We are down to the wire and registrations are still trickling in.  What we thought would be an intimate, casual affair has turned into a BIG race.  We have a vast array of racer abilities, and we are thinking this could be the biggest, most competitive TURFF to date.  Those of you that are last minute registrants, please don't hesitate to ask questions.  Hopefully you have received the first update.  Anyone that may be missing any updates (1 or 2) can check our blog where it is also printed.

 

Weather-It sounds like skies will be clear and the temperature moderate.  Be sure to consider hydration concerns when on the race course.  You are permitted, and encouraged, to carry some money to buy emergency food and/or beverages.  We will have plenty of water and Hammer "HEED" in T/A.  You may partake, but please do not fill up your bladders with these supplies--they are for everyone.

 

Mass Transit-In year's past we allowed some use of mass transit (the incline).  No mass transit will be permitted for this year's race.  Anyone caught using Mass Transit will be disqualified.

 

Race Distances-Usually we do not reveal race distances until the day of the race.  However, since this is a ROGAINE format, distance is irrelevant.  You may go as far, or as short, as you want. 

Order of events-Again, this is not typically revealed until race day.  However, you are in complete control of what order you would like to complete the events.  Want to run first? Fine!  Bike first?  That works as well.  The only caveat is that when you complete a leg and relinquish your "punch card", you cannot get it back.  So be sure you have done as much of a course as you can before turning that card in.

 

Bike Leg-For this leg you will be navigating using Bike Pgh maps.  These maps highlight the safest routes of travel through this bike friendly city.  Safe routes are designated in gray blue.  We have purposefully tried to map a route that will use only these highlighted routes.  We ask that you not ride on any streets that are highlighted in yellow--unless absolutely necessary.  If that is the case, please use caution.  You will be looking for landmarks in the area noted on your map.  Read your clue and fill in the blanks on your "punch card".  Accuracy counts, and an illegible or misspelled answer will not be accepted. 

 

Run Leg-We are using the same maps for the run leg, but are not as concerned that you follow the "safe" routes.  As long as there is a sidewalk, you may run on it. If not, then use extreme caution.  You will be looking for landmarks in the area highlighted on your map.  Read your clue and fill in the blanks on your "punch card".  Accuracy counts, and an illegible or misspelled answer will not be accepted.  

 

Paddle Leg-It is unlikely that you will need to carry your map with you on the paddle leg.  One review of it should be enough to find all of the CP's on this leg.  For safety's sake, you may want to avoid risking the map--or clue sheet--getting wet.  Either stowe it in your pack and keep it high and dry, or leave it with race staff on shore.  If you choose to send only one paddler, then leave valuables with the person waiting on shore.  If this option is chosen, the non-paddler may not leave the paddle area.  Anyone leaving the paddle area while their teammate is paddling will risk having their team disqualified.  For the paddle leg you will be retrieving poker chips.  Each one will be a different color.  Turning in poker chips that are the same color will result in none of them counting.

 

Writing instruments-For the sake of fairness, each team may have only one writing instrument with them while they are racing.  All additional pens, highlighters, etc. can be left in T/A during the race, but may not be taken on the course.

 

50 Meter rule-All teammates must be within 50 meters (shouting distance) at all points in this race.  Anyone caught not following this rule will be disqualified.  There will be "manned" CP's, so don't risk it! The only exception will be if a team chooses the one paddler option.  In this case the non-paddler must wait at the paddle area/boat launch.

 

Cell Phones-These may be carried, but must be turned off and wrapped in a Zip-loc and taped shut.  If a team needs to use their phone for emergencies, they may unwrap and turn the phone on.  However, if a phone is unwrapped, the team will be disqualified.

 

We are looking forward to a great race, and hope to see you all at REI for the climbing prologue.

Frank and Bethann

Grass Roots Racing
www.rootsrace.com