ADVENTURE RACING
Adventure Racing: Gear You Need By Greg Hill
ADVENTURE RACING is a gear-intensive sport so it is important to know what you might need at a race before you decide if this sport is for you. Race organizations generally provide all teams with a list of mandatory gear that must be carried at all times and a list of gear that must be carried on a segment involving a specific discipline. These lists vary depending on the length of the race. You should at all times and during all segments of the race expect to carry: a compass, whistle, mirror, survival blanket, flashlight, first aid kit (one per team) and a water container with the capacity to carry at least two litres of water. These items can all be purchased at your local outdoor retailer. Each race segment will involve different disciplines, and will therefore require different equipment. The following are the most often included disciplines in adventure racing. Mountain Biking For each mountain biking segment, you will need to have a mountain bike (obviously), a helmet, a repair kit (consisting of a spare tube, tire levers, pump, allen keys, chain breaker) and a bike light. In a mountain bike, look for a lightweight and strong/sturdy design. This will be a decision dictated by your budget, as in general, the lighter and stronger a bike is, the more expensive it is.
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Your tire treads should be “nubby” for muddy conditions and you should have a set of slicks for hard packed trails. A good bike light can make a big difference. A good bright light can help you get through a technical section at night much more quickly; you won’t have to guess if that shadow in front of you is a rock or a hole. One AR specific system is a towing system. Any team is only as strong as its weakest link. The best way to make up for this is by using a towing system. It can be as simple as a piece of surgical tubing running from the seat post of a strong biker to the stem of a weaker biker’s bike. These towing systems can also be very useful in trekking and paddling sections. Paddling Most race organizations provide canoes and paddles, but you may be required to provide your own. You will also need to have a life jacket, a waterproof flashlight, a throw rope and a bailer of some sort (a small bucket or sponge). The debate continues over kayak paddles versus canoe paddles - there are pros and cons for both sides. This is something that each individual must work out with his/her team to determine which is best. If you are not comfortable using a kayak paddle it can become more of a hindrance than a help. Consider weight distribution, balance, length of paddles, etc. Paddling is often the most neglected discipline in adventure racing but can in some cases make up the most time. Make sure your life jacket is fitted properly to avoid chafing around your neck and in your armpits, or it will come back to haunt you later in the race. Trekking/Orienteering Trekking/Orienteering is something that can be improved upon with practice. For trekking sections, be properly dressed and have the proper shoes. Avoid cotton! You want to be wearing quick drying, polyester mix shirts and tights or quick drying pants - anything that doesn’t hold moisture. Try to avoid wearing shorts in trekking sections if you know you are going to be in the bush - you will want to protect your legs. Similarly, a long sleeve shirt will protect your arms. Also try to wear layers so 31
