FAQ
The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.
What is an adventure race?
From the great Wiki, “Adventure racing is a combination of two or more endurance disciplines, including orienteering (if an orienteering map is used) and/or navigation (when non-orienteering maps are used), cross-country running, mountain biking, paddling and climbing and related rope skills. An expedition event can span ten days or more, whereas sprints can be completed in a matter of hours. There is typically no “dark period” (a scheduled break in the race) during races, irrespective of length; competitors must choose if or when to rest.
Adventure racing historically required teams to be of a specified size and to include both men and women, but many races no longer restrict team size and include single-sex divisions. Some also include age-based categories.
Is the race format point to point or Rogaine?
The Epic is a mix of navigation styles. The first portion of the race is point-to-point. The latter portion of the race will be Rogaine style where there will be options to get additional checkpoints in any order.
The Sprint and Family races will require you to find checkpoints in a set order. This is known as point-to-point navigation.
What kind of bike do I need?
For the Sprint and Epic you will need a mountain bike for all bike stages of the race. Cyclo-cross and road bikes are not permitted. Ideally the mountain bike will have front suspension.
For the family race you can use any bike that has two wheels (or even three).
Do I need a bike helmet?
On any of the biking sections you and everyone on your team will be required to wear a bike helmet. No helmet, no riding.
I want to enter the Family race but some team members may not be able to ride a bike. Can I still enter?
We want everyone to come out and have fun. If you can not ride a bike, no problem, just do the canoe and trekking section. Don’t want to canoe, no problem, skip the canoe and do that section by bike or trekking. To be eligable for prizes and ranking you must do all the diciplines but there will be other give aways and prizes for all teams that compeate in the Family race. Entrance fees will be the same low rate no matter how you tackle the course.
Do I need bike lights?
For the Epic your bike must be equipped with a rear blinking light that must be on at all times when you are riding on public roads. Front lights that have a minimum run time of 12 hours are also required.
Lights are not required for the Sprint and Family races.
Any tips for a paricular light?
For the Epic you will need a light that you can use for trail riding in the dark. The first section of the riding will be during daylight but the second section of riding may well be in the early hours of Sunday morning depending on your pace throughout the race. If you have done some research you will have found there area massive amount of different lights that available. We have gone to the DiNotte 200L as our go to adventure racing light. It is bright, reasonably priced, and also runs off AA batteries so during long night sections you don’t have to worry about recharging or carrying a heavy second battery. You can also almost always scrounge up a few AA batteries from somewhere even if it is the middle of nowhere. You can find the light details here.
Will there be water stops or areas where water is available throughout the course (especially during the bike ride)?
There will be some areas to refill water. There will be one official water refill area on the course. It is highly recommend to have water treatment tablets with you so that you can take advantage of “natural” water resources.
Is the race setup with transition areas (places that we will return to and for us to store food/supplies to be used during different legs) or is it a single start and finish (take everything with you)?
There will be a main transition area. You can expect to be away from this for at least 12 hours so you will need to carry enough supplies (food) to keep you going for this amount of time.
Will there be SAG areas with food/water/etc. located throughout the course?
There is one one official water area. Plan to carry all food and water (or means to gather and treat water) for at least 12 hours of racing.
Can family/friends pass food/water to competitors?
No. No outside assistance is allowed. Outside assistance of any kind will be grounds for disqulaification. You can get assistance from other teams.
Can the required bike kit be stored on a bike and carried during the bike legs only, or does it have to be carried during the run, orienteering and canoe sections?
You only need to have the bike equipment while on the bike. Bike shoes and helmet can also be stored with the bike.
I need to find some team mates. Can you help?
There is a discussion forum on the Rev3Adventure Facebook page that will help participants for teams. Click here to see the discussion forum.
Do I need a support crew?
All the races are unsupported. No outside assistance is allowed.
What are the lengths of the different disciplines?
- For the Epic, biking will be approximately 40-60 miles, canoeing will be approximately 28 miles, trekking will be between 20 and 50 miles.
- For the Sprint, biking will be approximately 10-15 miles, canoeing will be approximately 3 miles, and trekking will be between 5 and 15 miles.
