Event Rules

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Overall Event Rules

 

Event Description

            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 continuous mountain bike segment, run orienteering segment, second 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.

 

Stage 1

Ropes Challenge Course Event Rules

 

Equipment:

• Equipment will be provided at all ropes course events for all participants.  Please wear clothing and closed toe shoes suitable for climbing and balancing or ropes course elements.  You will be able to change clothing prior to starting the second stage.

 

General Rules

• Each event is a ground level event at the ropes course and will be completed by individual or two team members working together.

 

*        In the case of relays, the designated ropes course participant will work with the designated ropes course participant/cyclist to complete the event.  The cyclist will then complete the cycling segment of the event. 

*        Each ropes course event is specified for individual or team. 

 

*        Each event has specific safety rules and error definitions outlined below.  The challenge course events are not timed.  However, a time limit of three minutes exists to complete each challenge course event in turn.  All events for the Challenge Course are evaluated based on quality factors (defined as errors) and converted to times as follows:

 

            (0 secs) – the attempt is completed within 3 minute time frame with no safety violations* or event errors.

            (15 secs) – event is completed with 1 error.

      (30 secs) – event is completed with 2 errors.

      (45 secs) – event is completed with 3 or more errors.

 

*        Safety violations disqualify the attempt and are defined by participant safety 

      responsibilities.

 

• Experiential Learning Center professionals will explain each event in detail as you reach the event.  Trained spotters will be provided.

 

·       Each team and individual will be required to complete 4 events each with a time limit of 3 minutes to achieve a score on each.

 

·       Teams will rotate to each event/or a rest point in turn, – up to 16 teams – so that all teams begin and complete this segment in the same time frame.

 

·       All event times will then be totaled to reach the final challenge course score time.  This time will then be used to determine a start time for the continuous part of the race.

 

·    Leaping, jumping or any ballistic movements will result in the entire team being

     disqualified.

 

 

Ropes Course Events

 

Islands (for teams)
Description: Two wooden platforms placed 6-8 feet apart each approximately 2 feet high. The team is given two 2 x 6 planks that are respectively about 1.5 feet shorter than the distance between the two platforms and a second which is shorter.  Team members are asked to move from one island to the next without touching the ground.  If at any time a team member or plank touches the ground, the team must start the attempt over.  Completion of a single crossing constitutes an attempt.  The attempt begins when both team members are standing on one island with the planks in hand.  The attempt ends when both team members are standing on the opposite island with the planks.  

 

Event Facilitator Responsibilities
1). Inspect the site and platforms for safety.
2). Clearly present the problem and answer any questions before the team

begins task.
3). Review spotting techniques with participants.
4). Inform the team that there is to be no jumping between platforms.
5). Spot participants as they move between platforms.

 

Participant Safety Responsibilities

1). Be aware of strength of both team members and agree to not have members

     lifting, supporting, or being supported in a manner in which they are not in

     control.
2). Agree to not attempt a solution that does not provide the team adequate

     spotting.
3). Agree to assist your teammate as necessary.
4). Be aware of the board swinging towards them.
5). If necessary, step off of the platforms or planks to avoid an uncontrolled

     fall.

 

Participant Quality Factors (Errors)

1). Neither the boards nor any team members may touch the ground during the attempt.

Telephone Pole Shuffle (for teams)
Description:  This initiative task uses a utility pole that is lying on the ground. One person starts at one end of the pole and the other starts at the opposite end. Facing the center of the pole, each person must move to the opposite end of the pole without anyone touching the ground.
Event Facilitator Responsibilities
1). Inspect the site and element for safety.
2). Clearly present the problem and answer any questions before the team

     begins task.
3). Review spotting procedures with participants.
4). Provide spotting for participants moving along the log or switching with

     other participants.

Participant Safety Responsibilities

1). Communicate clearly with team member.
2). If necessary, step off of the element to avoid an uncontrollable fall.
3). Walk on the log and pass people in a controlled manner.
4). Have only one person moving at a time.

5). Do not attempt any dynamic movements, such as running or jumping.

Participant Quality Factors (Errors)

1). Neither participant may touch the ground while traversing the pole.

 

Trolleys (for teams)
Description:  Trolleys are two treated boards with a number of hand ropes inserted in through the boards. The team walks a prescribed course with each foot placed on one trolley. Insist on additional spotters if necessary.

Event Facilitator Responsibilities
1). Check area for safety, obstacles, and uneven ground.
2). Check trolleys for splinters and warping.
3). Have participants step off the trolleys to avoid uncontrollable falls.
4). Clearly present the problem and answer any questions before the team begins task.

Participant Safety Responsibilities

1). Agree to communicate with one another, have fun, and be supportive.

2). Walk in a controlled manner.

 

Participant Quality Factors (Errors)

1). Neither participant may touch the ground during the attempt.

