Overview
The CSU-Pueblo X Challenge Campus to Reservoir Adventure Race consists of completion of several low ropes course challenge events at CSU-Pueblo, followed by mountain biking through the Pueblo Greenway trail system, to “Ducky boats” course in the Arkansas river rapids, to run orienteering in the Pueblo City Park, more cycling along the greenway to the State Park, and culminating with open water kayaking in the Pueblo Reservoir and a short run to the finish in the Pueblo State Park. The race highlights much of the natural beauty and local recreational highlights in Pueblo and the surrounding area. The ropes course events are completed first to determine a starting position and then the rest of the events are completed in a continuous race. The ropes course events are scored based on quality factors and converted to time rather than simply being timed.
This event is an adventure race in an urban setting. It occurs in two stages. Initially all competitors participate in eight ropes course events rotating through each in turn. Each team is given 3 minutes to make attempts to complete each ropes course event challenge. Each is scored by quality factors and then converted to a time, as described below. The individual times from all eight ropes course challenge events are then added together to establish the start time for the second stage.
The second stage consists of a mountain bike segment, “ducky boat” (inflatable kayak) run, second mountain bike segment, run orienteering segment, third mountain bike segment, open water kayak segment, and a short closing run done in continuous fashion. Teams start this stage based on their ropes course event cumulative time. For example, if a team accumulates 7:30 on all the ropes course events then their start time occurs at 7:30, from when the race clock is started. In this way, all teams are racing on an equal basis during the continuous second stage of the event. The order of finish is established based on the order in which individuals and teams cross the finish line.
Participants
Racers may compete as individuals in two person teams in three categories: male, female and co-ed teams as well as in four-person relays.
- Individuals complete the entire course starting with the ropes course followed by mountain biking, ducky boat, mountain biking segment 2, a run orienteering, mountain biking segment 3, kayaking, and a run to the finish line.
- Two person teams complete the entire course together, including the kayak section where they will be completing it together in a two person canoe. The team finishes when both members have crossed the finish line.
The relay teams will have four members. Relays may be of any gender make-up but will all compete in one category. For the 4 person teams:
- Competitor 1: Completes the ropes course (with competitor 2), the kayak event, and the short run to finish line.
- Competitor 2: Completes the ropes course (with competitor 1) and the bike section to the downriver ducky event.
- Competitor 3: Completes the downriver ducky event and the short run back up river to their bike, the bike section to the run orienteering, and the bike section to the kayak event.
- Competitor 4: Completes the run orienteering section.
Equipment
Racers are expected to bring the following equipment:
- Mountain bikes and helmets
- Run gear and general competition gear
Racers are required to wear a wetsuit for ducky and kayak/canoe segments and we highly recommend each competitor brings their own wetsuit. We can provide wetsuits, but the number is very limited and will be a first come first serve basis.
Kayaks/ Canoes are provided and must be shared by the team members – each kayaking the course in turn. We have 14, 10 kayaks, 4 canoes, and so their use is first come first serve as you arrive at that point in the race. Individuals will complete the kayak course on their own and must wear their bicycle helmet while doing so. The course will require some buoy navigation suitable to a small maneuverable style of rodeo kayak – this is the type provided by the event. However, the kayak portion of the race is open for any type of kayak or similar small paddle craft, so you may use your own boat if you prefer. Kayaks must be checked-in at registration on race day otherwise you will have to provide transport to the lake reservoir yourself. Mountain bikes are also available for rental from the Outdoor Pursuits Program for $5. Please notify us in advance by email if you plan to bring your own boat or to rent a bike. Indicate your desired bike frame size (16.5, 17.0, 17.5, 18.0 18.5 inches) on the email. Proceeds from rentals will also go towards the event.
The cycling leg must be completed on a mountain bike as conditions are not uniformly appropriate for road bikes. The event is continuous in nature so plan all clothing and equipment accordingly. You will be able to forward running equipment to the orienteering course start finish. Any individual paddling gear (including your own boat if you choose to use it) must be dropped off at check in at the Ropes Course.
Contact Information
More information about the event may be obtained by linking to the event website on the CSU Pueblo EXHPR website at: http://ceeps.colostate-pueblo.edu/exhpr/ or by contacting George Dallam at george.dallam@colostate-pueblo.edu or 719.549.2619.