BIKE SKILLS, TRAFFIC & TERRAIN

It is assumed you are a competent bicycle rider and can ride continuously for several hours on roads. If you feel that you need more time in the saddle to fit that description, it’s time to bag more time in the saddle! You do have time to do so between now and September. None of the riding is what we would class as ‘technical’ and whilst some of the road surfaces will be potholed in places (that’s the nature of rural roads sometimes), in general the surfaces are good.

The topography is not too severe. Sure, there are some hills but in general this is a flowing and rolling profile that has some big distances but there is a real ability to maintain a rally nice rolling average pace.

Some folk ask us about traffic. This is a very subjective thing. Some people are confident riding through Rush Hour in the Big Apple (we aren’t doing that!) and some get nervous on country roads with very little motor traffic. What we will say is that, in general, we consider the traffic to be fairly light on this route. However, we cannot remove it. These are public highways and you will encounter cars and trucks. There are some sections that are busier, such as coming through the urban area of downtown Troy, through Poughkeepsie and also when we approach NYC, the roads naturally do get busier – largely south of the Tappan Zee bridge. Traffic levels will also vary with time of day – with morning traffic around 8am – 10am feeling busier (in general) than later in the day. And of course the same rush hour flows from 4pm – 6pm, for example, in some areas. Just go steady, be vigilant and ride within your limits.

If at any time you are uneasy with the traffic, you can call us and we can pick you up. We want everyone to feel comfortable on the route and this is a part of that. Like we say, folks’ tolerances on this one differ so we are simply stating the facts on this and we are always around if you feel unsure. We have asked you to tell us a little about your biking experience in the self-fill form linked at the bottom of this document.

KAYAK SKILLS

We also assume that you have some working knowledge and confidence of your skills in a kayak. We have asked you to tell us a little about your boating experience in the self-fill form, linked at the bottom of the page. We are not looking for you to be a pro at this. Not many folks are! But being confident on the water it important. If you have not been in a boat for a while, do go and try and do some kayaking between now and the event. It’s a fun sport and actually, it is a really efficient way to travel, if you are paddling smart. It is low impact and a great way to see some scenery in your work-up this event.

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COURSE CHANGES

The nature of an adventure is that sometimes, the uncertain becomes certain! That is all part of the adventure. Whilst we will always strive to pull off ‘Plan A,’ it may well be that for any one of a number of reasons, we cannot do so and we need to wheel put Plan B, C or D. We do line up contingencies for many eventualities of course. But it is worth knowing that the course may change if we deem it prudent for your safety or for other operational or weather-based reasons and we must always reserve the right to do so. Ultimately our skill and judgement in organising such events is part of why you are entering, so we must be able to exercise this on your behalf where we deem it necessary. If we do have to make a route change, we will strive to inform you in good time (if that is possible). Usually, these unforeseen changes simply add to the flavour of proceedings and provide for a good story to tell at day’s end!
 

COURSE CUT OFFS & WITHDRAWALS

This event is not about cut-offs. But, having a ‘cut-off’ time of some description is an important part of our Event Management Plan and Risk Assessment processes. Cut off times are independent of any other factors that occur earlier in the course such as start time, punctures, bike mechanicals, rolled ankles, bear encounters, going the wrong way, time taken at Pit Stops, head winds; and whether it is your fault or not.

We understand that missing cut offs can be tough to take but please remember that if this happens to you, that it is not the crew’s fault who breaks the news to you.

Please also remember that if this does happen to you, the Event team’s decision is final. You will be asked to board a vehicle and make your way to the hotel at day's end.

We do try and accommodate a wide variety of paces however – that is the Rat Race way. So rest assured, you will not be hassled constantly by a sweeper vehicle (some people call it the broom wagon)  if you are taking longer than other folks on the bike stages.

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If you are cut off, there will be no option to re-start from where you were cut off the next day. (The event only ever moves forwards). You will start the next day from the set location the group is starting from; subject to the discretion of the event team.

There are a number of reasons why you may be cut-off or withdrawn from the event. These could be medical, pace, kit, mechanical, personal or other factors. It is OK to retire and to be taken forward to the hotel. We’d rather you re-started the next day vs suffer meaninglessly and spoil it for yourself.

As far as the time available goes to avoid a cut-off, there is no ‘set’ cut off time each day. (ie. Time limit  or published time). Instead, the general rule is that we require all participants to be done before nightfall. There are some situations where you may finish in the dark, for example if someone is going strong and will make it with minimal time in darkness. This is possible notably on day 1 or 2, both of which are early starts and late finishes for most. If it looks like you’ll be out for the long haul though and completion is looking unlikely, you will be picked up in the support van. That is the cut-off.

Above all else, please remember, this event is not about cut-offs. It is about getting the most out of this magical experience. We will not cut you off and sweep you forward unless we really have to. And if we do, it is for your own safety.

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‘BEDDING DOWN INTO THE COURSE’

it is probable that when you set off on the Challenge on day 1, the first hours of the first day (and/ or the first miles on the bike) may be a bit hit n’ miss. Pace, temperature regulation, kit selection, footwear comfort issues. All to be expected. Embrace that ‘bedding down into it’ phase and listen to your body and to your gear. Expect some unexpected phenomena (not UFOs, just unusual kit or run issues that you may not have quite been expecting). Use this time to just get used to the environment, the gear and the terrain. Go with it and relax. 18 miles in and once you each the Upper Works trailhead, you’ll be done with Mount Marcy and onto the bikes anyway!

TRACKING DEVICE

At registration in Lake Placid you will be issued with your satellite tracker. It is your responsibility to look after the device until you return it to us at the finish line in exchange for your medal. This tracker allows your supporters to see where you are throughout the race. Tracking can be monitored during the event by those not embarked (you won’t have any reception to view it on devices!) and will go live on the morning of 9/20 or 9/27 at 6:00 am local time. It is not part of our safety system in this event – it is for those to monitor your progress from afar.

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The tracker will be given to you turned on and ready to be used. There is nothing you need to do with it. Just put it into your race bag. Please do not tamper with the plastic bag it is in. We recommend you place it in a dry bag with other valuables but please do not bury the tracker too deep under other gear as you will need to return it when you have finished or need to drop out.

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You must return this device at the end of the event or whenever a member of staff asks for you to do so (for example to check a setting or to charge it). Do also hand to a member of staff should you drop out on any day. Any missing trackers will be met with a $600 charge to cover the cost of the item.

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VERY IMPORTANT 

As we have stated, the reliability and operation of the tracking devices in this environment is likely to not be 100%, 100% of the time. As far as our safety system is concerned, we know that and we have considered that as part of our other overarching plans and risk assessment.  

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For those watching the tracking at home, it is important you explain that the trackers are not always going to give a fully accurate reflection of exact locations. What can happen, (if this is not communicated on the part of the participant to their supporters), is that where people see a tracker displaying erratic behaviour or not moving, this manifests in undue worry. Over a number of days, this worry can turn to panic and raising of unnecessary alarms, from the comfort of sofas in the internet-equipped watching world-at-large. We require you to ensure that, should you decide to share the tracking link, you are unequivocal in this explanation to your supporters. We cannot afford for an international incident to be commenced as someone sitting at home in front of their desktop has decided to contact the Emergency Services as they cannot see your dot moving. It really is a deadly serious point we are making here and we thank you in advance for making this clear to your supporters at home. 

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