Dear Storm'ers,

We're nearly there! Seems like forever since we last set up a race site, but in just a few weeks we'll be raising the Storm finish arch, and looking forward to welcoming you all through it!

We'll keep this as brief as we possibly can, but as per the last update, there are a lot of details around this very unique year that we need to make certain everyone has. Please, please, please have a read-through so that you're ready to go on Race Day - you'll be thankful that you did!
Team/Wave Changes

We hate to have to start off on this note, but the volume of related requests is becoming problematic. Please be aware that refunds or deferrals are not offered at this late stage, and that we can no longer assist with finding other racers to replace registered teams.

We are also unable to accommodate race date or wave changes - please ensure that you are ready to race for the wave or course that you signed up for at the point of registration.

That said, if you need to substitute a member of your team who can no longer take part, we are more than happy to help. This is not done online, but you can simply contact us at info@stormevents.ca to provide the new team member details, and we will make the necessary changes for you.
Race HQ is Now Live!

The home page of stormthetrent.com has now been turned over to Race HQ - your central source for all things Race Day. It includes:

  • The pre-race briefing video. It's under 10-minutes long, full of important details, and contains helpful illustrations to give you a better understanding of what to expect when you arrive at the Race Site. Please make certain that everyone on your team watches it.

  • Team start times. You already know the wave you selected when you registered, but this spreadsheet now provides your assigned start time, which is the time you need to be at the paddle put-in and ready to start. Super-important detail for everyone!

  • Course Maps. These aren't posted yet, but they will be on September 20th, so that you can have a chance to review them prior to arriving. You will still receive paper copies in your team kits as per usual.

  • Race Day forms. These are the most important, in that you must have them completed BEFORE you arrive. Included here is a link to an online COVID self-screening app, which each racer must fill out in order to start. You will be required to show a screen shot on your phone (or a printed copy) of the results at Check-in, with a time and date stamp that is no sooner than 24 hours prior to your assigned start time. Cell data service is not overly reliable at Base Camp, so we highly recommend that you complete this task just before leaving, or on your way up.

  • Race Information Packages. These are essential reading - we can't stress enough that you absolutely have to review the package for your chosen course if you want to have an enjoyable race experience. They will provide answers to any questions you might have, and will help you immensely in understanding the processes we've had to put in place for this unusual year.
Some Key Points

These are all explained further in the racer information packages, but please keep in mind:

  • Each team will only be given a maximum of 1 hour at the race site. This means that you will not be allowed to check in until 1 hour before your assigned start time. There will be a lot to do within that hour - we've created a set of infographics in the racer packages to help illustrate.

  • Bottom line - come ready to race! Through the Race HQ items above you'll be able to get your start time, review the maps, view the briefing video, and fill out your Race Day forms in advance. So as long as you have yourselves and your gear ready to go, you'll have no troubles during that one-hour window.

  • As much as we know it sucks, please do not invite spectators to this year's race. We promise it's only for this one very unusual year!

  • In an effort to avoid gatherings, we will not be hosting post-race meal as we normally would, so please be sure to bring lots of salty snacks for once you've finished.

  • Masks are a new addition to the mandatory gear list, and we will require racers to wear them while at the race site (but not while racing).

  • Water stations are not provided at Storm, so please be prepared to keep hydrated out there. You will be passing by numerous lakes and streams, so having a means of purifying water on the go may be worthwhile.

  • As noted in the racer packages and in the pre-race briefing video, we are letting you know in advance that you will be paddling first, and that there is 800m between the put-in and the race site. This is a portage section - you absolutely cannot drag your boats this distance, so we recommend giving thought to how you will carry them if you don't have much experience with portaging. Portage carts or a home-made version of the concept may be used - an example from MEC if you aren't familiar with them is available here.
Post-Race

We truly wish this weren't the case, but we will have to insist that teams leave the race site as soon as they are finished. This may be the suckiest of all the things that suck about pandemic-era racing, but it's the reality that we have to work with.

We learned just recently that the on-site restaurant (The Cookhouse) at the Haliburton Forest base camp unexpectedly closed its doors at the end of August. It apparently will be re-opening later in the Fall, but not in time for Race Weekend. Once again, please be prepared to have some post-race nourishment ready, so that you aren't eating your arms off on the way home!
Contacting Us

We always welcome questions, but we do ask that you please review the resources and information linked above prior to reaching out. Please note that we leave for the race site on Monday the 20th, and that our ability to respond after that point will be very limited.
Can't wait to see you up there - wishing you the best of luck on Race Day!

Sean Roper
Race Director