Clinic scheduled

For anyone who is new to the sport of adventure racing and wants to learn about it and basic navigation prior to the race, one of our sponsors, Paddle & Trail of Loves Park, IL, (who is providing the boats for the race), is hosting a clinic next Sunday, May 22nd at 10:00 A.M. We will be going over what adventure racing is about, some of our team's past experiences. We will also be going over basic navigation and plotting maps using UTM coordinates.

If you are interested, please email us ASAP so we know how many people will be attending. We will also have registration forms there for teams who wish to register for the race on June 25th as well.

Interest in navigation clinic?

For those that may be new to the sport of adventure racing, I am considering having an "Adventure Racing 101/navigation" clinic sometime prior to the race.  It would most likely be on a Saturday morning.  We will discuss what adventure racing is, basic navigation using topographical maps (like the ones you will use for the race) and plotting UTM coordinates.  After the "classroom" instruction, we would go out and do some navigation field practice.  If you are interested in attending, please drop me an e-mail ASAP so I can get something scheduled.  There would be a nominal fee ($5) to cover the costs of maps and supplies.

Estimated distances

A number of people have asked if we could post the estimated distances for each section.  Keep in mind these are only a rough estimate and will depend on each teams navigation.

Paddling:  4-6 miles
Biking:     20-30 miles
Trekking:  6-10 miles
Trail run:   2-3 miles

Plotting CPs with UTM coordinates

We thought it might be a good idea to throw a couple of good websites out there for rookie teams that might not be familiar with UTM coordinates or how to plot them. 

http://www.maptools.com/UsingUTM/

http://www.archronicles.com/3001.html

http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/475/PMS475_chap6b.pdf

The maps you will be using for the majority of the race will be 1:24000 scale.  This is the scale most common for navigation in adventure races.  This will be the scale that teams will use to plot the CPs (5 or less.)  A 1:24000 scale UTM grid tool will be provided to each team.  The trekking/orienteering section will be using 1:15000 scale but no CPs in this section will have to be plotted.  Feel free to use the forum for questions on plotting.

Race Accomodations

There are 2 hotels in Dixon, the Super 8 and the Comfort Inn.  Both are located just off Interstate 88 on the south side of Dixon and are a few minutes drive from the race start location.

There are also a few hotels located in Rock Falls which is about 15 miles SW of Dixon.  These are also located just off the interstate.
There are a number of nearby state parks that offer camping for a reasonable fee.  The nearest is White Pines State Park.  White Pines is about 15-20 minutes from the race start.

Mandatory Gear List

Biking Section

·         Mountain Bike

·         Spare Inner Tube (1 per person)

·         Tire pump (1 per team)

·         Bike Tool (1 per team)

·         Bike Helmet

Canoeing Section

·         PFD (USGS Approved Type III) per person

·         Paddle (canoe or kayak)

Gear to be carried at ALL times by all team members:

·         Hydration system – 70 oz. minimum

·         Folding Knife

·         Water resistant jacket

·         Whistle

·         Lighter or waterproof matches

·         Emergency Blanket

·         Backpack sized to fit mandatory gear

Gear to be carried at ALL times by ONE person:

·         (2) 4”x4” gauze pads

·         Roll of ½” medical tape or duct tape

·         3” Ace Bandage

·         (2) Safety pins

·         (10) Anti-inflammatory tablets (Ibuprofen)

·         Cell phone

·         Waterproof case for cell phone

·         (2) Compasses

·         Waterproof Map Case

Recommended gear:

·         Long pants or tights for trekking

·         Hat

·         Bug spray

·         Bike gloves

·         Sunglasses or safety glasses

·         Sunscreen

·         Change of clothes

·         Rain gear

Boats will be provided. 

Tentative Race Schedule

Tentative Race Schedule:    June 25, 2011

5:30 A.M.     Race Check-in  (Located by the band shell in Page Park Dixon, IL near Dixon High School)

7:15 A.M.     Pre-Race Briefing

8:00 A.M.     Race Start

4:00 P.M.     Race Cut-off (All teams must be off race course)

5:00 P.M.     Post-Race Dinner, Prizes, & Awards