What to expect at a Steel Sports Adventure Race:
If you're new to adventure racing, you probably have a
ton of questions. This page shares some common aspects of all Steel Sports Adventure
Races. Specific race details, such as required gear, locations, etc. can be
found on each race's page.
What some of our racers had to say
These are a couple of evaluation comments by racers at
a recent event...
You all were
awesome! You helped us turn a frustrating start into an accomplished finish! Thanks
to your support we could see the fun in these races and will be back next year...but
watch out...we'll know how to read a map by then! ;)
Phat Free, 2004 Super Cooper Adventure Challenge
You are always
so positive and encouraging. I can't imagine a beginning racer finding a more compatible
place to do their 1st race, and yet you always mix it up enough to challenge the experienced
racers. I really like the special challenges, although I act like they are just killing
me (Julie). I like the way you combine legs, so it doesn't get too tedious. I have
yet to do one of your races that was not a fun challenge (or challenging fun?!?!?)
I look forward to your future races.
Weasel-B, 2004 Super Cooper Adventure Challenge
Arrival
When you arrive at the event, you will probably see our
"Transition Area" tent and banners. We call this a "Transition Area", because
this is where your team will "transition" between a events during the race.
Our Main Transition Area is where you will pick up race
instructions once the race has started. Most of the time, we post a "Welcome"
letter on Friday before the race. Feel free to read the letter, which will contain
a few details to help you get settled.
Before the race, you can reserve a campsite through the
state park, or you can visit these hotel websites to see if there is something close
to the park.
Before reserving, be sure the race does not have a "surprise" start time, which may
require that you be close to the starting line all night, in anticipation of the starting
horn.
Cost
The costs of each adventure race differs, as do the races and race extras. Typically,
the cost for the race is listed on a "per racer" basis; however, our multi-day races
are shown on a "per team" basis.
Though you will need to check the race page for differences, the elements usually
included in each race price are:
-
Race entry;
-
State Park entry (not always);
-
Event Sanctioning and Liability Insurance fees (not always);
-
Camping (on 12+ hour events, but not always);
-
T-shirts (guaranteed if registered by the pre-registration deadline);
-
Swag -- E-caps products, magazines and other sponsor items;
-
Post-race meal (usually on 12+ hour events, but not always);
-
Race Maps;
-
Divisional and Finisher awards;
There are other administrative expenses included in the cost of a race that do not
directly impact your race experience.
Race License and Sanctioning
SteelSports.net, LLC uses AR Resources or USARA for our sanctioning body and we obtain race
insurance through another insurance company. USARA events require an additional fee and waiver.
Race Categories or Divisions
Our races are open to pretty much every category, between 2 - 4 racers per team.
Some of our races will also allow solo participants.
Categories of teams with five or more teams will be eligible for divisional prizes.
We usually do not purchase additional awards, unless the division fills up with 5+
teams.
Boats
Teams may use any non-motorized canoe or kayak that they want during the race.
You may bring your own boat, or rent a boat from a vendor of your choosing.
If you tell us before the event, we can even bring an inflatable tandem kayak with
PFDs and paddles for you to use FREE.
Disciplines
Each race is different and you may not know details until you arrive; however, some
common elements of each race are hiking, mountain biking and paddling. You don't
have to have the best equipment in the world to have fun. Just be comfortable
with what you use!
Within each discipline, you will be required to wear the appropriate safety equipment,
such as a helmet while biking and a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) while on the
water.
Navigation
Most of our adventure races also contain "navigation". Teams will be given an
instruction sheet for the next leg. The sheet will contain UTM coordinates at
which a Checkpoint can be found in one column, then hints (if necessary) and then
a column with the means of transportation to reach that checkpoint (CP).
Teams will be required to plot, or mark, that CP location on the maps we provide (usually
UTM gridlines on 1:24000 scale). Then teams will have to use the map and compass
to move themselves from their current location, to the next CP.
Plotting the UTMs is pretty easy, if you have a grid ruler (1:24000 scale) and a pen
or pencil. It's a matter of finding an intersecting point using columns and
rows. We all did this in elementary school on graph paper.
The more difficult task is to use the map and compass to direct yourselves in the
right location. A good book for reference on this sport is "Orienteering:
The Sport of Navigating with Map & Compass" by Steven Boga, available
at Amazon.com and other locations.
One of the easiest ways to think about learning to navigate with a topo map is that
you use the same skills that you use to read a city map. Pay attention to landmarks
that you expect to see, before reaching your desired location. For example,
if you are driving in a new city and want to get to a certain store, you could print
a map from Yahoo. While driving, you would look for red lights, big roads that
you should cross, before reaching your road. You do the same thing you do with
a topo map, but you look for different kinds of landmarks, such as creeks, hill tops,
fence lines, power lines, etc.
Remember to always "orient" your map to the North with your compass, before heading
out toward your destination.
Transition
Your team will have the opportunity before the race to set up your personal transition
area. Most teams usually have an "easy-up" tent with no walls, a desk and chairs.
You will come back to your transition area between each race discipline to load up
on liquids and food. During most events, you will also use this time to plot
your new UTM Checkpoint coordinates on your map and get the equipment you need to
tackle the section.
One person usually reads the instructions for the next leg aloud to other teammates,
so they will know what is next and can get their equipment together.
Many times, teams can judge how long they will be away from the transition area, by
how far the Checkpoints are away. Be sure to take plenty of food and water.
As you race more, you will get a better idea of what you "need", but it's better to
be safe than sorry.
Support
In most races, teams are welcome to have support persons assist them with food, drink,
clothing while they are in their transition area; however, support persons are not
allowed to assist teams while they are away from the transition area.
Support crews are also welcome to watch their team compete in a discipline away from
the TA, but they should NEVER speak or gesture to their team. This would be
cause for disqualification.
Results
In our 12 hour or longer events, we usually offer a Real-time Leaderboard on the internet,
so your friends and family can watch your progress through the race, even if they
can't make it to the race site!
The official results of the race are usually posted by Tuesday on this website.
General Rules
-
No personal GPS devices are allowed to be used during the race;
-
Be NICE!
-
No foul language toward other racers or staff;
-
If another racer needs assistance, please ask and assist. We will gladly give
you a time credit if you are helping another back to safety, who otherwise would be
in peril.
General Equipment:
Outside of the required gear list on race pages, there are some basic gear that teams
usually bring:
