Got a burning question?

If you can’t find the answer in our website you will probably find it here in our Frequently Asked Questions. We will update this list regularly but if you do not see what you are looking for drop us a message.

Remember the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.

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"I've haven’t done a multisport race before and the off road thing is a little overwhelming... where do I start?"

You don't need to be super-human to do a multisport race. Average people compete in these races and do well. The best advice we can give is to train consistently - in all events. (Hint: endurance training). Do most of your training off road and practice racing.

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"If racing as a team do we need to have the whole team sorted before we register or can I sign up a partial team?"

You can sign up before you have all of your teammates but we need to know your final roster a minimum of one month prior to the race. We wouldn’t leave this too long as you need to spend time training with your team mates. The best adventure racing teams have a very close bond and work with each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

 

"Can I bring more gear than what is on the Mandatory Equipment List?"

Sure you can - the list provided is a minimum requirement. As long as it isn't a banned item, like GPS, it should be fine. If you are in doubt, ask the Race Director before the event. If it's something wild that goes against the spirit of the race, you'll probably be asked to put it away. Just remember you have to carry it on it has to fit in your gear boxes. We strongly advise practicing packing before race week and get used to racing with a full pack.

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"Do I need a support crew?"

A Support Crew is preferable, but you will have enough time to put kayak and gear in place. You are allowed only one assistant to help you launch (or recover) a kayak.

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Positioning & collection of gear

Kayaks and run leg gear must be in place at Rocky Crossing by 7:45am. Bikes must be collected by 1:00pm, kayaks by 1:30pm. For more information go to the race info page.

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What is a “Team”?

A team is two or three members who do one or two legs each leg. Tom might do the bike and kayak leg while Jane does the run.  Or Tom might do the bike leg, Harry the kayak leg and Jane the run leg.

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What are the rules for a Tandem Team?

A Tandem Team must ride a tandem bike and compete in a tandem kayak for the river leg. For the run leg, both members of the team must run and finish together.

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“Will there be food or water on the course?”

There will be water at each transition. Capacity to carry at least 2 litres of water is a part of your mandatory gear list. You need to plan you nutrition strategies carefully and pack your gear crates accordingly.

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“Will the course be marked?”

yes but you will need to have your wits about you as how you move across the course.

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"What is the minimum age?"

The minimum age on race day is 12yrs

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Kayak & Bike Information

What sort of kayak is recommended?

Any kayak will do, except that it must have handling loops at either end. We find the ‘Down River’ style is the most competitive.

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How many rapids are there and what grade are they?

There are many rapids – mostly Grade 1, with some Grade 2.

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What equipment do I need?

Appropriate safety gear for bike and kayak – eg helmet, bouyancy vest etc and appropriate shoes.
 

Can I hire equipment?

There is no equipment available for hire in Gloucester, however you may be able to hire a race kayak from The Steps  – call 02 6558 2093.

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How low (or how high) can the Barrington river go before Kayaking is no longer possible?

There is no minimum level. A typical level of 0.40 metres at the Telemetry measuring point just upstream from Rocky Crossing is OK for a full kayak journey (NOTE: this is not the level over the causeway at the Crossing). Lower levels may mean that there may be one or two places that you may have to walk over. The maximum or cut-off level for safety reasons is 0.65 metres.

Levels can be checked here as follows:

1. Click “load menu” under “Rivers and Streams” in the left-hand panel,

2. then click the + sign on the menu item “Real Time Data”,

3. click on the + sign next to “208 Manning River”,

4. then click 208006 Barrington Rocky X,

5. then click “Custom Outputs” tab in the right-hand panel,

6. click the “Stream Water Level” check button,

7. select “Last 7 days” in the “Period” drop-down list,

8. leave “Plot” as the Output,

9. then click the “Get Output” button.

If you have managed to get this far, you will have a chart showing river height over the last seven days.

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What tyres are recommended for the bike leg?

Mountain bike tyres will do the job. The first few kilometres of the course are on a tarred surface, but the course becomes difficult and in some places quite rough, with occasional rocky creek beds to cross. We recommend that only mountain bikes be used, and with appropriate tyres.

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When will the bike track be open for training?

It is unlikely the track will be open before the event. Please note that this track is through private property, and we must respect the owner’s wishes as to the availability of the track. In the mean time, any difficult cross country course you can find will have to act as your training course.

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Is an approved cycle helmet satisfactory for the Kayak Leg?

Competitors are responsible for providing their own safety gear. While a competitor not using an approved Canoe/Kayak helmet will not be excluded from the event, we strongly recommend that an appropriate helmet be worn. However an approved Bouyancy Vest is required for the Kayak Leg.

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