailer to offer RaceJoy (sponsored
by AXA Advisors) for all our registrants – have a virtual cheering section or
allow your biggest fans to follow your progress while riding the course. Please use all safety precautions when using
this app.
Safety: All
Quad courses in 2020 will be open to traffic without any additional traffic
control or aid stations. Please abide by
all traffic rules. Do not race on an
open course. Be sure to take all
appropriate equipment with you – water, sunscreen, cellphone, etc.
The Swim Event (July 1 – December 31, 2020)
Due to the uncertainty of access to pools these
details are subject to change.
Course:
participants can swim 100 yards at any open facility. If pools are not open, we may change this
event to 100 yard rowing competition.
This event is subject to cancellation.
Submitting your Time: Big White Trailer will be setting up an
online virtual submission form.
Registered participants will need to submit their time using this form
prior to midnight on TBD. You must
submit a time to be eligible for the championship shirt and event contests or
prizes.
After-Party: TBD
Contests:
TBD
Safety: Always
swim with a buddy and follow all rules of the facility you are using. Be sure to take all appropriate equipment
with you – water, cellphone, etc.
The
Ski/Snowshoe Event (January 1 – February 14)
Course:
participants can ski or snowshoe any 5 or 2.5 mile course they please,
including the original course at Wilderness Lodge. The Wilderness Lodge Quad Ski and Snowshoe
courses may not be marked but a map will be provided along with other area
courses (example: Wainer Park). Please
note that the course will be open to other skiers/snowshoers with no aid
stations. All participants must follow rules
of the trails they are on.
Submitting your Time: Big White Trailer will be setting up an
online virtual submission form.
Registered participants will need to submit their time using this form
prior to midnight on February 14, 2020.
You must submit a time to be eligible for the championship shirt and
event contests or prizes.
After-Party: TBD
Contests: Strava Segments – top runner and other
random awards to those who post a time on our Strava segments along the
course (they will be marked by January 1 or find them on Strava)
Photo
Contest/Scavenger Hunt – details
TBD
Safety: We
always recommend that you ski/snowshoe and follow all rules of the facility you
are using. Be sure to take all
appropriate equipment with you – water, sunscreen, cellphone, etc.
Additional Details
If at any time our area moves into a phase that would allow us to host onsite events with all appropriate safety measures in place, we will consider adjusting our event(s) plan. Please Like us on Facebook or check our website often for the latest Highmark Quad announcements.
