After wrapping their canoe around a rock, Chad Bailey and David Jeter drug their canoe 4 miles to the transition area in order to continue! That is dedication!
What is Adventure Racing?
From the USARA website:
“Adventure Racing is one of the few sports where just completing a race is often considered a victory. Another driving factor in Adventure racing is the emphasis that is placed on teamwork, rather than individual achievement.
Adventure Racing offers an easy crossover for cyclist, runners and water sport enthusiasts just to mention a few. Adventure races can vary anywhere from 2-5 person teams, with some events now offering solo categories. The disciplines can also vary from race to race. Adventure racing can include shredding through tight single track on a mountain bike or orienteering and hiking through a dense forest. Adventure racers may find themselves ripping down rapids in a canoe and then rappelling off a 100 foot rock face. The races can last a few hours or several days and can cover 10 – 100 miles or more!”
What is the GrizzlyMan Adventure Race? WATCH THIS VIDEO!!!
The GrizzlyMan Adventure Race is a USARA sanctioned sprint level adventure race that takes place every April in Western Montana. In order to do well (or even finish), racers will need to be proficient in a variety of outdoor disciplines (i.e. mountain biking, trail running, paddling, map reading and navigation). Racers will be given a map/passport for the course and will be required to travel to certain checkpoints plotted on the map. By using what will be supplied at each checkpoint, racers will mark a designated spot on their map/passport to prove that they visited each location. This map/passport will then be turned in to race officials upon completion of the course. Finish time as well as proper checkpoint completion will determine ranking and success.
I’m traveling to the race from out of town. Are there any lodging accommodations?
Yes! Stay at The Resort at Paws Up if you’re looking for a luxury adventure race experience! Last year the resort gave our racers an incredible deal on their FIVE STAR homes. Make your reservations soon by contacting The Resort at Paws Up.
Also, Lubrecht Experimental Forest has a limited number of rooms, cabins, and campsites. Check availability here. Please contact the Lubrecht Experimental Forest for rates and reservation information.
Numerous lodging options are available in Missoula, MT located 30 miles southwest of the race site. Please note that lodging is not coordinated through this race.
What is the Lubrecht Experimental Forest?
From the Lubrecht Experimental Forest website:
“The Lubrecht Experimental Forest is a 28,000 acre outdoor classroom and laboratory located 30 miles northeast of Missoula, Montana in the Blackfoot River drainage. The Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station of the University of Montana owns and operates 21,000 acres of the Forest. The remainder is under the jurisdiction of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and is managed cooperatively with the Experiment Station. Dedicated to the advancement of natural resource knowledge through research and education, the Lubrecht Forest has been the site of numerous research and demonstration projects since 1950. In addition, both undergraduate and graduate students use the forest to further their education in forestry and the related fields of range, wildlife, fire management and watershed management.”
What is the race route?
The specifics of the route will be released very close to the race start. If we revealed the exact course prior to the race then local competitors would have the advantage of training on the same course. The race will begin and end at The Resort at Paws Up. Some course details may be released online, so check back often for Training Tips!
What does the route consist of?
In general, the route will be on trails, unimproved and improved gravel roads, and open forest terrain.
What are the event leg distances (running, orienteering, bike, etc.)?
The exact information will not be released until the map/passport is released. Check the GrizzlyMan Race website blog for updates and information releases.
What is provided for the race?
In addition to a challenging, exciting, and safe race, you will be supplied with a map/passport, nutritional supplements and water before and during the race, registration swag bag, post-race food and beverages, prizes for top finishers.
What type of weather may we encounter?
April in Western Montana. If you don’t like it, wait 5 minutes.
Can a cyclocross bike be used on this course?
Cyclocross bikes can be used on this course, but mountain bikes should be preferred. The geometry and rigidity of cyclocross bikes could make some of the descents difficult. The narrow tires could be an advantage on some of the roads, but would make the single tracks a bit tricky if snow or mud is encountered. Regardless, you should race on what you are comfortable riding.
