Welcome to Adventure Racing Part 1
Here I am following an experienced teammate in my first adventure race a decade ago.
With the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge drawing closer and finding that about half of our registrants are first-time adventure racers, I thought it would be helpful to share a bit of what to expect in this unique sport. This is the first of a two blog series to welcome newbies to the sport where I’ll share what I’ve learned since I was brand new to the sport a decade ago.
1) What is adventure racing?
The premise of adventure racing is that participants (typically a team of 2-4) use a map and compass to navigate through an unmarked course using several disciplines. These disciplines are usually on foot (running, hiking bushwhacking), on bike (paved & unpaved road, off-road, and sometimes even hike-a-bike), and paddling (usually canoe but longer races may include packrafting) for a non-winter event. If you aren’t familiar with adventure racing, check out the links below for more info.
2) Don’t be intimidated
Navigating on a bike adds a new element to bike rides!
Perusing an adventure race website and seeing gear lists, unsupported, no GPS allowed, and multi-disciplinary, may intimidate a potential first-time adventure racer, but don’t miss out on one of the most unique sports! Even though these races span several hours, the distances covered are attainable as the pace is much slower than any other type of race. And you’ll get far more mileage from the stories you share from your experiences.
3) Plan to get hooked!
Longer races often have more gear to handle at transition areas.
Many of you were intrigued with the resurrection of the Eco-Challenge, and that’s wonderful (and if you haven’t checked it out be sure to)! This sport is so unique. Every time you toe the start, you’ll have a brand new adventure. Not only that, but you experience every moment with teammates (you are required to stay together the entire race, so choose your teammates wisely - more on that in part 2!).
4) Self-supported
Part of the adventure is that you’re mostly on your own. Not only is the course unmarked, but you must provide your own gear, food, and usually hydration. Don’t worry, race directors provide a list of required gear to make sure you have a safe and fun experience. Plus there’s multiple transition areas along the course that you check in with volunteers, so you’re not left to fend for yourselves out in the wilderness the entire race.
Adventure racing allows you to experience the entire race with teammates exploring areas off-the-beaten path.
Going into my first adventure race, I was worried about packing enough food to last the duration of the course (I eat a lot, so my arm would often get tired carrying my lunch bag into work!). After gaining some experience, I now have a recipe to pack about 250 calories per hour of racing and have yet to run out of nutrition in a race.
More ahead
Check out more tips in Part 2!
Related posts:
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