Since we’re being official and all…
- Rule number one: be safe
- Rule number two: no littering
- Rule number three: respect other trail users – be aware that snowmobilers using the trail may not know about the race
- Rule number four: All racers MUST stop at ALL checkpoints along the course. For the 50k this means Winter and the “car checkpoint” at approx mile 24 (this will be right on the course at a dirt road crossing); for the 75-mile and 150-mile this means Winter & Birchwood (twice for 150 milers)
- Rule number five (per Chris): NO LITTERING. Don’t be a moron and leave your empty gu packets on the trail. If you see a gu packet on the trail, stop and pick it up. If you are worried about your time I will give you an adjustment on your finish time to compensate you, plus a bonus. How about 3 seconds for your lost time, and I will double it to give you 6 seconds back. Catch my drift??? It doesn’t take long to be a good person, steward and ambassador of your chosen sport. I will be the last one on the trail and I don’t want to find litter.
75-mile and 150-mile Gear List
Gear check will happen at the check-in one the eve of your race, or before the race starts if you don’t make check-in. Bring your gear and allow time for it to be checked.
MANDATORY Gear (borrowed from Arrowhead 135 and amended for Tuscobia)
- Minus-20F degrees sleeping bag or colder rating.
- Insulated sleeping pad.
- Bivy sack or tent (space blankets/tarps do not count).
- Firestarter (matches or lighter).
- Stove.
- 4 fl. oz. fuel s (either gas, alcohol or 1 canisters of propane/butane 100 grams or 6 Esbit tablets).
- Pot (min. volume is 1 pint)
- 2-qt (64 fl. oz.) or just under 2 litres, insulated water container.
- Headlamp or flashlight. Suggest minimum ~100 lumen good for 12 hours/bike or 20 hours on ski/foot.
- Flashing red LED lights, both on front and back of sled or bike (or on backpack if skier). Everyone have at least 10 square inches of reflective material on front and back of the person for this race. Two lights total are required, one on the front of the bike, sled or racer (runner or skier with backpack), one on the back of the bike, sled or racer (runner or skier with backpack). These requirements are not just something we thought would be fun. They are meant to lessen the chance of you getting run over by a snowmobile or car at one of the road crossings. You will lose in a 70 mph collision.
- 1-day of food at ALL times (3000 calories) (tip: pound of butter or jar of peanut bar is 3200 calories).
Recommended Gear
- Extreme conditions mittens, head gear and outerwear..
- Down sweater, spare undershirt/socks etc.
- Over-boots, Gaitors.
- Duct tape, vasoline, sunglasses, lipbalm, moleskin, ibuprofin, etc.
- Map/compass/gps. Reflective vest.
- 5,000-7,000 calories of food, preferably items which remain chewable at way below zero and colder.
- Sleds or backpack for runners and snowshoers. Assorted tools/waxes as needed.
- Judge your gear based on your mode of transport and skills. Last year in the 150, first bike was 17ish hours, last bike was 36. First runner was 60+ hours, last runner was 62+hours. No skiers were silly enough to try. In the 75 mile bike, 7:45 and 27+ were the first and last. In the run, 20+ hours was first and 29 hours was last. The two skiers were just under 32 hours. 50k results ranged from 4:20 to 10+ hours for all modes.
- The point is be aware that you may be out there for a long time, in temps below 0 degrees, and assume that you won’t have any help. If you need to sleep on the trail for a night until we figure out you are in trouble, make sure you can survive.
50k Gear List
MANDATORY Gear
- Means of carrying water/liquids (e.g., hydration pack)
Recommended Gear (these are MANDATORY if you will be on the course after dark)
- Reflective vest
- Front and rear flashing lights
- Headlamp
All Races
Requested Gear
- We request that all racers carry a cellphone (ideally with the number you gave on your entry form!)
