Monday, February 21, 2011

Sno-Racin'!

Sno-Racin'! A 2-Stage Adventure Race
Date: March 26, 2011
Location: Porter's Lake, NS
Stages: ~10 km Trail Run / ~4 hrs Orienteering
Team Size: Teams of 2 or more, no categories specified
Contact: lowery.andrew@gmail.com
Registration: Available online at Atlantic Chip
Cost: $25 per racer
Schedule:
7:30 - 8:45 a.m.: On site registration / Check in (you have to check in even if you register online!
8:45 - 8:59 a.m.: Pre-race meeting / questions answered
9:00 a.m.: Trail Running Race Starts
12:00 p.m.: Orienteering Race Starts, maps & control sheets issued at start line
4:00 p.m.: Orienteering Race Ends
4:15 p.m.: Awards


More Details:
Trail running has been gaining momentum in Nova Scotia, and Adventure Race style orienteering has always been popular. I've decided to mate the two into a stage race to try and encourage some cross over between the two disciplines. This is also one of the first stage races that Nova Scotia has ever seen! I'm excited to try the race style and I look forward to it catching on for future events. In order to address all of the questions I'm sure this event will generate, I've put together an FAQ...

Where will the trail run be? How about that orienteering section?
In the spirit of adventure racing, these aren't usually revealed until the last minute. But because we're trying something new, the trail run will be on Crowbar Lake Trails, and the orienteering section will be in the trail system at the end of Myra Rd.

You mean where you hosted Storm the Beach AND the Snowgaine?
Yea... problem? Just kidding. I don't generally like repeating a venue like this, but with the proximity to Crowbar lake trails it was hard to pass up. Besides, there are a ton of trails in there that I haven't used yet, so you'll definitely cover some new ground.

Do we start orienteering as soon as we're done running?
No. The orienteering starts at 12:00 p.m.

Do teams have to stay together on the run?
No. The team's total time will be the sum of the two members, or in the case of a team of three or more, the sum of the fastest and slowest times.

What are the conditions like?
It's impossible for me to tell until the day before the race, it is Nova Scotia after all! Call me at 902-489-8096 anytime to get an update.

I don't know how to navigate, how will I do at the orienteering?
Poorly. But that doesn't mean you won't have fun! In general, the navigation will be intermediate. Controls that are more difficult will be identified by a higher point value.

I'm not a fast runner, how will I do on the trail run?
Poorly. But that doesn't mean you won't have fun! And then you can get'm with the maps!

Do we have to participate in both stages or can we just do one?
I would really like to see everyone participate in both since one of the goals of this event is to create some crossover between trail running and adventure racing. However, I won't turn anyone away. Be prepared for a pretty convincing phone call though! Unfortunately the registration cost will remain the same.

Are we allowed bikes during the orienteering section?
Yes.

What else are we allowed to use during the orienteering section?
Cross-country skis, snowshoes, regular shoes... and if you can think of anything else ask and I'll let you know!

Will there be any paddling during the orienteering section?
No.

Will the orienteering section take a full four hours? And do we have to be finished in four hours?
For most people the orienteering section will take longer than four hours, BUT you are required to be at the finish line no later than 4:00 p.m., which means some teams won't collect all of the controls. There will be penalties for tardiness, and the RCMP will be called at 4:30 p.m. if you're not out of the woods yet. Seriously.

What required gear is there?
None. But it is Nova Scotia law that you have matches, compass and a whistle on you in the woods. Also, it's law that you wear a helmet if you're riding your bike. And if you have any other questions about gear, just ask.

Will weather play a role in the schedule?
It's possible. The start of the orienteering may be delayed if conditions are such that the run times are exceptionally high.

5 comments:

  1. can a person use skis on the "run"?

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  2. Yes you may. I'll advise on conditions as they happen, and you can call me anytime on the day before at 902-489-8096.

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  3. Shit, just realized you meant on the 10 km run. You can use skis but they'd be quite useless. The trail is kind of like at Chignecto... all steep and technical singletrack. Snowshoes might be useful though. Hopefully there won't be much ice in which case some kind of spikes will be necessary. Again, I'll advise closer to the date.

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  4. karen misner/ TeKamps ChampsMarch 25, 2011 at 6:07 AM

    I signed up our team of three but didnt have my team mates info to add. I am not able to go back in and add it now. Is that a problem and can we just deal with it when we get there tomorrow?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Karen! That is no problem at all, that info is just for Atlantic Chip. In the event that your team-mates show up before you, tell them to say they are with you so I don't try shaking them down for the quid. Note that you guys ill have to sign some waivers tomorrow, but that's about it.

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