The Hard Fall Adventure Race

Can team members split up and go do different sections of the race? Unless the race rules specifically allow you to separate for a portion, you will be together as a team at all times.

How are teams ranked? Teams are ranked by the number of checkpoints they successfully find. In the event of a tie, the team which did it faster is ranked higher.

So you’re saying I should stay out in the woods till I find all the checkpoints, no matter how long it takes? We’d really rather not have to send out a search party. Plus, you lose checkpoints for being late, so your plan won’t actually work. Nice try, though!

Are maps provided or do we have to bring our own? All maps will be provided, and will be pre-marked with the secret checkpoint locations.

Will we be plotting UTM coordinates?
No. We use pre-plotted maps. We made the decision as an organization that in a race of this length it made more sense considering the number of new teams we see. Never fear – the navigation will be challenging enough without this extra step.

Will water be available at transition areas? Yes, we plan to have a limited supply of water available for you in transition areas.

Will we have access to gear we leave in our vehicles after the race starts? Nope. Plan to bring everything you think you may need for the duration of the race.

Can we leave personal gear we don’t need behind, such as our PFD when not on the paddle section or bike helmet when not on the bike section?
With the exception of paddle gear, assume the answer is no. We will be transporting 1 paddle bag per team, but beyond that your best bet is to practice carrying everything and adjust based on the specifics of the course. You can leave water bottles attached to your bike, but you can’t leave your helmet and shoes behind unless specifically told otherwise. 

Do I need a real mountain bike for this race?
Our courses typically feature all sorts of terrain, including technical trails, forest roads, paved roads, and even hike-a-bike sections. We want people to be safe and that means at minimum, no road bikes or road bike tires. If you show up with a road bike or skinny/slick road type tires, we won’t be letting you race. While we STRONGLY encourage bikes with front suspension, gravel or cyclocross bikes are now fair game (though your arms and backside might not appreciate the decision).

Can we add a team member to our team after we register? Probably! Please email us and we’ll edit the team registration.

I’d love to do this race, but I’m having trouble finding teammates, can you help? We’re happy to try and connect individual racers. Email us your name and what your experience level is. We also recommend posting the request on our facebook group page.

I’m new to adventure racing, where can I get more information about this sport? We recommend checking out the United States Adventure Racing Association website for all things AR, and the “New to AR” page specifically for tips on getting into the sport.