FAQ
What is adventure racing (AR)?
Imagine a cross between a scavenger hunt and an off-road, multisport race, but where you only complete as much of the course as you are up for. Instead of being measured by distance, ARs are classified by time, and the course time limit is final. Teams try to complete as much of the course as possible within the specified time limit, and must return to the finish before the cut-off time or risk losing points. In most races, only a few teams will “clear the course”, with many teams obtaining most but not all checkpoints. Teams are ranked in order of how many checkpoints they have obtained within the time limit, and ties are determined by length of time out on the course.
The course is marked by checkpoints (CPs) - usually orange and white orienteering flags - but the route you take between CPs is up to you. Teams will receive before the race pre-plotted maps, a “passport” to punch each CP on, and course instructions. From there, you will navigate between CPs using map and compass. Teams will be instructed to obtain at least a minimum number of points from each segment of the race. Segments will be categorized as either a trek, bike, or paddle discipline. You may have multiple trekking, biking, and/or paddling legs that alternate throughout the race, and will change between disciplines at transition areas (TAs). Part of the fun of adventure racing is switching up disciplines frequently, preventing boredom or getting overly tired of one discipline. Teams compete together throughout the race - this is not a relay!
For more information, check out this great description from our friends at Rootstock Racing.
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.
I need to rent a bike, get a bike tune up, or get some bike-related gear before the race. Where should I go?
Gorham Bike and Ski (multiple locations), York Bike Rentals in York, or Maine Sports Outfitters in Camden. We also love Allspeed Cyclery & Snow in Portland, but they no longer rent bikes.
Will we have to leave our bikes in public places during the race? Will they be safe?
Yes, you will leave your bikes at transition areas (TAs) at various points during the race. The TAs will sometimes be in publicly accessible areas. Race volunteers will be present at all TAs where bikes are left and will be able to monitor gear, but their job is not to guard your bikes. We recommend bringing a bike lock if you are worried about the safety of your bikes.
Will water be available at the transition areas?
Yes, we plan to have limited water supply at TAs. However, we require all teams to carry enough water and a water purification to supply themselves independently from the start of the race.
Do we have to provide our own food during the race?
Yes. We will not provide food at the transition areas, so bring enough food with you at the start of the race to fuel you throughout your adventure.
Will we have access to gear we leave at our car after the race starts?
24-hour racers will have access to a paddle gear bag before and after the paddle section(s). We suggest bringing enough gear (e.g., food and water in addition to mandatory and recommended gear) to last you through the most of race from the start, with some extra food or backup gear in your paddle bag. As noted on the gear list, you do not need to carry gear for the bike or paddle disciplines on other segments of the race.
Can we add a team member to our team after we register?
Yes! You can manage your team size by signing back in to RunSignUp and editing your team. If you have any questions, send us an email at [email protected]
I’m having trouble finding teammates. What should I do?
Please email us! We are happy to help connect individual racers to each other. Send us your name and what your experience level is with the sport. You can also post on the Facebook event page to connect with other interested racers.
What is your refund policy?
Registration fees are 90% refundable until May 1, 2024, and 50% refundable until June 15, 2024. We do not issue refunds after June 15.
Who is putting on this race?
The race is hosted by Cliff and Kate White of Strong Machine Adventure Racing. Team Strong Machine is an experienced adventure racing team that has completed races all across the United States and internationally.
Imagine a cross between a scavenger hunt and an off-road, multisport race, but where you only complete as much of the course as you are up for. Instead of being measured by distance, ARs are classified by time, and the course time limit is final. Teams try to complete as much of the course as possible within the specified time limit, and must return to the finish before the cut-off time or risk losing points. In most races, only a few teams will “clear the course”, with many teams obtaining most but not all checkpoints. Teams are ranked in order of how many checkpoints they have obtained within the time limit, and ties are determined by length of time out on the course.
The course is marked by checkpoints (CPs) - usually orange and white orienteering flags - but the route you take between CPs is up to you. Teams will receive before the race pre-plotted maps, a “passport” to punch each CP on, and course instructions. From there, you will navigate between CPs using map and compass. Teams will be instructed to obtain at least a minimum number of points from each segment of the race. Segments will be categorized as either a trek, bike, or paddle discipline. You may have multiple trekking, biking, and/or paddling legs that alternate throughout the race, and will change between disciplines at transition areas (TAs). Part of the fun of adventure racing is switching up disciplines frequently, preventing boredom or getting overly tired of one discipline. Teams compete together throughout the race - this is not a relay!
For more information, check out this great description from our friends at Rootstock Racing.
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.
I need to rent a bike, get a bike tune up, or get some bike-related gear before the race. Where should I go?
Gorham Bike and Ski (multiple locations), York Bike Rentals in York, or Maine Sports Outfitters in Camden. We also love Allspeed Cyclery & Snow in Portland, but they no longer rent bikes.
Will we have to leave our bikes in public places during the race? Will they be safe?
Yes, you will leave your bikes at transition areas (TAs) at various points during the race. The TAs will sometimes be in publicly accessible areas. Race volunteers will be present at all TAs where bikes are left and will be able to monitor gear, but their job is not to guard your bikes. We recommend bringing a bike lock if you are worried about the safety of your bikes.
Will water be available at the transition areas?
Yes, we plan to have limited water supply at TAs. However, we require all teams to carry enough water and a water purification to supply themselves independently from the start of the race.
Do we have to provide our own food during the race?
Yes. We will not provide food at the transition areas, so bring enough food with you at the start of the race to fuel you throughout your adventure.
Will we have access to gear we leave at our car after the race starts?
24-hour racers will have access to a paddle gear bag before and after the paddle section(s). We suggest bringing enough gear (e.g., food and water in addition to mandatory and recommended gear) to last you through the most of race from the start, with some extra food or backup gear in your paddle bag. As noted on the gear list, you do not need to carry gear for the bike or paddle disciplines on other segments of the race.
Can we add a team member to our team after we register?
Yes! You can manage your team size by signing back in to RunSignUp and editing your team. If you have any questions, send us an email at [email protected]
I’m having trouble finding teammates. What should I do?
Please email us! We are happy to help connect individual racers to each other. Send us your name and what your experience level is with the sport. You can also post on the Facebook event page to connect with other interested racers.
What is your refund policy?
Registration fees are 90% refundable until May 1, 2024, and 50% refundable until June 15, 2024. We do not issue refunds after June 15.
Who is putting on this race?
The race is hosted by Cliff and Kate White of Strong Machine Adventure Racing. Team Strong Machine is an experienced adventure racing team that has completed races all across the United States and internationally.
