COURSE OVERVIEW: 

 

This year’s course will be a fun and challenging one as teams explore the park, the surrounding area and the iconic James River. Teams can expect some great mountain biking on trails, quiet country roads, open meadows, and anything else we can find to throw at you. The paddling will take place on a scenic and tame section of river, with a few class 1 ripples thrown in for some fun! 

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As is standard for our races, there will be some trekking and teams should expect some extensive off trail travel and tricky navigation. Route choices will be abundant and strategy will be key, on both foot and bike. Is this the year we introduce our popular windows strategy into the Buff Betty?

 

If you have been thinking about taking on a longer race and feel that you have the fitness and navigation ability to get to the finish line, this is the race for you. Or perhaps you want to work on navigation, test yourself and see what you can do on your own as a soloist, or leading a team without the guys around….

 

The team that acquires the most points in the least amount of time wins. All checkpoints will be optional: all TA’s are mandatory. If teams want to stay official, they will need to complete the paddling component of the race. Teams will be able to do as much —or as little of—the rest of the course. The course is a secret until race morning when the maps and rules of travel are released. 

 

DISCIPLINES:

 

Trekking, mountain biking, paddling, navigation with map and compass. The 10-hour course will have more advanced navigation, off trail travel and will involve more strategy and route choice options. Paddling will also play a bigger role in this race vs the 6 hour course. 

 

Approximate distances for all disciplines will be provided at a later date. However teams can expect roughly 7-10 miles of paddling, 12-15 miles of trekking and 20-25 miles of biking. The park is located in the hills of central VA; while there is not significant elevation gain and loss, there are some very steep areas out there on foot and bike. Most of the trekking and biking will take place on trails in the woods. If biking on paved roads, there will be minimal traffic and it will be on scenic country roads and gravel roads. The paddling will be on a moving Class 1 river. All checkpoints on the map(s) will be pre-plotted for you.

 

WHAT YOU'LL GET:​

• A professionally-designed, fun, safe, challenging and creative race course design 

• All insurance, permits and safety staff 

• Beautiful custom-made map(s)          

• We are hoping to have live tracking for this race (TBD) 

• Sweet schwag and our signature finisher prize for working hard and crossing the finish line 

• Cool prizes & medals on the podium for the top 3 teams in each division 

• Fabulous post-race food. We are thinking a pasta dinner….. 

• All boats and paddling gear provided 

• A great day outside with old and new friends

 

MANDATORY GEAR:

Most of this mandatory gear is for your safety. 

 

Mandatory Gear for Each Racer

Backpack and a way to carry water (e.g., camelbak, water bottles, etc.)

Food and water for the race

Space blanket (We recommend the SOL Space Blanket)

Whistle

Rain jacket 

Headlamp

Mountain bikes are highly recommended and cross bikes are allowed. No road bikes allowed. 

Bike helmet

Paddles and PFDs are provided by race, but racers may bring their own

Boats are provided by race (racers may not bring their own boats)

A sense of adventure!

 

Mandatory Gear for Each Team

Compass: just in case you get lost. But don't worry, you won't get lost!

Bike tool, spare tube(s), pump or CO2

Basic medical kit (We recommend the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight 3):

Duct tape

Race map (provided at check-in)

Race rules of travel (provided at check-in)

Race passport (provided at check-in)

Watch

Cell phone (fully charged)

Small dry bag for the safe-keeping of your cell phone. These bag(s) SHOULD BE WATERPROOF. It is to your benefit to make sure you have the best waterproofing system you can find.

 

Recommended Gear

Waterproof map case (this can be as simple as zip lock(s) bags and duct tape or a store bought case)

Map board for your bike 

Long fingered gloves 

Long tights/pants

Extra socks