Course Outline and Discipline Overview
Race and Gear Logistics
Gear Boxes
Each team will need four gear boxes, packed for various points of the race. The required gear box is the HDX 27 Gal tote (black bin with yellow lid). Note that this is a change from previous years. (We will NOT be using Action Packers for this year’s event.) These boxes are required because they are durable and can be transported easily. We can supply gear bins onsite for a cost of $15 per bin. Please email margo@adventureenablers.com within 2 weeks of the event if you will need bins.
Biking Sections
Terrain
You’ll race on a mix of single-track, gravel fire road, and pavement. Depending on route choice, the terrain will vary. The single-track section requires little technical skills but will involve some short steep climbs, loose surface, and small obstacles. Some sections may require you to push or carry your bike.
Transport
Your bikes and gear will be moved along the course in the back of a truck as necessary. Bikes will be transported in bike boxes you provide. Participants must pack/unpack/build their own bike. Support staff will load and transport the bike boxes along the course as necessary. A bike box is mandatory and must conform to ARWS standards.
Paddling Sections
All paddle sections will be completed using packrafts and canoes. The sections vary from Class I-III whitewater and flat water paddling. Teams will need to provide their own paddle equipment as outlined in the mandatory gear.
Gear
Paddle gear will be transported as necessary along the course (see table page 8). Each team will be provided with a paddle bag at check-in. All paddle equipment (except packrafts) must fit in the paddle bag. Single-piece paddle must be securely fastened to the bag; 2/4 piece paddles must be disassembled and placed in the bag. Race officials and volunteers will transport packrafts along the course during non-packrafting sections. Pumps and packraft accessories must be packed and contained with each packraft and should not be left loose.
Packrafting
Teams must bring packrafts sufficient to transport all team members. You will be paddling in flat water and moving water Class I-III. Good quality packrafts are highly recommended (one- or two-person rafts). Mandatory equipment on the packraft leg is the same as for canoeing legs. All packrafts will need to have an AIS inspection during check-in. Please refer to AIS guidelines to ensure your boat will pass the inspection.
Canoes
The race organization will provide canoes (one canoe per two racers). The Mad River Adventure 16’ Canoes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the put-in. Personal paddles and PFDs are required and will be transported for you. All paddle equipment must be placed in the supplied paddle bag. Canoes will be available to test during check-in on August 8 and 9. At the end of the paddle legs remove all your paddle equipment and place it in the designated area in the TA.
Ropes Section
Gear
As part of your mandatory gear you are required to wear a climbing-specific helmet (provided). See the mandatory gear list for more details.
Rappel/Abseil
The ropes section will consist of a rappel on some of Wyoming’s stunning rock outcrops. More details on equipment requirements will be forthcoming as details are finalized.
Our expectations are that you are proficient and have experience rappelling. We will be performing a skills test during check-in to make sure you know how to put on your harness securely, connect your rappel device to a rope, maneuver into a rappel position, and control descent. If it has been a while since you last rappelled, please take some time to familiarize yourself with your gear and rappelling technique. Experts will be on site for safety and ropes management; they are not there to provide instruction. We will have an option to skip the ropes section, but it will involve a heavy time penalty. Climbing helmets will be provided for racers.
Maps and Plotting
Maps will be at scales 1:24,000 and 1:63,360 with UTM grid markings along the edge of the map. Primary maps will be on waterproof paper. Supplemental maps of varying scales will also be provided. All points will be pre-plotted. Maps will be distributed during lockdown prior to the race start.
You will be required to navigate using various types of maps. Map and compass skills are necessary to locate most of the checkpoints. No GPS units are allowed. Map scales will vary.
Staging and Transporting Equipment on the Course
No staging of equipment is required or allowed. A gear bin with your supplies will be transported between TAs. Your bike and other equipment will be transported as necessary.
Cut-Off Times
If teams fail to meet certain cut-off times, they will be short-coursed and may be forced to skip certain sections of the course. Teams will not be short-coursed the first 72 hours of the race.
Water
Natural water sources are available along the course and at some TAs. These vary from lakes to running rivers. All natural water sources will need to be treated. We will have potable water available for emergency situations such as severe dehydration and medical emergencies. If necessary, we will also be providing potable water on some legs of the course for refilling hydration systems.
Course Markings
No direction arrows, tape, markers, etc. are placed on the course (unless specifically noted in the course notes or on maps).
Time Estimates
Course notes (sent via email ~2 weeks before the race starts) will contain time estimates for each leg of the race. “Fast” times are based on the estimated speed of a top-3 team completing that section during the daylight, in good weather conditions, and excluding sleep. “To Finish” times are based on estimated speed of a team who will complete the full course and finish just prior to the final race cut off, completing that section during the daylight, in good weather conditions, and excluding sleep.
Support
No outside assistance (as defined in the ARWS rules) is allowed. Outside assistance of any kind will be grounds for disqualification. You can receive assistance from other teams, however.




