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RockstAR 2017 Racer Update
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Dear RockstAR's,
Less than three weeks to go - who's ready to rock this mofo?!?
RockstAR 2017 is nearly here, and we are getting so pumped it's like a kid waiting for Christmas! We've just returned from three days up at Bark Lake putting the finishing touches on the racecourse, and we're already counting down the minutes until we can get back up there to finally bring you the 10th anniversary edition of Canada's rocking-est adventure race.
Conditions are much more wet than usual (not surprisingly), but the long-range forecast shows some drier weather ahead, so with luck all will be back to normal come Race Day. As is always the case at Bark Lake, we've found a whole bunch of fun new areas to explore with some very unique CP locations, and with this year's new "do-what-you-like-when-you-like" format, you can bet that the strategy element is going to be at an all-time high! Add in some new challenge-based checkpoints, Jeremy Tozer rocking the post-race stage, and our new brewery partner (details below), you've got all the features of an epic day at Ontario's all-time greatest adventure race venue!
The following are a few additional notes and reminders that we've compiled for you to keep in mind before Race Day. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at
info@stormevents.ca
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No two ways around it, the racer information packages are your one-stop source of everything you need to know about Race Day, and they are
mandatory reading for all participants. In addition to the day's itinerary and related details, these handy docs provide you with an overview of the racecourse; how the format works; notes on navigation; and answers to just about any question you might have.
Click here for the 4-hour racer package (red cover)
Click here for the 8-hour racer package (yellow cover)
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Race Check-In
Nothing causes more Race Day regret than showing up at the last minute to RockstAR! Given the format of the course,
there will be a lot to do prior to race start - please plan accordingly and get there early! 8-hour check-in will close at 9:00am, and 4-hour check-in at 1:00pm - we recommend giving yourself AT LEAST an hour or more beforehand.
Each team will be required to submit a copy of your proposed race route (not to mention actually plan that route), as well as prep your bikes and canoe, set up your transition space, sign your waivers and emergency contact forms, etc, etc. For reference, a complete summary of pre-race tasks is available by
clicking here.
Note that bike helmets and PFDs will be checked at Check-In this year. Details are provided in Section 2 of the racer information packages linked above.
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We have three remaining volunteer shifts to be filled, and we're hoping that if you have friends or family coming with you that they might be willing to help out. The shift timeframes are either between 1:15-7:00pm or 3:00-6:00pm, and all positions are based right at or very close to the Hub transition area.
In addition to enjoying a fun and relaxed atmosphere, RockstAR volunteers are invited to join in on the post-race dinner and are provided with a race tee, bagged lunch, and covered shelter where they are stationed. Don't forget also that a
$25 credit (also available as a rebate) is offered for all referrals of volunteers over 13 years of age. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the Race Crew, please do contact us at
info@stormevents.ca
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Those teams who booked rental canoes with their registration will be able to pick up their boats after proceeding through Check-In. Any boat with an "Algonquin Outfitters" logo on it (and that doesn't have any personal gear already inside it) may be claimed. You will be issued an extra bike plate in your team kit so that you may easily identify your boat.
Renters - PLEASE take care of your canoes! This not only means being mindful when entering and exiting on rocky shorelines, but also NEVER dragging your canoe across any surface that isn't grass. Our supplier thanks you in advance!
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As you likely now know, the ever-growing Family Category includes a team of four option. This is the
only category where teams are permitted to paddle four in a canoe - all other teams may only paddle with a maximum of 3 racers in a boat.
If you are racing as two pairs and had thought you might paddle as a group in one canoe - please note that you
will not be permitted to do so.
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A delicious and hearty post-race meal will be waiting for you at the finish line (included in your race fees), but if you are thinking ahead to options for breakfast on either Saturday or Sunday morning, please remember that tickets need to be purchased in advance. If you did not order any at the point of registration, you can still do so by contacting us at
info@stormevents.ca
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR 4-HOUR TEAMS - if you have pre-ordered breakfast tickets for
Saturday morning, you may claim them at the 8-Hour Race Check-In, which opens at 7:00am (breakfast will be served until 8:30). Any pre-purchased
Sunday morning breakfast tickets will be included in your team kits.
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Host Site Notes
Accommodations - if you are looking to stay on-site, you'll want to call Bark Lake at
1-888-517-9999 to book your spot. Last we heard almost all options were close to being fully booked, so don't delay!
Bugs - yep, they're bad this year! Be sure to bring your bug spray! (or bug-hats if you hate them as much as we do)
And don't forget that there are no ATM's on-site at Bark Lake and that the nearest town is 15km away - be sure to bring some cash for that well-deserved post-race beer!
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Welcome Haliburton Highlands Brewing!
Speaking of beer...
We are thrilled to be working with Haliburton Highlands Brewing to offer draught beer at the post-race reception this year. There will be three micro-brews on tap, and lots of it! HHB's award-winning recipes represent cottage-country brewing at its finest, and we are super-excited to have them involved with our 10th anniversary RockstAR.
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Teammate Changes
Yes - making adjustments to your team line-up is allowed! We just need to know who is racing and who is not. If you need to make a substitution or change, please let us know at
info@stormevents.ca and we'll take care of it right away.
Please note that neither race transfers or refunds are offered at this stage.
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Looking forward to seeing you up there!
Your RockstAR Team
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