ROOTSTOCK RACING
Two Rivers Gear List
Preliminary, Rough Course Schematic
This is a rough overview of the course, aimed at helping you prepare your gear, food, clothing, shoes etc. In addition, this schematic is not drawn to any accurate scale, and it does not depict that actual disciplines or number of stages in in the event. Time estimates are rough, and they are cumulative (i.e. "20 hours" means 20 total hours into the event, not from the last resupply); final course scouting, setting, and race-day conditions may impact times. We also cannot completely project times considering that short course teams will make varied decisions. In short, take all of this for how it is intended: it's a rough estimate to help you plan and pack, but be flexible!
You MAY pack food, clothes, and gear in your bags and bins. You may NOT pack fluids in paddle bags; please respect our race staff when packing and consider weight!
In addition to these details, we will transport your bikes at the start of the race. We will update you on timing and whether you can attach bike helmets and shoes to your bikes ahead of time, but we will definitely allow you to pack food in bike bags and fluids in bottles. We will clarify timing for reaching your bikes prior to the race in a final race update.
You MAY pack food, clothes, and gear in your bags and bins. You may NOT pack fluids in paddle bags; please respect our race staff when packing and consider weight!
In addition to these details, we will transport your bikes at the start of the race. We will update you on timing and whether you can attach bike helmets and shoes to your bikes ahead of time, but we will definitely allow you to pack food in bike bags and fluids in bottles. We will clarify timing for reaching your bikes prior to the race in a final race update.
Mandatory Personal Gear
AT=Gear must be carried at all times
B=Gear must be carried during biking legs
P=Gear must be carried during paddling legs
B=Gear must be carried during biking legs
P=Gear must be carried during paddling legs
Quantity |
Item |
Notes |
1 |
Whistle (AT) |
Must be accessible |
1 |
Space blanket (AT) |
Old space blankets should periodically be inspected to make sure they are still usable |
1 |
Rain coat (AT) |
Taped, with hood; waterproof, not water-resistant; even if dry, rain gear is an important thermal layer in case of emergency |
1 |
Rain pants (AT) |
Taped and waterproof, not water-resistant; even if dry, rain gear is an important thermal layer in case of emergency |
1 |
Spare thermal top (AT) |
Long-sleeve, fleece, wool, synthetic top, to be kept in reserve; this is not your race-top at the start of the race. Arm warmers will not suffice |
1 |
Thermal hat (AT) |
Fleece, wool, or synthetic |
Racer Discretion |
Suitable clothing (AT) |
Come prepared with suitable clothing for the conditions. Consider that there may be some undergrowth and insects, especially ticks, that would recommend long-legged bottoms. You will absolutely be wet after the paddle, and you likely will end up with wet feet more than once. Plan accordingly! |
1 |
Hydration system (AT) |
We recommend you have capacity for at least 50 oz. There is plenty of water on course from natural sources, and there may be potable water at select TAs. We will send out this information in the final racer update so teams can be prepared. |
1 |
Appropriate pack (AT) |
|
1 |
Headlamp (AT) |
Must have sufficient battery power for a night of racing. |
Racer Discretion |
Dry bag(s) (AT) |
Means to keep gear dry during the event, especially food, spare clothing, and any safety-related gear. |
1 |
Certified Bike Helmet (B) |
Must fit properly and be work at all times while biking. Note: we may require helmets on the paddle as well, depending on water conditions. |
1 |
Rear red light (B) |
Must have sufficient battery power for the event; rear lights must be on at all times while biking on roads, and on all surfaces while biking between sunset and sunrise. |
1 |
Front white light (B) |
Must have sufficient battery and be helmet or bar mounted. Light must be on at all times while biking in the dark. |
1 |
PFD (P) |
Must be a type III certified PFD. NO INFLATABLES - we know they are awesome and light, but if they malfunction, and every once in a while, they do, they are not that helpful, especially if there is a genuine emergency. |
1 |
Paddle (P) |
See notes on water conditions under team gear. |
Racer Discretion |
Food |
Enough food for 30 hours of racing. You MAY see a bit of food on course, but timing and availability is variable. |
1 |
Race bib (AT) |
Provided by organization. Must be worn as your outermost layer at all times except on paddle, where it should be under your PFD. |
Mandatory Team Gear
Quantity |
Item |
Notes |
1 |
Race rules, maps, passports (AT) |
Provided by race organization; Maps will largely be 1:24,000 in scale, though we may print some at 1:30,000. Maps will mostly be printed on 8.5x11 water-resistant paper; some may be on 11x17 paper. Passports will be printed on waterproof paper, and other documents may be a mix of water-resistant and standard, non-water-resistant paper. Each team will receive one set of maps; teams had the option of purchasing a second set at check-in. |
1 |
Tracker (AT) |
Provided by race organization; should be attached to a shoulder strap or in a top pocket of a pack. |
1 |
Cell phone (AT) |
Charged, but turned off in your packs while racing. |
2 |
Compass (AT) |
Any style. Team should have at least once backup compass in case one is lost or damaged. |
1 |
First aid kit (AT) |
The list below is the mandatory, minimum requirement, but we encourage you to round out your kit with additional items as you deem necessary and wise. We recommend you consult this medical kit’s supply list for guidance on additional supplies.
