Big Bad Wolf Adventure Challenge 2013

This is a hybrid race between a dry triathlon, relay, and an adventure race.  Run, bike, and canoe through Mecosta County on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend and enjoy the beauty of central Michigan.  This event is for all participants from beginner to experienced.  The course if flat for the run and bike with a very negotiable Muskegon river.  This is a linear course and No orienteering needed.
There is also the Over the River and through the Woods 5K event that will start at the Same time… Show more as the Big Bad Wolf Adventure Challenge.  The course is also exactly the same and will be timed separately.  In the past this was run at a different time but to prevent confusion we are merging the events. 
Distances
Run - 5Kish (actually 3.3 miles) first leg of course and 1.08 miles at end of couse (Big Rapids Riverwalk)
Bike - 6.45 miles on the White Pine Trail
Canoe/kayak - About 4 miles (1 hour) on the Muskegon River (starting at Paris Park ending at Northend Park)
MAPS Located At Bottom Of PAGE
 
 
Event choices
Single - You are independent and do not play well with others but love a challenge.  Run, bike and kayak this event yourself but since you are so independent bring your Own Kayak.
2 person team - You learned well in elementary school and the buddy system is for you.  You and your partner will complete all of the events together.  You must remain within eye sight of each other at all times.  Your team must use a canoe to complete the river course.  This is great for bonding and also testing you physical limits.
3 person relay team - The three amigos have turned toward adventure!  This relay needs a runner, a biker and an individual to canoe with the biker back to the beginning.  You can then all meet at the canoe exit for a 1.08 mile run back to the start line.  The canoer will be shuttled to Paris park to await your biker to arrive.
4 person relay team - This foursome relay makes for a quick adventure.  One runner, one biker, and two canoers tackle this adventure allowing each person to excel in their favorite event.  The canoers will be transported to Paris park to await the biker and the biker will be given a ride to the canoe exit point or finish line.  The entire team can then meet and run, jog, or walk the final 1.08 miles to the finish.
 
General Information
Check-in -(7:30 am - 8:15am) Upon arrival you must check in behind the middle school to receive your swag bag, race numbers (to be place on front of shirt of each team member), t-shirt, and sticker for your right bike handle if you want us to transport your bike from Paris park to the start line.
Bike drop off behind middle school - There will be an area by the south end of the bridge by the river to arrange your bike within the marked section.  Only race participants may enter this transition area and bikes may not leave this area until your partner enters the transition area by foot.  This area will be monitored by a volunteer.
Bike drop off during race at Paris Park - Bikes that we will transport will be on the East side of the White Pine trail and the bikes to be transported by You on the West side of the White Pine trail.  Volunteer will be available for bike transportation to finish line if needed. 
Safety - Due to liability and your general safety all rules of the road must be adhered during the race.  There will be some assistance by local authorities but you are responsible to maintain safe protocol.  Bike helments must be worn and buckled for the entire bike portion.  PFD's must be worn and buckled appropriately during the entire canoe portion.  You must stop at all stop signs/crossings to ensure your safety.  There will be emergency crews available at the race to prevent injury and promote safety but we do Not want them to use their skills.  The Big Rapids Ham radio club will also monitor your course through out the race.
Weather - The event will not be made up if cancelled due to weather.  We will attempt to post pone the event within reason to ensure safety of all participants.  We have a severe weather postponement protocol that is followed to ensure safety for all involved.
Volunteers - Please thank all volunteers for their time during the race.  If you have friends or family that would like to help please have them check in at the registration table we could use your help.
Refreshments - Water, cookies, and fruit will be available at the end of the race and water may be stationed during the course.  This is for race participants only.
Awards Big Bad Wolf - Wooden paddles will be distributed to the winners of each catagory and your name will be placed onto a permanent trophy located at  a local business. 
Awards 5K - the top male and female will receive an award and there will be a door drawing also and these prizes will be given to the runners as they cross the finish line. 
 
 
FAQs
 
Are there Id requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
If you are under 18 you must have a guardian sign your release form online
 
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Parking is located behind the Big Rapids Middle School.  Paris Park has public parking that will be utilized for pick up of your biker if you have a 4 person team.  If you needed transportation from the middle school to Paris Park or from Paris Park to Northend park/middle school this will be provided.  During registration you will note this so we know your situation. 
 
Where is Paris Park? (end of bike leg and launch of canoe/kayaks)
Follow Northland Drive out of Big Rapids going north and the park is located on the east side of the road in the town of Paris, MI. 
 
Where is Northend Park?
Follow Northland Drive north to Baldwin street and turn east.  Go over the bridge and at the top of the hill is 4th st and you take a left toward the park entrance.  You will see the area along the river where the canoe/kayaks will exit. 
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Please e-mail Jeff Mossel at jmossel@hotmail.com
 
Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
If you need to transfer your ticket this is allowed prior to race day by contacting the race organizer.
 
Can I update my registration information?
Yes you may sign in at eventbrite to change registration information or contact the organizer. 
 
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No
 
Do you have a map?
Please ensure that you study the maps of each leg to ensure you understand where you are going.  We attempt to mark the course as well as we can but during the race participants frequently over look them due to concentration on the race.  There will be signs with arrows and chalk on the path.  After exiting the canoes you run briefly against the same path that you ran earlier.  You are responsible for learning the map prior to running the event.
 
Start time?
The event will start promptly and you are responsible for ensuring your bikes are in the correct location and you are at the start race on time.  There will be a briefing 5 minutes prior to the race at the start line.
 
What in the world is an adventure challenge?
This is a mix between an adventure race and a dry triathlon.  This allows you to do a relay, partnership, or as a single participant.  There are transition areas and people coming and going on bikes and canoes.  If you have read the entire instructions above you should understand what you are getting into.  No orienteering is needed but due to the amount of transitions and changing of partners you truly need to understand the course flow.  You will Not be in a crowd of participants and at times may feel alone so there will not necessarily be someone to follow at all times.  Volunteers attempt to help on the course but since it is spread out it is not always possible.  This is a very fun time and more of a challenge than a race. 
 
How long will this race take me?
Due to the multitude of racing combinations it varies.  The winning teams usually finish just short of 2 hours.  The last team may take 3.5 hours.  Depending on the level of the river the canoe takes about an hour.  If you tip, get stuck in shallows, or like to enjoy the scenery it will take longer.  The road teams using a road bike will finish the biking in about 20 minutes while road/comfort bikes will be about 35-40 minutes.  The run is 3.3 miles so this depends on your average min/mile.  If you make a wrong turn your time will be longer. 
 
What is included with my entrance fee?
The entrance fee includes a t-shirt and canoe/PFD/paddle rental unless you are a single and then you are providing your own kayak/PFD/paddle other arrangements were made. 
 

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