- For the Family race, biking will be approximately 3-4 miles, canoeing will be approximately 3 miles, and trekking will be between 2 and 4 miles.
All distances may vary depending on your route choice.
I am a soloist, what type of boat will I get?
Soloists will be provided with a kayak for the paddle section with a PFD and paddle. All other teams will be provided with a 17′ canoe, PFDs and a single blade paddle for each team member. You are permitted to use your own paddle and/or PFD. No personal boats are allowed.
Do you have more information on the course?
Detailed descriptions for all the races can be found at the following links:
Epic
Sprint
Family
How much navigation/map reading will be involved?
For the Epic you will be required to navigate using various types of maps. Some coordinates will already be plotted; others will have to be plotted using UTM coordinates. Map and compass skills will be required to locate some of the checkpoints. Mandatory checkpoints will be able to be located with minimal map and compass skills.
For the Sprint no plotting will be required. All checkpoints will be provided on the map. There may be some checkpoints off the trail that require map and compass skills to locate.
For the Family race all checkpoints will be plotted on the map and located on trails that will be easy to find. Little or no map and compass skills will be required.
How technical is the mountain bike?
For the Epic and Sprint there is a mix of single track, gravel fire road and pavement. Depending on route choice, the terrain will vary. There will be a section of mountain biking on single track. The single track section requires little technical skills but will involve some short steep climbs, loose surface, and small obstacles.
For the Family race the biking will be on flat gravel or dirt trails and fire roads.
What equipment do I need?
Mandatory gear lists can be found at the following links:
Epic gear
Sprint gear
Family gear
Click here for a sample list of additional equipment that you may find useful in addition to the mandatory equipment.
Do I need a First Aid Kit?
You will need to bring you own first aid kit as part of your mandatory gear. We recommend the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight .7 (http://www.rei.com/product/695383). This has all the required medical supplies.
Do I need a dry bag?
It is mandatory to have a method of keeping your gear dry. Two suggested methods of keeping your kit dry:
- Have smaller dry bags inside your pack. This will also help organize your kit. You can pick up a 3 pack of water tight bags from Walmart for about $10. One draw back to this method is that if your bag gets wet the contents stay dry but your bag may hold water and gain weight.
- Have a dry bag large enough to put your whole pack in. This way if it gets wet, everything stays dry. The draw back is that you have to carry a dry bag large enough to put your pack in adding to weight.
During the Epic you will be on the river for 5-8 hours. Even if you don’t capsize there will be water sitting in the bottom of the boat where your bag will be sitting. Keeping your gear dry is essential to having a happy and successful adventure. Weather is also a factor and if it rains, you need to keep your kit dry.
Why have mandatory equipment?
Most of the mandatory equipment is required to help you complete the course safely in the event you have an emergency or mechanical issue. Usually the longer the race and the more time you spend on the course, more equipment is needed to do this. The mandatory gear also plays an important part of our overall safety plan for all the events.
What is a PDF?
A PDF is a Personal Flotation Device or Life Jacket. This will be provided and must be worn at all times during the canoe section.
What is a Space Blanket?
A space blanket (also known as a mylar blanket, first aid blanket, emergency blanket, thermal blanket, or weather blanket) is a blanket used in emergencies to reduce heat losses in a person’s body caused by thermal radiation, water evaporation, and convection. You can get one from any good major outdoor retailer, such as Appalachian Outdoors Adventures or REI, or order them online at REI at http://www.rei.com/product/407104.
Is there food or water on the course?
There will be water/drinks on all the courses, but you should plan to carry a water bottle or a hydration system. For the Epic race you will need to carry enough food and water throughout the entire race that will sustain you for at least up to 12 hours.
How do I sign up for the fun?
Sign up online at active.com or click here for a mail entrance form. For links to Active.com see the 2012 Rev3 Adventure Calendar, click on the race you want to enter, and then click the register button.
Is there an age limit?
For the Sprint and Epic race all racers must be 16 or older. For the Family race you must have a least one team member who is younger than 16 and one older than 18.
Can I bring my own paddle/boat/PDF?
