Suburban RUSH

Race Details

Pre-Race Information
The Course
Awards
Souvenirs & Prizes
What is Adventure Racing?
Join our Mailing List

Pre-Race Information

Racer Information Package download
<available April 2009>

Registered Racer Confirmation List
<available April 2009>

To download either of the above documents you will need Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.

Mandatory Gear List for 2008 race (per racer):

Allen Key for Bike*
Bike Pump*
Certified Bike Helmet
Chain Breaker*
Emergency Blanket
Insulating Hat/Toque
Long Sleeve Polypro Top (an extra one from what you are wearing)
Pencil or Pen
Small backpack or Camelback
Spare Tube
Tensor Bandage*
Tire Levers*
Two Antiseptic Wipes*
Two Anti-inflammatory Pills*
Two Band Aids*
One energy bar or equivalent food item
Two Litres of Water (minimum) We will make every effort to have extra water on the course, but can not guarantee supply)
Water proof map bag or large zip lock bag*
Water resistant jacket or shell jacket
Whistle

Optional suggestions:

Bug Spray
Extra water bottle filled with water on your bike
If you need eye glasses to read the newspaper bring them on the race to read the mystery challenge instructions (note: the text will be in larger font)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Trail running shoes
A change of dry clothes in your car

*One per team

The Course

As part of adventure racing tradition, the Suburban RUSH race course will be held a secret until the day of the race. However we can tell you this much:

Location: Port Moody, BC
Length: 30 Km
Time: 2 to 6 hours depending on fitness level
Teams: Teams of two or solos
Navagation: The majority of the course is well marked. There is typically a simple navigation section to get you thinking (no special skills or compass required!)
Mountain Biking: beginner and intermediate trails
Trail Running: some steep sections, running distance approximately 7 - 8 km
Mystery challenges: fun challenges to test your teams' skills and wits!
Finish line: 30 kilometres away! (refreshments provided)

What to expect:

Fitness: Suburban RUSH is a short course adventure race and is a great introduction to multi-sport off-road racing. Based on your fitness level it may take any where from 2 - 6 hours to complete. Suburban RUSH will also challenge seasoned racers with a great sprint race and primer for the season ahead.

There is no water section (ie. kayaking)

Awards

Prizes will be awarded centre stage at the finish right after the race. First place finishers in each category of the Suburban RUSH will be awarded the yellow jersey of adventure racing!* Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd of each cateogory. Additionally each participant will be eligible for draw prizes.

Categories:

Solo Male
Solo Female
Team of 2 Co-ed
Team of 2 Male
Team of 2 Female

*jersey provided with your free entry if you return the next year to defend your title wearing the yellow jersey!

Souvenirs & Prizes

Each participant will receive a Suburban RUSH T-shirt (both Women's cut and Men's) plus be eligible to win draw prizes donated by our supporters.

What is Adventure Racing?

Adventure Racing aka Multisport Off-Road Racing comes in many formats, ranging from a 2-3 hour sprint to expedition-length. Teams work together to tackle several outdoor sports while battling physical elements, mental obstacles, and emotional boundaries. Often they face unfavourable weather conditions, with little sleep. This is an expedition length adventure race; the other type of adventure race is a sprint adventure race that is completed in one day and is usually less than eight hours. Suburban RUSH is a shorter sprint race taking approximately four hours to complete. Adventure races are like off-road multi-sport 'tours' on a stopwatch. The most common sports in adventure racing are mountain biking, trail running, kayaking, and orienteering. See below for what events are featured in Suburban RUSH.

Each participant has their own unique story and motivation.
Ian Adamson one of the world’s best in adventure racing says in his book Adventure Racing, “The reality is that adventure racing gives me the opportunity to experience wild, and wonderful places, to share them with close friends, and frequently, to exceed my known limits. Ultimately, my love for adventure racing is a love for life.” Many outdoor minded people are drawn to the races for the physical challenge and great racer comraderie that surrounds the events. Others may seek a fresh alternative to road racing by adding a more adventurous off-road event to their calendar. However, the most likely reason why people adventure race is because it's fun! Most race organizers accept solo racers but the nature of the race is on a team where racers must overcome their differences to successfully make good time to the finish line. Trail running and mountain biking have grown substantially making off-road racing a great avenue to get out and enjoy the trails with some friendly competition.

Suburban RUSH has taken the intimidation factor out of adventure racing. Most of us will not make the leap from not competing in an adventure race to doing a 7-10 day expedition race. Suburban RUSH is a 30 km off-road adventure that consists of 8-10 km of trail running, 18-20 km of mountain biking on beginner to intermediate terrain and some mystery challenges. Mystery challenge events can include simple fun activities, or skill-based tasks. They are exciting and add an element of unpredictability to adventure races. Our race removes the more expensive water section for an affordable, challenging, fun day out. Suburban RUSH is a shorter sprint adventure race that will take between three to five hours to complete.