FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Adventure Racing?
Adventure racing is primarily comprised of mountain biking, trekking, paddling (SUP, inner tubes, canoes or kayaks), a few unique challenges, and of course, orienteering! Individuals (or teams) navigate their way through a course of unmarked wilderness and terrain in races extending anywhere from two hours up to two weeks in length. Participants are given guidelines (Rules of Travel) on how to locate the checkpoints that have been set throughout the course. The goal is to collect as many designated checkpoints as possible and cross the finish line within the time limit given.
Do I have to provide my own mountain bike?
Yes, you are responsible for your own bike, helmet and any repair items for your bike such as spare tubes, etc. If you need bike repairs on the course, it will be your responsibility.
I wear clip-in pedals. Should I bring running/athletic shoes to swap into when we transition to the on-foot section?
In most cases, yes. You’ll either start in them or change into them after you finish the bike section.
I need a teammate. What is the best way to secure one?
Email us! Most likely we know of someone also looking and we can help match you with a teammate!
Can we participate with a group? Can we work with other teams on the course?
You sure can! Feel free to buddy up with other teams, especially if you’re looking to have fun with a group of friends. And, if you are lost on the course, it helps to join forces to get un-lost! Each team must complete their own special challenges and turn in their passport (indicating completed checkpoints). You may not call, text or email other teams during the race.
What type of training is necessary for adventure racing?
It’s best to focus on basic mountain biking skills. It’s important to practice both uphill and downhill. You’ll also want to be able to do basic repairs to your bike on the course, if necessary.
TIP: You’ll want to train so that you have a comfortable pace trekking with the mandatory gear. Additionally, spend some time kayaking and/or canoeing (or rowing in your local gym). You will also want to work on very basic orienteering/navigation skills.
If I’ve never done anything like this before, how hard is it?
If you’re new to the sport you will most likely be out on the course for the duration of the race and you may not get to all of the checkpoints....BUT THAT'S OKAY! The courses are designed to challenge you! If you are new to adventure racing, talk with us! Let us help you set a realistic goal for you to achieve and with each race, let's move that bar higher!
Is it mandatory that team members stay together for the duration of the race?
The team must stay together at all times throughout the duration of the event.
How does the ranking of teams work?
The finish ranking is determined by the team who collects the most checkpoints in the fastest amount of time. For example, teams who get more checkpoints but finish later will be ranked ahead of those teams who collect less checkpoints and finish earlier.
Is there an age limit?
Racers generally must be at least 10 years old for any of our races that are a half-day or more, although we may allow exceptions after talking with the parent of the youth. If you are racing in one of our Family or Sprint Races, the minimum age is 8 years old. At least one team member must be 18 years old. Racers under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their waiver during online registration.
Can we bring our own paddling gear?
In most races we allow racers to bring their own watercraft and paddling gear. However, we do provide all watercraft and paddling gear unless otherwise specified.
What’s your advice with reading a map?
It is highly recommended that at least one member of your team be able to read and use a topographic map. Our maps are good quality and detailed, but having some general knowledge will help you and your team. You will need to determine distances on maps, and use basic compass skills. GPS units are not allowed at any point on the race course.