No personal boats are allowed. Personal PDFs and paddles are permitted but must be transported by teams. Boats, paddles, and PDFs will be provided and are included as part of your entry fee. If you bring your own PFD and paddle, there is no reduction in the cost of entry fee.
Is there a rope section?
There is no rope section is this year’s races.
Do I need to stage or transport equipment on the course?
No staging of equipment is required or allowed. For the Family race you will need to pre-stage your bikes. More information will be available on this closer to race day.
Are there cut-off times?
There is a cut-off time in the Epic race. Details will be explained during the pre-race brief.
Will there be a pre race brief?
Yes. The Epic pre-race brief will be held on Friday night after packet pickup at Appalachian Outdoors Adventures in Luray. There will also be last-minute updates and additional information given out 15 minutes prior to the start of all the races.
USARA, Checkpoint Tracker, East Coast Adventure Racing Series. What are they?
Adventure racing is a growing sport and over the past few years different race series that tie together different events across the country and world have been formed. USARA is the longest-running series. You can register your team to be part of the series online at www.usara.com. The Epic is a USARA national qualifier, and the Sprint will allow teams to earn points toward their ranking. This means that the winning team will qualify for a free spot in the USARA finals being held in New York in October 2012. Finishing teams will also earn points toward the ranking in the series.
Checkpoint Tracker is in its third year and also ties together different Adventure Race events across the country. The Epic will allow teams to accumulate points that will determine if they can compete in the Checkpoint Tracker finals in West Virginia in 2012. You must register you team at www.checkpointtracker.com to be part of the series.
The East Coast Adventure Racing Series (ECARS) is in its second year and is a rapidly expanding series. the ECARS focuses on different AR events on the East Coast. Point winners in the series stand to win a large cash prize and sponsorship gear. The Epic is excited to be part of the fledgling East Coast Series. See http://eastcoastadventureracing.com/ for more deatils on the ECARS.
I have never done a 24-hour race before. Is the Epic suitable for me?
A 24-hour race is not something to take lightly, but if you are fit and spend a decent amount of time in the saddle of a bike or running trials, a 24-hour race is a great way to challenge yourself both physically and mentally. If you have never done an Adventure Race before and want to see what it is all about, try doing the Sprint race. It is shorter than the Epic but still covers all the same disciplines (mountain biking, canoeing, trekking, and navigation).
Are there shower facilities?
Yes! Shower facilities with warm water are available for your use after the race at three locations in Shenandoah River State Park.
Where can I stay?
Shenandoah River State Park has cabins, an RV site, and tent sites. They can be reserved and booked on line here.
Quality Inn, Front Royal – Mention Rev3 and get discounted rate of $62 plus tax (total $68.82) per night for a double occupancy 2 double beds room – www.qualityinn-frontroyal.com
Holiday Inn, Front Royal
Hampton Inn, Front Royal
Super 8 Motel, Front Royal
What’s the cost?
Early registration ends January 31st 2011. Links and costs for the races can be found on the 2012 Rev3 Adventure calendar
What are Rev3 Adventure’s refund, transfer and cancellation policies?
Refund policy: No refunds under any circumstances. Registered teams/soloists cancelling 30 days prior to race date will receive 100% credit minus $25 administration fee for any future event. Cancellations less than 30 days prior to race date will receive a 50% credit minus a $25 administration fee for any future races. Credits are good for one year from the race date.
Credits can be used for any single future race. Any difference in price must be paid and no refunds or additional credits will be made if the credit exceeds the deferred fee.
Transfer policy: Entrant’s changing class (solo to team, three person to two person, etc.) must notify Rev3 Adventure 14 days prior to race date. Entry swag (T-shirt, etc.) cannot be guaranteed in the event extra team members are added. Additional fees must be paid at the current registration rate. No refunds or credits will be given in the event of transfers or changes to team.
Event change and cancellation policy: Rev3 Adventure reserves the right to alter, postpone, or cancel any race for safety concerns. In the event the race is cancelled, no refunds or credits will be provided. In the event a participant cannot attend a rescheduled date, no refunds or credits will be provided.