Wild Woozy (for teams)
Description:  This initiative task consists of two wires positioned on the ground forming a “V”. Two participants - one per wire - walk the diverging wires, while maintaining physical contact, to a designated point.  A “bridge spot,” provided by volunteers, is used in the center of the poles, and basic spots are used behind each person traversing the poles.  Each team will need to reach a fixed spot on the rope for the completion of the task, and the time will then be stopped.
Event Facilitator Responsibilities
1). Inspect site and element for safety.
2). Clearly present the problem and answer any questions before the team begins task.
3). Review basic and bridge spotting techniques.
4). Inform participants not to interlock fingers during activity.

Participant Safety Responsibilities

1). Use proper safety commands and communication.
2). If necessary, step off of the element to avoid an uncontrolled fall.
3). Do not jump off of the wire.
4). Do not interlock fingers with other participants.

5). Do not attempt to run on the wire.

 

Participant Quality Factors (Errors)

1). The team must reach the designated point without touching the ground.

 

Cable Traverse (for individuals)
Description:  Individuals must walk down a cable line, touch the pole, and return to the starting point. A rope will be available for use.

Event Facilitator Responsibilities
1). Inspect site and element for safety.
2). Clearly present the problem and answer any questions before the team begins task.
3). Review spotting procedures for a group spot.

Participant Safety Responsibilities

1). Use proper safety commands and communication.
2). If necessary, step off of the foot cable to avoid a fall.
3). A participant may not balance individually without support of the rope on the wire.

 

Participant Quality Factors (Errors)

1). Neither participant may touch the ground while traversing the cable.

 

Spiders Web (for individuals)
Description:  Individuals must pass through the web without touching the rope or the web.
There are three different size holes that can be used. Each size hole has a specific time allotted.
Smallest hole = 0 seconds, Medium hole = 15 seconds, Largest hole = 30 seconds, Not Completed = 45 seconds

Event Facilitator Responsibilities
1). Inspect the site and element for safety.
2). Clearly present the problem and answer any questions before the team

      begins task.
3). Review spotting techniques with participants.
4). Provide extra spotting as needed.

Participant Safety Responsibilities

1). Maintain a rigid position with arms legs and hands so as not to hit or kick

     spotters.

1). Do not attempt a ballistic movement through the web.

Participant Quality Factors (Errors)

1). Participants may not touch any part of their body or clothing on the web while passing

     through it.

 

Nitro Crossing (for individuals) 

Description:  Individuals will start on the north side of the element. They will have to transport themselves from one platform to the other without touching the ground. They will have a bucket of water on the starting platform and will have to transfer the water to a cup on the other platform using only a sponge. Once the cup is filled to the line that is drawn on the cup, the element is complete. They can only use the resources they have on them to gather the rope.

 

Event Facilitator Responsibilities
1). Inspect the site and platforms for safety.

2). Clearly present the problem and answer any questions before the team begins task.

3). Review spotting procedures with participants.

4). Review safety hazards associated with the kicking of legs and flailing of arms.

5). Inform the team that there is to be no jumping between platforms, towards the rope, or across   

     open spaces.

6). Spot participants as they move between platforms.

7). Process the experience as appropriate.

 

Participant Safety Responsibilities

1). Swing on the rope in a controlled manner.

2). Be aware of the rope swinging towards them.

3). If necessary, step off of the platforms or rope to avoid an uncontrolled fall.

 

Participant Quality Factors (Errors)

1). Participants must be able to cross between platforms without touching the ground.

2). All water must be retained in the previously filled cup of water.

Wall (for individuals) 

Description:  Individuals will have to touch the top of a 12 foot wall. A rope will be available for use.
Top of wall = 0 seconds, 11 foot mark =15 seconds, 10 foot mark = 30 seconds, Not Completed =45 seconds

Facilitator Responsibilities
1). Inspect the site and platform for safety.

2). Clearly present the problem and answer any questions before the team begins.

3). Review spotting procedures with participants.

4). Review safety hazards associated with the kicking of legs and flailing of arms.

 

Participant Safety Responsibilities

1). Participant must hold on to the rope for the ascent/descent of the wall.

2). Warn the spotters if you are about to fall.

 

Stage 2 – Continuous Race

Mountain biking, run orienteering, mountain biking, kayaking, and running.

 

Use the accumulated times from the ropes course events to create a start time: 

For instance, team A accumulates 5:20 from the ropes course events –

the timing clock starts at zero and team A starts when the clock hits 5:20.

 

Mountain Bike One Segment

Individuals and Team members will start the mountain bike segment together, based on their finish time from the ropes course events.  The relay cyclists will each begin on their own.  As your time approaches on the race clock, a race official will call out your names and let you know when to start.  If you miss your start time, you may start immediately upon arriving at the start line. 

