September 20, 2008 Smithville, Texas   (Rocky Hill Ranch) 7:00 AM

We have two races going on at the same time!  The shorter course adventure race is designed for first time racers and experienced racers alike and can be finished in 2-3 hours. The long course adventure race is a USARA National Qualifier Adventure Race. The top 3 "Terra Firma Extreme" Coed teams will qualify for the 2008 USARA Adventure Race National Championships. The winning "Coed Extreme" team will receive $500.00 towards their teams entry fee into the 2008 USARA Adventure Race National Championships.

Choose from 2 different courses:

1. Terra Firma: This is a 2-3 hour course for 2-person teams that will challenge you with mountain biking on singletrack trails (8-12 Miles), trail running (2-3 miles), and possible mystery events. Course will be marked so teams do not need navigation skills. There is no paddling in the 2-person race.
2. Terra Firma Extreme: This is an 8-12 hour course for 3-person teams that will challenge teams with mountain biking on singletrack trails and roads (30-40 miles), canoeing (2-6 miles), trail/road running and a land navigation section (8-10 miles for both). You must provide your own boats, paddles and life jackets. Extreme Teams will receive topo maps. The check points will be given in the form of UTM's or teams may copy marked maps but receive a one-hour time penalty. For canoe/kayak rental: Check out Rising Phoenix Adventures

Categories (Choose from 4 categories in each race):

• Terra Firma (2-person teams):
  (Male) = Male / Male: Any age combination
  (Female) = Female / Female: Any age combination
  (Coed) = Male / Female: Any age combination
  (Coed Masters) = Male / Female: Both team members must be 40+.
  
  
• Terra Firma Extreme (3-person teams):
  (Male) = Male/Male/Male: Any age combination
  (Female) = Female/Female/Female: Any age combination
  (Coed) = 2 males & 1 female, or 2 females and 1 male: Any age combination
  (Coed Masters) = 2 males & 1 female, or 2 females and 1 male: All 3 team members must be 40+

Registration (Early Registration by 9/06/08):

Terra Firma: $75.00 per person ($150.00 per team)
Terra Firma Extreme: $120.00 per person ( $360.00 per team)

USARA Membership is required for this event. Annual memberships will be available at check-in for $35, or you may purchase a single event membership for $8. Please save time at check in by purchasing ahead of time on line at www.usara.com or by having the exact change or a check made payable to USARA. We do not accept credit cards on race day.

Download Form for Mail In or Register Online

EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 6, 2008

Late fee:

• Terra Firma $85.00 person or $170.00 team
• Terra Firma Extreme $130.00 person or $390.00 team

We will allow race day registration, however please call if you have not registered by 9-17-2008 and are doing the long course so we can have necessary materials (maps & passports).

Contact us: 972-966-1300 or kathy@terrafirmapromo.com

Race Entry includes:

1. T-shirt and Land Use Fee
2. Awards for top 5 teams in each category.
3. Prizes guaranteed for Top 5 teams in Coed Division, but we try, and usually do, give out prizes in all categories 3 deep, unless class doesn't fill.
4. Cool Pint Glass Souvenir Award for All Participants who FINISH!

Race check in & starting time (Teams can check in at the race site): 

Friday September 19, 2008 between 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday from 5:30 am - 6:00 am.
Pre race meeting is at 6:15 am & race start time is 7:00 am.

General Information

REQUIRED GEAR LIST:

Basic & Extreme - Mountain Bikes & Biking Helmets for each rider (CPSC Certified Bike Helmet), Method of carrying at least 50 oz. of water per person (recommend camelbaks), Food & water.

Extreme Only - additional required gear: 1 whistle, 1 working cell phone, 2 Compasses, 1 UTM Plotter (1:24,000 scale & 1:50,000 scale), 1 Space Blanket, 10 feet Duct Tape. You must provide your own boats, paddles & life jackets (Type III Non-Inflatable Coast Guard - Approved) for this event.  Additionally, please be prepared with a bike light for the front, and a blinking red light for the rear of your bike.  These will be recommended for all extreme racers, but mandatory to those leaving transition after a certain time (TBA).

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL GEAR - This is not required but you may want some or all of this gear for the event:

Water proof jacket	Insect repellant
Water proof pants	Quick Up Shade Tent
Gators	Bicycle inflator or mini pump
Water proof map case; ziplock baggies	Water bottles
Gortex socks	Extra CO2 cartridges for inflator
Cool max top	Spare bicycle tubes
Cool max shorts	Slime for bicycle tubes
Gloves	Bicycle tool kit
UTM Ruler	Bicycle gloves
Fleece top	Bicycle shorts
Wool socks	Bicycle jersey
Hand warmers	Bicycle socks
Trekking poles	Bicycle shoes
1st aid kit	Lantern
Tent	Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag pad	Tarp
Ice chest	Chairs
Camp stove	Buff
Hat or cap	Sunscreen
Sun Glasses	Paddling Gloves

There will be a central transition area where teams can set up a camp. During the race the teams will pass through this area several times making it possible to reload on food, water, change clothes, etc. Teams may have assistance crews in the transition area to prepare food, etc. The transition area is the only location in which the assistance crews may aid the team. There are several legs in this race including mountain biking on both singletrack trails and road sections, trekking on both single track trails and road sections, and paddling for extreme teams. There are no water stations along the course.  Teammates must remain in visual contact with each other at all times. Extreme teams will be provided with topographic maps & will use a compass to navigate to the respective check points during the navigation legs. The course will be marked for the trekking and biking legs. The paddling is on a nearby river. If a team member drops out the remaining team members may continue as an unofficial team, and all members who complete the course will receive a finishing award.

 

Rules

• Teams must stay together (within 20 seconds for the 2-person teams, and within 30 seconds of each other for the 3-person teams) and will race to designated checkpoints along the course. All teams must be TOGETHER at the finish line. Your time stops when the last teammate crosses the line.
• If one team member drops out, the team will be ranked behind the last complete team in that category. 
• The race is ongoing - it is up to your team when or if you stop and rest. 
• The first team to complete all legs of the race WINS!
• Unsportsmanlike actions or language will not be tolerated.  Automatic disqualification.
• Must wear helmet at all times when on bike - even before and after race if on your bike!
• Extreme Teams may choose to view a copy of the plotted checkpoints to copy to their maps in exchange for a 1-hour time penalty.
• Extreme Teams must provide their own canoes or kayaks.
• Extreme Teams must provide 3 type III Non-Inflatable Coast Guard approved life jackets and their own paddles.

Required Gear & General Info:

See Related Link

Directions & Lodging:

Rocky Hill Ranch 512-718-8822 (Call RB Phelps for Camping Info) or visit the website: www.rockyhillranch.net

From Austin: Highway 71 East through Bastrop and take the 1st Smithville exit (approximately 11 miles from Bastrop) Turn left on FM 153 east. go 2.3 miles and you will see the old bike on the gate entrance to the left. From Houston: I-10 west to Columbus, 71 west to LaGrange, stay on 71 west to Smithville, Right on FM 153 past Beusher State Park about 2.3 miles - Rocky Hill Ranch is on the left, there is an old bike hanging on the gate.