The hills won't get any smaller and the route won't get any shorter, but at least the numbers have been turned around, which counts for something.

Riders competing in this year's York 38 Special will gain a psychological boost by starting at mile 38 and watching the numbers decrease to zero -- the finish line -- as they concourse each mile.

In years past, the route started at mile one and counted up from there, leaving mathematically challenged bikers, most of them breathing heavy from the 3,000-foot climb, wondering how much further they had to ride.

";We turned the numbers around based on rider comments," said committee member Tina Limon. ";It's a countdown now, so it's less demoralizing."

Turning the numbers around isn't the only change to the growing race. The event now includes a 13-mile family ride suitable for young children. The new addition takes riders from the York Fire Hall to Vigilante Campground and back.

";So many parents said they wanted to ride this shorter ride and still get a T-shirt," Limon said. ";We had so many people ask for a shorter ride that wasn't restricted to children. So we opened the Lucky 13 up to anyone."

While the Lucky 13 becomes York's newest option, the traditional 38 Special over the Big Belts remains the most popular course. The challenging Spirit of 76 is also growing in popularity, attracting riders from as far away as Kila, Montana.

In the six years since the race debuted as a fundraiser for the York Volunteer Fire Department, it has grown from 40 riders to 149. With the Meriwether fire smoldering in 2007, participation dropped to 114 riders.

Barring another fire season, however, supporters believe this year's race could attract 200 riders. Plans are in place to grow the race in the coming years, going a long ways in benefiting the local VFD, which bought new radios last year with race proceeds.

";We went back to the Forest Service and got permission to go up to 500 riders," Limon said. ";But we'd need a lot more volunteers to pull that off."

A committee of eight began working on this year's race back in February. The night before the race, volunteers will erect checkpoint awnings and distribute snacks -- cookies and homemade granola -- at aid stations set up along the course.

After the race, the York Bar will serve its legendary burgers and beer to those who register. The bar has agreed to serve food outside to anyone who cannot enter the establishment.

";They say the trail is in better shape than it's been in years," Limon said. ";As long as there are no fires, it should be great. We've had more rain, so we still have green. We'll be good to go."

IN GEAR

The York 38 Special mountain bike race takes place Saturday, Aug. 22.

- Riders check in at the York Fire Hall beginning at 6:30 a.m.

- Riders embark between 7-9 a.m, or 6:30 a.m. for cyclocross teams.

- While refreshments are offered at several aid stations along the course, riders should come prepared with water, sunscreen and other gear.

- Race applications can be found at Big Sky Cyclery, Great Divide Cyclery, Capital Sports and the York Bar, or log on to www.york38special.com.

Reporter Martin Kidston: 447-4086 or mkidston@helenair.com