I'm a first-time team captain. How do I go about setting up a team?
Get ready for a great time! As a 160km one-way route (~80 km for the partial relay), the race does require some support; no leaving a car at the start line and finishing where you started! So you'll want at least one dedicated support person to move people along the course, or a highly coordinated team of racers to pass a vehicle around. The full relay has been completed by a team of as few as 2 people, and team sizes max out at 15 (2 canoers, 1 participant each for every leg in between) and every team size in between. With a mix of trail running, mountain biking, and road biking, there's something for everyone! Recruit your outdoorsy friends, register your team, and invite them to join!
What does each team need for gear?
This is not an inclusive list, but some essentials:
- A method of transporting participants to the start line and every checkpoint in between
- A canoe with single-blade canoe paddles, approved life jackets, and a safety kit (bailer, whistle or a horn, and rope)
- A headlamp/chest lamp and rear-facing red flasher for any segments run/cycled after dark
- Ample snacks and hydration
- Bicycle(s) for cycling legs (ebikes are not allowed!)
- Bicycle repair kit (flats happen!)
- Not essential, but a team uniform can be fun :)
How do I know what time to be at my starting point?
To be sure, this is key to your team’s success! It is difficult to predict with accuracy how long it will take your teammates to complete the stages ahead of your start. Each team can come up with their own solution but a suggestion is to have teammates phone in when they finish their stage. They can call a Team Manager, who will coordinate with each remaining member, or directly notify the person that is to start several stages following. Remember to allow for travel time and set up time.
What if we don't have a canoe?
Teams are responsible for their own canoe, paddles, life jackets or personal floatation devices (PFDs), and mandatory safety kits. Many outdoor outfitter stores offer rentals. We will email participants if we are able to help source canoes, but teams should register anticipating the need to secure their own canoe.
What style of canoe can I use?
Racers must use a "standard non-racing style canoe, lake-worthy for possible wavy conditions, with single blade canoe paddles." No kayaks or kayak paddles are allowed. A Canadian-government approved personal floatation device (PFD) of appropriate size is mandatory. Remember to put your phone and any other valuables in a waterproof sack, after all this an Adventure Relay
What's should be in our boat "Safety Kit"?
Boat safety kit must include: a bailer, whistle or a horn and rope. If you are bringing your cell phone please remember to put your phone and any other valuables in a waterproof floatable sack.
When I have completed my stage, what do I do for transportation?
Transportation to and from checkpoints is the responsibility of each team. You should arrange in advance for a ride from a teammate. Teams will often "leapfrog" a car along the course, or otherwise engage support people in vehicles to get athletes where they need to be.
Is it okay to leave belongings at the start of my stage?
We don't recommend leaving anything unattended. Your belongings are your responsibility. Arrange with a teammate to take care of your belongings.
What if I get hurt?
Event Officials will be patrolling the course. First-aid kits as well as emergency supplies of food and beverages will be available at Checkpoints. As a precaution, you must carry a whistle and are encouraged to carry a cell phone in the unlikely chance that you are alone on the course. An emergency phone number will be printed on the maps issued to you at the start of your stage.
What happens if the teammate before me doesn’t finish their stage?
For recreational teams, as time is based on cumulative stage time, a checkpoint captain may elect to start an outbound athlete prior to an inbound athlete arriving if required for overall race timeliness or safety. This will be at the discretion of the checkpoint captain. For elite teams, if an inbound athlete does not finish their stage, the team is assessed a "Did Not Finish" time for that leg of the slowest time recorded that day for that leg/stage, plus 10 minutes.
How does it work after sunset for night stages?
Several precautions are in place for night stages. All participants on the course MUST provide and display a flashing red light (facing rearwards) and a bright navigation light facing forwards. It is strongly recommended that cyclists also use a bar-mounted headlight. Participants may be ACCOMPANIED by another person (team member or not) who has completed a waiver and checked in as an escort at the stage start.
Is it possible to get lost?
Yes, you can get lost if you do not closely follow your maps or learn how the trail is marked. Please review the instructional videos and course maps. Ideally, visit the area and hike or bike your section a few days before the relay. If you do get lost, call the emergency number on your maps and a course official will guide you back on to the trail or have someone pick you up.
Can I participate with a support person?
Yes, any biker or runner may be joined by a support person on the course. The registered participant must sign in at their checkpoint with their support person present, and the support person must sign a waiver on-site (unless the support person is another registered participant). The registered participant will be the one timed on the course.
