Email #3 - bike drop email

2008 GoLite USARA Adventure Race National Championship
Blue Ridge, Georgia
November 6-8, 2008
Presented By:

Dear Racers,
There are just a few things left to wrap up before the final push to Blue Ridge, GA. Once again,
congratulations on qualifying for the 2008 GoLite USARA Adventure Race National Championship.
This has been an amazing year and we are excited to host the Championship race of the 2008 season.
Please look closely at the Recommended Gear List below. We have added a couple of
recommended (not mandatory) items that you may want to consider (highlighted in yellow).
There will be a bike drop on Thursday evening after the pre-race check in. Please make
arrangements, or have access to a vehicle, as this bike drop will obviously be mandatory.
Also, this year’s race will be done in a “Rogaine” format. This means that you will have 30 hours to
reach the finish line with as many checkpoints as possible. You will lose a checkpoint for every
minute after the 30 hour mark that you arrive. There are several mandatory points (these will be
identified in your instructions), however a majority of the points can be retrieved in any order.
With the “Rogaine” format, teams will be forced to choose a path that leads them back to finish line
before the 30 hour mark. Teams will be ranked according to number of checkpoints retrieved
followed by their finishing time.
It is time to ship your bikes if you are planning to. Below is the shipping information for Cycle
South who will be accepting bike shipments in Blue Ridge.
USARA NATIONALS SCHEDULE

Thursday November 6, 2008
Thursday November 6, 2008
Friday November 7, 2008
Friday November 7, 2008
Race Start
Saturday November 8, 2008
Saturday November 8, 2008
Saturday November 8, 2008
(Note: Awards & prizes will not be distributed prior to Banquet)

Extra meal tickets to the award ceremony / banquet can be purchased for $20.00. This includes the
USARA happy hour. Extra Meal tickets must be reserved by 10-31-08. Reserve EXTRA meal tickets
at info@usara.com

HOST HOTEL
Comfort Inn & Suites at Blue Ridge
83 Blue Ridge Overlook
Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
(706) 946-3333
BIKE SHIPPING

Sports Express 1-800-357-4174 www.sportsexpress.com
Sports Express will upgrade USARA members from 2 day to overnight delivery.
Bikes can be shipped to:
Cycle South
Attn: Sam Curry
544 E. Main St , Suite #3
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Please call Sam Curry @ Cycle South (706) 632-3533 to set-up any bike building, teardown, or
maintenance.

VOLUNTEERS / SPECTATORS / MEDIA

Friends, family, and AR enthusiasts are welcome to come and cheer or volunteer! Volunteers and
spectators are not allowed to provide any assistance or information to racers. Media and Spectators
will be given information on good viewing locations after the race starts Friday am.
Volunteers are needed to assist with check-in Thursday afternoon, as course personnel Friday and
Saturday, and with clearing the course Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Volunteers will receive race
shirts, excellent schwag bags, tickets to the awards banquet, an incredible experience, excitement,
lots of laughs and smiles, and our gratitude! For more information on how you can volunteer, please
contact Chance at info@usara.com.
THE COURSE

The course will be unsupported and in an “Expedition” format.
Possible Map Scales 1:24000, aerial maps, and other local maps. Outside maps are prohibited.
Disciplines:
Mountain Biking – single & double track trails, off road travel & limited paved sections. Paddling – Canoes Trail Running/Trekking – Single track, double track & bushwacking. Navigation – compass & map, plotting UTM coordinates
GEAR LIST
There will not be a gear check during check in – gear checks will be on the course.
Any questions concerning gear should be directed to: Chance at info@usara.com.
FULL TIME MANDATORY TEAM GEAR
(Each team must have the following)
• Water purifier or water purification tablets (50) for entire team • 1 UTM Ruler 1:24,000 or Basic Roamer AR • 2 Twelve Hour Chemical lights minimum of 4” length • 1 Strobe Light – must be visible for 3 mile radius Or build first aid kit containing the following contents: (8) 2x2 or 3x3 sterile dressing, (2) 3x4 non adherent sterile dressing, (1) conforming gauze bandage, (4) 1x3 adhesive bandage, (3) knuckle adhesive bandage, (1) tape ½"x 10 yards, (1) swift wrap elastic bandage, (8) 200mg. Ibuprofen, (2) antihistamine (Diphenhydramine), (2) afterbite sting relief, (1) moleskin, (5) towelettes, (3) antibiotic ointment, (1) tincture of benzoin, (3) butterfly closure bandage, (2) pair nitrile gloves, (1) tweezer, (3) safety pins, (1) duct tape, (2) alosak.
FULL TIME MANDATORY PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
(Each team member must have the following)
• Whistle • Head lamp (in working order) • Race organization provided racing bib to be worn and visible over other clothing • Space Blanket • Survival Mirror • Means to carry at least 50 oz of liquid • Food for entire race (18- 30 hours) • Insulating layer top (poly pro, tights, etc) • Knife with locking blade • Waterproof rain jacket MANDATORY INDIVIDUAL BIKING EQUIPMENT
(Each team member must have the following on all biking sections)
• Mountain Bikes Only (No Cyclocross) • Front lighting system – headlamp is allowed • Flashing red tail light • CPSC Certified Bike helmet MANDATORY INDIVIDUAL PADDLING EQUIPMENT
Race management will provide Canoes, single blade paddles & PFD's. You may bring your own
paddles (both single blade or double blade are acceptable) and your own PFD's- Type III or higher.
However if you bring your own PFD's or paddles you will be required to carry them the entire race.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR DO NOT UNDERSTAND ANY OF THE REQUIRED
GEAR ON THE LIST PLEASE CONTACT THE USARA.

PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT
• GPS’s
• Fire arms
• Maps other than those provided by the race organization.
• Communication devices other than sealed cellular phone
• Motorized means of transport
RECOMMENDED OTHER GEAR
• Working Cell Phone in waterproof bag (for emergencies only) • Cable Bike Lock • Bear Spray • Long Pants • Bike Gloves • Warm Hat • Dry bag / Trash bag • Bug Spray, Sunscreen, Sun Glasses • Waterproof map case • Bike pump or CO2 • Chain tool / bike repair kit • Bike Patch kit • And of course duct tape IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR DO NOT UNDERSTAND ANY OF THE REQUIRED
GEAR ON THE LIST PLEASE CONTACT THE USARA.
Again, congratulations on qualifying for the 2008 GoLite USARA Adventure Race National Championships. We look forward to seeing you in Georgia! www.usaranationals.com

Source: http://www.usaranationals.com/bikedrop.pdf