Timber Wolf Update #1

Hello Racers, Hope all of you are getting excited for the race. We’ve got a great route planned for ya. We’re planning on a loop course. Throughout it, you’ll be canoeing over fast waters, trekking through wet hilly terrain, and biking on a scenic trail. There is still about 20” of snow in the woods (as of 25 March 08) and the ground will be saturaded with water come end of April. This means the river will be running strong, the bike trail will be muddy, and you’ll encounter many ephemeral streams at full flow throughout you orienteering. It’s going to be a great race for the spring. Keep an eye on the weather before you come on down so you'll be able to properly dress. Keep in mind that race start is 7:15 and registration will start at 5:45.
There is lodging available in the area of the race start and in Philips. Right near the race start where the Flambeau River crosses Cty Hwy W Big Bear Lodge offers cabins for rent ($55 for 2 people up to $90 for six); so check out their website for reservations (http://www.bigbearlodgeww.com/). Big Bear is providing both our canoes and catering at the end of the race. In Philips there are many hotels (click hotels for a list to choose from).
As I eluded to earlier, canoes will be provided for teams. This will allow for everyone to be on a level playing field. Regular paddles and life vest will also be provided for all as well, but if you wish to use your own paddle or a more comfortable life jacket then bring it along. We’ll make sure everyone gets their gear back.
Just a little more info on the course…There will be some substantial orienteering on foot where you’ll be navigating over and/or around streams, hills, and swamps. We’ll be using a combination of aerial photos and topography maps for this race to capitalize on these features. Throughout the course we’ll have a variety of team challenges and gear checks to keep your mind sharp and your preparation honest. We’ll be driving your bikes to a remote location so make sure you snap your bike helmet to your bike before you drop off your bike for transport. Click on Connors Lake to get a map of how to reach the start/finish area of the race. On the morning of the race, I’ll introduce you to all of the volunteers and give a very detailed course description. There is one secret I’ll shed right now that you’ll want to keep in mind for the race. We’ll once again have the rule that teams will get 1 minute subtracted off their total time for every piece of garbage they pick up (limit 20 pieces). However, the teams who get the most or all of the checkpoints will be place above all others regardless of time.
Lastly, we have this race sanctioned by the United States Adventure Racing Association (USARA). This means that all racers must purchase or show proof of insurance (by membership card) on the morning of the the race. Your options are as follows: purchase a single event license ($8/racer) for the 2008 Timber Wolf Adventure Race; or purchase a one year USARA membership for $35 a racer (includes one year subscription to the Adventure World Magazine, and easy registration for other USARA events in that year. Remember ALL RACERS MUST PURCHASE USARA LICENSE (1 YEAR OR SINGLE EVENT) ON THE MORNING OF THE RACE. Sorry if I scared you with my bold all caps writing...just wanted to make it clear :-)

Any questions, don't hesitate to email me at mhalv839@uwsp.edu. or just make a comment here.


Thanks and keep working out hard,

Mark Halvorson
President
Adventure Racing Club
University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Gear List

Mandatory Team Gear:
- Waterproof map case
- Writing Utensil
- Compass ( 2 per team)
- Knife
- Cell phone
- Waterproof container for cell phone
- Waterproof matches or lighter
- Tire pump
- Bike multi-tool
- Tire lever
- Chain repair

- First Aid Kit:
- ¾” X 4’ medical tape
- Alcohol Swab (4)
- ¾” Adhesive Bandages (4)
- Mole Skin (1” X 1” minimum)
- Antibiotic Ointment packet (2)
- Oral Pain Reliever (2 adult doses)
- Electrolyte Replacement Tablets



Personal Mountain Bike Gear:
- Mountain bikes w/ mountain or hybrid tires only
- Approved Mountain Bike Helmet
- Spare tube
- Rear Light



Full Time Mandatory Personal Gear:
- 60 oz. Fluid container
- Whistle
- Long pants
- Waterproof jacket
- Long sleeve sythentic shirt
~ Bug Spray~highly recommended this spring but not mandatory~