 

Equipment:

• All participants must complete the designated cycling course.   A mountain or hybrid bike (26” wheels and/or classic mountain bike design) is required.  There is no requirement for minimum tire width, although a multi-use tire is suggested.  The bike course is primarily on a concrete and asphalt multi-use trail, with some short dirt sections.  Both riders must wear (ANSI-approved) helmets at all times, throughout the bicycle race.

• Bikes are also available for rental through the ELC and must be requested during pre-registration.  You are encouraged to use your personal equipment if preferred.

 

Course Information

• The course distance is approximately 18 miles of mixed surfaces (above) on the Pueblo Greenway multi-use trail system. 
• A map will be provided on the event website prior to the event, and will also be included in the packet on event day.   The course will be marked by signs and manned by course monitors.
• The course is available for use at any time, assuming normal traffic laws are followed where applicable.

Participant rules

• All riders must stay on the designated course and both riders on a team must complete the course.
• Riders detouring off the designated route will be cause for elimination of the team from the race, if the departure is not retraced.   If you detour off the course accidentally and then return to the original point of departure from the course, you will not be penalized.
• No drafting of non-teammates is allowed.  You may draft your own teammate, although tow ropes are not permitted.
• Your helmet must be worn from the start line until you have passed off your bike to a volunteer at the transition point.
• Passing should occur on the left side only.  Please VERBALIZE by calling out, “passing” as you attempt to pass.

 

Run Orienteering Segment

Upon completing the first bike segment at the access point to the City Park, participants will hand off their bicycles to volunteers at the transition course and receive an orienteering course map, compass, and punch card.  The relay cyclist will simply tag the relay runner.  You then proceed directly into the run orienteering course entrance using the map and compass to navigate to each designated station on the course.  At which point, you will punch your punch card with the hole punch you will find there.  At the beginning and at each successive station you will receive a set of directions and distance instructions to navigate to the next station. You are free to move through the stations in any order you choose.  However, you must reach all the designated stations you find on the map.  Once you have completed all stations, you exit the park by running back to the cycling course transition point the same way you entered the park.  Please be careful when crossing any roadways in the park, as it will not be closed to traffic.  The park area is a mix of grass and dirt with many varying terrain features and trees in the area of the run orienteering course. 

 

Equipment:

• The course map, compass, and punch card will be provided at the transition station and must be returned upon completing this segment. 
• General running clothing is suitable for this segment – running shoes can be transferred to the transition point, if checked in prior to the start of the race.

 

Participant Rules 

• Six stations must be located, in any order you choose.
• At each station, teams must collect a hole punch in their card – you must collect all 6 to complete the course.  You will present these at the transition area to continue the race. 

 

Mountain Bike 2 Segment

Upon completion of the run orienteering course, teammates will proceed directly into the second cycling leg of the course.  Relay cyclists will proceed, once retagged by the relay runner.  You will then continue to follow the greenway trail to the state park.  You will pass the nature center on your way and then navigate on the trail system to the most southern and western extension of the trail system, which is near the South Marina of the reservoir.  There you will find a second transition area to drop off your bike/s.  Signs will direct you to the kayak race area in a nearby cove.

 

Participant Rules

 

• Please see the rules for segment one of the mountain bike course.

 

 

 

Kayak Segment

Upon completing cycling segment two, teammates will make a short run to the cove where the kayak segment is to be held and select a single boat from the available kayaks.  Relay cyclists will tag the relay kayaker who will then run to the cove.  One team member must then enter the kayak and complete the kayak course of approximately 400 meters.  The kayak is then exchanged and the second team member must complete the same course.  In the case of relays and individuals a single kayaker completes two circuits or 800 meters of the course.   Once both team members and individuals have completed the course, you exit directly to the final run course which will lead to the finish.  This run is approximately 400 meters as well. The relay kayaker also exits their boat and completes the final run segment for their relay team.

 

The water in the reservoir is projected to be approximately 45 degrees.  It is the responsibility of each kayaker to make a reasonable decision regarding the clothing they choose to wear, in relation to their skill level and the water temperature.  If you anticipate overturning the kayak, a wet suit is suggested and can be transported to the event site if checked in.

 

Participant Rules

• Both team members participate in this event, one at a time, using one kayak.  Your selection of a kayak during the race is based on a first come first serve prioritization.
• Relays teams designate a kayaker/runner and this person completes the kayak course twice prior to running to the finish.
• Individuals will also complete the kayak course twice and finish the race with a final run.
• The event takes place in a small no wake cove in the southern most portion of the Pueblo Reservoir.
• Kayaks and paddles will be provided for the first 12 teams that enter the event, although you may also choose to use your own small paddle craft of any type.
• Team members may assist one another in entering the kayak and the reservoir.
• Each kayaker must wear a life vest while in the boat.
• Passing another kayak must be done on the outside lane.
• The first kayak must complete 4 laps and then exchange the boat with their team member, for completion of another 4 laps.

 

  

 

Welcome Page | Event Rules

Date Last Modified: 03/14/08