The Original Buff Betty— 5 or 6 Hours
THE DETAILS
Date: September 9, 2023
Location: Shenandoah River S.P.
Duration:
6 hour course : 9 am to 3pm
Categories:
Solo
Two-Person
Three-Person
SCHEDULE:
Live pre-race brief on Facebook the week of the race, TBA.
Saturday, September 9th
6:30 am: Check-in
8:00am Mandatory Race Brief
9:00am: Race Start
3pm: Race Finish/All Teams Off Course
3:15pm: Post-race food, awards and fun
COST:
$100 per person
(Early registration through Sunday June 25)
$125 per person
(Regular registration June 26th thru Sunday August 20th)
$150 per person
(Late registration August 21st thru Sunday September 3rd)
Due to race day logistics, there is no race day registration.
Note: A small registration fee is added by the registration company onto the race cost.
COURSE OVERVIEW:
This shorter Buff Betty will be designed as a beginner friendly race that will also challenge those veteran Buff Betty’s who perhaps do not have the time, or desire to do any race that lasts all day. It is also the perfect race to introduce your daughters or nieces, or a friend that is curious and interested in the sport. This particular course will take into consideration the elevation gain and loss in the park, and will be designed so that you have fun, with a little bit of challenge thrown in. The team that acquires the most points in the least amount of time wins. All checkpoints will be optional with all TA’s mandatory. Teams will be able to do as much of or as little of the course as they feel comfortable doing. The course is a secret until race morning when you get your map and rules of travel instructions.
DISCIPLINES:
Navigation: Simple, straight-forward navigation with map and compass. Most checkpoints will be on easily identifiable features such as trail intersections, bridges, creeks, etc. However, as usual, there will be a handful of harder checkpoints off-trail on foot to challenge racers who have done some racing and have some navigation experience. Do you know what a spur is?
Paddling: 2-3 miles on the scenic South Fork of the Shenandoah River. The section of river paddled will be very tame with a handful of small ripples and ledges. No real rapids to speak of. Soloists will paddle kayaks and teams will paddle canoes. Racers will be allowed to bring their own paddle gear, NOT BOATS, and all paddling gear will be provided.
Biking: 8-12 miles
A combination of paved park roads, and the amazing trails in the park.
A note on the biking: We know that MTB is often a barrier to entry for racers and the biggest concern for many. We can tell you that the trails in the park are amazing! They are purpose-built for riding and overall not too technical. Most of them are fun and flowy and well-groomed. Overall your ability to ride the trails will most likely come down to your fitness level and not your technical riding skills.
Trekking/hiking: 5-8 miles
A combination of trails, pavement, and woods. Overall most of the trekking will take place on trails, but there will be some off trail travel if you are adventurous and don’t mind getting lost. But don’t worry you won’t get lost!
What You’ll Get:
-
A fun, safe, challenging and creative race course design
-
All insurance, permits and safety staff
-
Beautiful custom made map(s)
-
Sweet schwag and our signature finisher prize
-
Cool prizes on the podium for the top 3 teams in each division
-
Fabulous Post-Race Food
-
All Boats and Paddling Gear provided
-
A great day outside with old and new friends
MANDATORY GEAR:
Most of this mandatory gear is for your safety.
Mandatory Gear for Each Racer
Backpack and a way to carry water (e.g., camelbak, water bottles, etc.)
Food and water for the race
Space blanket (We recommend the SOL Space Blanket)
Whistle
Rain jacket
Mountain bikes are highly recommended and cross bikes are allowed. No road bikes allowed.
Bike helmet
Paddles and PFDs are provided by race, but racers may bring their own
Boats are provided by race
A sense of adventure!
Mandatory Gear for Each Team
Compass: just in case you get lost. But don't worry, you won't get lost!
Bike tool, spare tube(s), pump or CO2
Basic medical kit (We recommend the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight 3):
Duct tape
Race map (provided at check-in)
Race rules of travel (provided at check-in)
Race passport (provided at check-in)
Watch
Cell phone (fully charged)
Small dry bag for the safe-keeping of your cell phone. These bag(s) SHOULD BE WATERPROOF. It is to your benefit to make sure you have the best waterproofing system you can find.
Recommended Gear
Waterproof map case (this can be as simple as zip lock(s) bags and duct tape or a store bought case)
Map board for your bike
Long fingered gloves
Long tights/pants
Extra socks