Rules

Timber Wolf Adventure Race Rules
April 26, 2008 – UWSP Adventure Racing Club

1. All racers are expected to be examples of good sportsmanship. Racers must treat fellow racers & race staff with courtesy and respect.
PENALTY: Strict penalties will be assessed for unsportsmanlike behavior based on the infraction.
2. Teams must assist fellow teams in need of medical attention.
PENALTY: Strict penalties will be assessed for non assistance based on the infraction.
3. Teams must always remain within 30 yards of teammates & within visual contact (unless otherwise specified). PENALTY: First offense 30 minutes / 2nd offense Disqualification.
4. All team members must check in together at each Check Point (CP) and Transition Area (TA). If one member must leave the course, they must do so at a CP or TA and notify race management. If a team leaves a teammate out on the course that team will be immediately disqualified and not allowed to continue unofficially. Incomplete teams may continue unranked. A single person must join with another team who commits to staying with that new racer. Incomplete or single racers must carry the mandatory team gear.
5. Passports must be carried the entire race. PENALTY: Lost passport – Disqualification, but you may finish the race.
6. Race numbers must be worn on the outside of clothing at all times, except while paddling. Race bibs do not have to be worn over packs.PENALTY: 30 minutes per offense.
7. Teams must punch passport in correct space at each CP.PENALTY: Incorrect punch or failure to punch, team will not receive credit for that CP and 30 minutes.
8. Teams that miss a CP will be ranked after teams that obtain all CPs provided that all CPs are in the correct spot. Missing a CP is defined as not going to a CP. Being short coursed is the same as missing a CP for the CPs that team does not acquire due to short coursing. Teams will not be penalized for missing a CP if it is placed over 30 meters from the location of the CP as shown on the map.
9. For any CP or Team Challenge missed a half hour penalty will be assessed.
10. Race officials reserve the right to alter time cut-offs or the course itself to accommodate changing conditions and to ensure that teams finish on time. If your team is re-routed or there are other course changes, teams must sign the check-in sheet to acknowledge they understand the course change.
11. Mandatory gear must be carried at all times and will be checked on the course. PENALTY: 10 minutes for each piece of missing gear.
12. No GPS of any kind including GPS pace counters are allowed.PENALTY: Disqualification.
13. No weapons.(Race gear not included)
PENALTY: Disqualification
14. Teams may bring their own paddles, and PFDs (however they will provided). PFDs must be worn at all times while paddling. PENALTY: For not wearing PFD - Disqualification.
15. Bicycle helmets are required at all times during the cycling portion as well as during the fixed ropes portion of the race.PENALTY: For not wearing bike helmet – Disqualification
16. Racers must follow Rules of Travel as outlined in Course Instructions. Where no specific path is designated, teams select their path between CPs. When instructions designate a specific route, teams must follow that path. PENALTY: For travel on forbidden roads, trespassing, or violating Rules of Travel first offense 30 minutes / 2nd offense - Disqualification. (UNLESS SPECIFIED OTHERWISE).
17. Race officials may provide water at some TAs. There is no Food / Gear Drop unless specified by Race Officials. Athletes may not receive outside assistance except from Race Officials & other registered teams. This event is for you and your teammate to work on together!PENALTY: Disqualification
18. NO LITTERING! Leave no trace!PENALTY: 30 minutes per infraction.
19. Litter picked up during the race will be rewarded.
REWARD: 1 minute per piece at official discretion. Limit: 20 pieces.
20. Use of cellular phone is for emergencies only. No other use is allowed.PENALTY: Disqualification
21. Race officials reserve the right to remove a team from the course for health, safety or other reasons, at the discretion of race officials and medical personnel.
22. Any team withdrawing from the race must notify a “live” person by checking in with a CP or TA volunteer. Failing to notify race officials will result in that team being responsible for all search and rescue expenses.
23. Any protest must be filed in writing within one hour of the team’s finish and will be reviewed by the Race Committee.