What is an Adventure Race?

An adventure race is a team sport that requires navigating a course with a map and compass utilizing combinations of non-motorized disciplines. GPS units are usually not allowed, and racers are required to follow leave-no-trace-type backcountry ethics.

Teams are responsible for traveling together through a series of check points via different disciplines including: trekking, mountain and road biking, paddling (canoes, kayaks, rafts or other water craft) and fixed-ropes (ascending and/or rappelling).

Adventure races allow individuals to take that next step beyond triathlons where endurance meets the skilled and technical non-motorized sports, and where navigation and team challenges play a key role.

Races can range anywhere from three hours up to 10 days in length. Teams may vary in size from race to race, with four-person-coed (at least one member of the opposite gender) being the most common category.

Wild Adventure Race accepts four-person-coed, two-person-coed and two-person-open (same gender) teams in all of our races. Other team configurations may be allowed on a per-race basis. Check the race description page for team types available for that race.

Do I need certifications or special skills to race?

You generally do not need special skills or certifications, as you can find shorter, beginner to intermediate races that do not require certifications or much skill to race (like the Wild Adventure Race Sprint races).

More advanced races may require specialized training and technical, safety and wilderness first-aid certifications. The requirements for certifications or special skills will be outlined in the race description for each particular race.

What's a hybrid bike vs. a mountain bike?

Wild Adventure Race defines a hybrid bike to be any general purpose bike designed with features from both a road bike and a mountain bike. A hybrid bike will generally have a frame similar to a mountain bike, tires sized for a road bike (700c), and a more upright seating/control position than either. If you're not sure what kind of bike you have, check out Wikipedia or ask us via our contact page.

What special gear will I need to do a race?

Every adventure race generally has a mandatory gear list that identifies the bare minimum items the race organizers require teams to carry.

This gear list usually involves discipline related gear, such as a mountain bike and bike helmet; a first aid kit; safety gear; and basic rescue equipment.

These gear lists should be available on the race's description page or emailed to you ahead of time. Updates to the gear list may occur, so please check for them during your race preparation

Keep in mind you're free to bring any other items you think you may need, excluding banned items such as GPS's or GPS enabled phones.

How do I get involved or where do I find teammates?

There are several ways to get involved in adventure racing and meet potential teammates:

• Volunteering is an awesome way to get exposed to how an adventure race works.
• Become a support crew member for a team to learn the how/why/what and where's of AR.
• Attend some of the free clinics or training sessions that are available through this website or through some of our affiliates.
• Join an adventure-racing group. There are many, and through these groups you can meet teammates, find training and gear tips, and find yourself racing in no time at all. Currently, we subscribe to the MinnesotaAR Yahoo Group.

What skills can I be working on now?

• Navigation - learn how to plot UTMs, use a compass, follow a bearing, triangulate, navigate using topography only, practice using attack points, etc.
• Paddling - learn how to propel your craft through different classes of white water, how to keep your craft going straight, paddle techniques, etc.
• White water rescue - the single most important water paddling class you can take, learn proper life saving and rescue techniques.
• Fixed-ropes - learn rappelling, traversing, passing anchors, ascending, knots for adventure racing, safety and self rescue.
• Wilderness First-Aid and CPR - heal thyself and thy teammates, so all of thee can finish the race!
• Basic bike maintenance - change a tire, adjust/replace brakes, adjust derailleur, replace a chain, etc.
• Nutrition - what's a sodium replacement drink, why is it important and how much should I drink; what kind of food will I need to eat and how much, etc.
• Endurance - we use a simple formula: "time in = time out" meaning endurance requires practice. The more you train for this aspect of adventure racing, the longer you will be able to stay in the race.

How old do I have to be to race?

Because of our insurance requirements, the minimum age to participate in a Wild Adventure Race event is 18 years old.