THE GREAT OWL

This year we are excited to offer the Great Owl Lite Race, a 6-hour beginner friendly course for someone new, just like you. It'll be a chance to try out navigating by map (And/or GPS!) while still pushing yourself to the limits. 6 hours is still no easy walk in the park! But, you'll get to experience that "I conquered the world" feeling when you cross the finish line.

We've crammed all the primary disciplines into the course for an authentic experience. Since we are also hosting a 6-hour "Lite" race this time, the 12-hour can be more difficult than last year, right? Last year's race had so many happy finishers who faced real challenge and competition. But only one team was able to get every single CP on the course. So this year we'll make sure that No One clears the course (just kidding). We like using a Shuttle from the Headquarters to the Start Line. There will be biking sections, paddle sections, and foot-only sections throughout the race. You figure out how to get as many CP's as you can and make it back to the finish line before the cut off time (7pm) - which means you may skip a few based on your capacity. Our highest priorities will be route options and unique, memorable team challenge.

This is important, and we'll reiterate it in the Communique that we send to participants, but it will be too late by then. 1. In order to get the most from this experience, besides just the best possible result, your team has to move fast.  You have to practice for both physical fitness and team efficiency 2. Practice navigation.  No matter your level of experience, we all get rusty without practice.  The navigation will be rather difficult and we want everyone to thrive and avoid unnecessary frustration.  Distance, bearing, elevation. 3. Finally, combining the above two items: It is important, especially for the team captain to have a good understanding of how fast you expect your team to move.  Estimating times to complete each segment is a key part of the strategy

The only "real" mountain biking will be in one section (Which is skippable) while the rest is either road or hard pack trail. Mountain Bike would be best, hybrid would be good, but definitely not a road bike.

Nope, not this year! We are trying a new thing and want to even the playing field by having every team use the same kind of boat. PFD and Paddles are provided, BUT you are allowed to bring your own PFD and Paddle IN A BAG ready to transport.

We will email an official gear list closer to the race, but expect all the standard racing gear - A backpack, food, water, compass, bike helmet... There will be potable water to refill at most stages.

We wouldn't adventure race if there wasn't. In all seriousness, this'll be a tough race, and you'll be proud of yourself once you cross that finish line.

You are correct! Our Registration HQ/Finish Line this year is at Lost Beverage Brewing Company! Apart from drinks, they also have a food truck with some seriously amazing grub. AND, live music. I also anticipate bon fires... So I mean, who would want to miss that?