Doing my first adventure race next month. Race consists of mtn/gravel biking to transition areas, leaving bike gear in the TA, and orienteering/trail running/trekking to checkpoints. Then it’s back on the bike to the next TA. Following the biking/foot portion is a paddling portion where we’ll be in/out of the kayak.
Having never done these activities all at once, what would you recommend as the best clothing? RD says long pants because of ticks, poison ivy, etc. Supposedly we’ll be crossing waist deep streams and riding 40-50 miles total so those seem like too much.
Have done a few adventure races (Balancebar 24 hour series). These had similar events to what you’re going to be doing.
I used technical t-shirts and tri shorts with the felt pad - seemed to work well, especially getting wet. The tech shirt also helped to keep the sun off me, plus protected my shoulders from the hydration backpack.
You will get scraped up - just watch for the poison oak/ivy - there’s usually a way around it - though I did find some - and keep checking for ticks.
Not sure if you have any overnight for your event, but a long sleeve polypro shirt helped keep me warm after sundown.
In years past I competed in and worked for a number of AR events that included everything from the ‘Sprint’ 3-6 hour events to the 10 day expedition races. I would most certainly recommend long sleeves and long pants regardless of the temps. The poison ivy and ticks are one thing, but you end up having a lot more confidence moving through brush and other prickly plant life when you’ve got the extra protection.
It only took me one race where I ended up barreling through some buckthorn for 6 hours to never question the idea of wearing pants and long sleeves when doing an AR race.
This is a 10 hour race, so no nighttime racing involved. I’m thinking long sleeve half zip and tri shorts under my pants so if I choose, I can just slide the pants off before we get on the bike. I’m already going to have to change from running shoes to mtn bike shoes.
If it’s muddy you might want to use flats with cages and your running shoes. I have watched a lot of people trying to get mud out of cleats with sticks while people on flats flew past them.
- and keep checking for ticks.