1. What should I eat during the event?
Some snacks like banana, other fresh or dried fruit; some muesli bars will do – not too heavy. Sport nutrition works really well too. Australian made Shotz gels and bars are a choice of many elite athletes. Lots of other brands are on the market as well- find what suits you. It is a great idea to try food and drinks that you are going to be using during the race during some of your training sessions, to avoid surprises. Electrolyte replacement and staying hydrated are critically important during the summer time, therefore sport drinks are strongly recommended.
2. What facilities are at the start location?
Lilydale Lake Park has a range of facilities including an all-abilities playground, outdoor fitness stations, fishing jetties, BBQs, picnic shelters, sandy beach areas and public toilets. A coffee van will be available to serve the needs of the caffeine addicts amongst us.
3. I do not have a team mate but I want to race - what can I do?
Post your details on our FB page, come along to one of the Navigation sessions, drop us an email with few words about yourself so we could match you with someone who has a similar fitness level and keep asking all your friends, someone would certainly turn up.
4. How tough the course will be?
It is definitely a challenge but the main purpose of the race is to introduce more girls to adventure races (not to freak anyone out). This means the course is relatively easy and accessible for everyone with a general level of fitness and with novice level of skills in all sports.
5. Where can I find more about adventure races in Victoria?
Adventurejunkie.com.au is our web-site with more events, like us on FB and stay tuned for the updates. There is an adventure racing Victoria FB page. Lots of adventure racers are part of Melbourne MTB group and Peakadventure kayaking squad.
6. Is it a relay? Can I do just a run and others will do ride and kayak?
No, this is not a relay. You have to do the whole event as a team of two. You can’t miss out the beauty of the lake and thrills of mountain biking – this is a part of adventure racing, sounds scary but you will like it.
7. Are there any cut-offs?
There is a cut-off to start the final leg – 2 hours 50 minutes after the start (12.50). However, we strongly believe everyone will be able to make it before this timeline. So you do not need to worry about clock when you’re racing, just enjoy the experience.
8. What happens if I cant find some of the check points?
Nothing terrible- you will get a time penalty. You should try to find them all but if you did not make it, it is not a big deal. First of all it is about experience.
9. Do I need my own kayak?
No, you do not need your own kayak. All paddling gear (paddles, personal flotation devices and double sit-on-top kayaks) are provided by organizers.
10. I do not have a bike, are any hire facilities available?
Yes, you can hire a bike for the event. More details will be available shortly.
11. I have never done any navigation based events, will I be able to complete the
course?
Yes, you are exactly at the right place. This is a beginner friendly event, so course caters to novice racers. Some training prior to the event will be
highly beneficial but you still can enjoy and have fun even without any training.
12. How hard will the navigation component be?
It is a little bit harder than a street directory. However, everyone who can read a street directory is certainly capable of completing the course.
13. What bike do I need for the race?
Although there are no single tracks or rough sections we recommend using a mountain bike or commuter bike. Cycling stage will be on gravel
paths and bitumen with some short off –road sections. Road bikes are not recommended.
14. What running shoes are recommended?
We recommend using light off-road shoes, or at least a bit heavier road shoes. Running course is a combination of small off-road sections, gravel
roads, some minor bitumen sections. If you are not a running freak and do not have a few pairs of shoes lined up just take any runners, you will
be fine.
15. How does the race timing work?
You will receive a little timing stick at the registration that you need to lock on your wrist with a wrist band provided along. At control points there are timing stations. You have to touch timing station with your timing stick , that will register the time when you ‘punched in’. The only trick here- you have t remember to touch the station with your timing stick and return your timing stick at the finish. This will be explained again before the start.
16. Can I bring a support crew with me?
All support crews are welcome. Although competitors are not allowed to get any physical assistance during the event, we more than welcome everyone who is up for encouraging and supporting teams. Please come to the event tent, there will be maps available for spectators.
17. I have never done any adventure races before, can I do the Women’s Adventure
Race?
Certainly yes! You would not find the better way to start adventure races than Women’s adventure race. Do not wait to book your spot.
18. How should I prepare for the race?
Accept the challenge and be ready to do something new and different. Although you need some level of fitness to complete the course, there are
no outstanding requirements. It is a great idea to do some training though. Navigation session can be an option. It will be focused on map reading skills Some other recommendations for kayaking, running and mtb trainings are posted in relevant sections on this website.
19. What is the mandatory gearlist?
Mandatory gear list is items you have to carry with you during the entire event or some specific stage, for this event it is very basic set. Please refer to this section for more details.
20. Can I enter on a day?
No, you cannot enter on a day. On-line registration is closed 3 days prior to the event. After this date, contact us via email or give us a call, we will try to find a spot for you. If you turn up on a day it is very unlikely we will be able to place your entry. Try to organise yourself in advance.
21. My team mate cannot race, can someone replace her?
Yes, you can find someone else and let us know via email, we will change your registration data. Earlier you let us know- better. We accept changes up to the registration on-site on race day.
22. Can we race as a team of three?
No, unfortunately, you can only race as a team of two. This event is designed for teams of two, so you will need to find someone else and
race as two teams. Four of you can stay together during the entire race and help each other, no problems with that.
23. Can I use my own kayak?
Sure, you can use your kayak, simply be sure to put this into the kayaking transition area which is next to the start\finish area, there will be a designated spot for private kayaks.