|
1 |
Map case (AT) |
Some way to keep your maps dry |
Racer Discretion |
Water purification (AT) |
There is ample ground water on course; you will encounter numerous mountain streams in addition to marshy areas. While some may tempt fate, we recommend treating all water, regardless of the seeming cleanliness of the source. Racers are responsible for sourcing and treating drinking water throughout the event. There is treatable ground water near every TA. There may be potable water at select TAs. We will send out this information in the final racer update so teams can be prepared. |
1 |
Knife (AT) |
Locking blade |
1 |
Firestarter (AT) |
Lighter, waterproof matches, etc.; should be operational in wet conditions |
Racer Discretion |
Bike repair kit (B) |
You must bring proper/preferred repair equipment. Race staff cannot assist with bike repair per ARWS rules. At a minimum, we recommend you consider the following items: hand pump, CO2 cartridges and nozzle, spare tires, chain lube, chain break, bike tool, patch kit, tire levers, etc. |
Team Bag/Bin |
Teams/solos are allowed one bag or bin (your choice). You will see this bag/bin one time (see course schematic above). You may pack food, clothes, and extra, non-mandatory gear in this bag/bin. You may NOT pack fluids in your bin. Please be respectful of our race staff and do not turn in 75-pound bags/bins. It's not necessary! |
|
1-2 |
Paddle bag (P) |
1 bag for solos and teams of 2; 2 bags allowed for teams of 3/4. You will see this bag(s) two times (see course schematic above). All gear must fit inside bag. Exception: if paddles are too long, you must be able to securely bundle them together. Teams should self-label/identify your bags and bundles. Relevant notes above with the preliminary course schematic will help you pack. You do NOT need to bring the paddle bag with you while paddling. |
1 Seat/Racer |
Packrafts (P) |
You must bring appropriate boats and have a dedicated seat for each racer. You may NOT creatively cram three racers into a tandem meant for two. Any combination of single and double packrafts will suffice. We are hoping that there will be minimal portaging, but depending on permitting decisions and race day conditions, you MAY have to portage your gear for approximately two miles before launching. Plan accordingly. |
Glow sticks (P) |
We do not anticipate any night paddling this year, but each team should be prepared with the following in case something goes wrong: 1/racer + 1/boat. There will not be any boat traffic, so these are for finding your teammates and boats if you end up separated and in the water. |
|
1 |
Roll of scotch tape |
One roll per team. |
Recommended Gear
Quantity |
Item |
Notes |
|
Watch |
Keep an eye on the clock! Note: Garmin watches may be worn in AR Mode; make sure to register them with staff at check-in. |
Altimeter |
Some big terrain in central PA; while not necessary, an altimeter might make a checkpoint or two a bit easier to find. |
|
Camera |
Phones are not permitted other than in an emergency. We have heard of and seen too many cases of people using their phones as navigation devices to allow them. Many companies make small, lightweight, waterproof cameras perfect for outdoor adventures. |
|
Foot/skin lubricant |
30 hours of racing + some wet conditions (even if it doesn't rain) = skin abrasion. Be prepared to take care of your feet preemptively and during the event to enjoy yourself more and increase the chances of finishing! |
Prohibited Gear
Quantity |
Item |
Notes |
|
Weapons |
Should go without saying, but no weapons allowed (aside from the required utility knife). |
GPS devices |
Adventure racing and orienteering are map-and-compass-based events; teams using GPS devices to assist with navigation, pace-counting, etc. will be disqualified. Note: Garmin watches may be worn in AR Mode; make sure to register them with staff at check-in. |
|
Night vision |
Any night-vision enabled devices will result in disqualification. |
|
|
Communication devices such as walkie talkies or other radio devices |
A cell phone is required for emergencies only; no other such devices should be carried or used unless approved by the organization; use of such devices will result in disqualification. |
Motorized transportation |
We do not offer an e-bike division in this event. Any form of mechanical doping is therefore forbidden, in violation of the ethos of adventure racing, and will result in disqualification. If anyone is interested in using an e-bike for issues of accommodation and accessibility, please reach out to race personnel in advance of the event. Such teams/racers may participate with exhibition status and will not be eligible for official ranking in the event. |