Q1: Dallas White Rock Lake Adventure Race: Will we need a city map & can we use a road bike?
A1: We’ll provide maps IF they are needed for any race. It’s always good to bring a Ziploc baggie, a highlighter and a marking pen to an adventure race…just in case. You can also bring a compass, but NEVER a GPS, unless you want to be disqualified. A1: No road bikes are allowed, though you may change tires during the race. NOTE: The White Rock race does go off road.

Q2: I have registered but still need to pay.  How do I get back to the paypal screen to pay by credit card?
A2: Click Here to Login to your Team Page so that you may pay for the event. The team captain may need to provide you with the username/password.

Q3: I have registered but still need to sign the liability waiver.  How do I get back to the screen to view and sign the waiver?
A3: Click Here to Login to your Team Page so that you may view and sign the liability waiver. The team captain may need to provide you with the username/password.

Q4: What type of shoes, clothing and gear should I wear for a 2-3 Hour Sprint Adventure Race?
A4: Shoes: Here is what we see most. The racers that have lots of cycling experience and have bike shoes with cleats will typically switch shoes during the race for each event. Other teams choose to do the entire race in their running shoes and regular bike pedals. You will obviously have a quicker transition without switching shoes, but probably a slower bike leg if you are doing it in running shoes vs. cycling shoes (provided the bike leg is long enough and fast). What you choose on race day is up to you, as you consider a combination of your cycling ability, the terrain & trail conditions, whether the bike leg is split up with running or continuous and finally how you will function with your teammate.
Clothing: In the shorter races, no one takes time to change clothes. Most racers will wear what I call a triathlon short with a thin pad. You almost always get wet in the paddling section, so you can still run in them because the pad is thin, but yet there is enough protection from the pad for the bike also. Plano Cycling & Fitness and Richardson Bike Mart carry them if you live in the Dallas area, and they’re surely happy to mail you a pair. That is not to say you can’t race in something else. Some racers compete in running shorts, or gym shorts, or cycling shorts. For 2-3 hours, you can do almost anything….but the tri-shorts will leave you in the best condition after the race. I’ve even seen a Superman and Batgirl costume at a race. For the upper body, the women typically wear jog bras and a technical fabric shirt that breathes well, or a t-shirt. The guys will also wear either a technical fabric shirt or a t-shirt. If it is cooler temperatures, be prepared with either tights or knee warmers for your legs, full finger cycling gloves, and a long sleeve technical fabric shirt that breaths well for your upper body and that has sleeves that can easily be pushed up if you get hot. Also consider layers when it is cooler temperatures and light jackets for wind or rain. Remember, once you start racing you’ll warm up FAST.
Gear: You’ll need to be able to carry water with you and occasionally (like the Burnet Race @ Camp Longhorn) you’ll ride to the paddle, and the run, so you’ll need to be able to carry 50oz of water and your running shoes on your bike. Salomon makes a great sprint race back pack that holds a hydration bladder and some gear, plus the ability to tie things to it. It makes for a great bike or hike pack to use regularly. You can find other such gear at Plano Cycle, Richardson Bike Mart or you local bike shop. You can also call or email us if you need more advice on gear.

NOTE: you might want to go to “EVENTS’ click on “Sprint Championship Series” and then “Pictures” so you can get more of an idea of what the racers are wearing, how the race looks and just what all is going on. We hope you’re enjoying our races and feel free to email or call if you have a question.

Q5: How does the race work and what happens to all my gear while I am racing?
A5: We have a transition area roped off that you will place all your belongings in. Some teams will bring blankets, or a mat to mark their territory (within reason) within the transition area. It is first come, first serve, the morning of the race as to where you pick your transition area within the boundaries of the roped off area. There is a specific entry and exit to the transition area with a lane down the middle. Bikes must be walked through transition at all times. You are welcome to bring a cooler and chairs for your area. Remember, adventure racers are self-sufficient, so you are responsible for having enough fluids and food for the length of the race. You can refill on liquids and foods each time you come through transition area if you keep your cooler there. You might find a bike pump or tool box beneficial if you are mechanically inclined... No outside support is allowed once the race starts. USUALLY the race starts on foot, then paddle and then bike. USUALLY you will go through transition between each leg of the race. We will let you know in advance if you will be out on the course for say two disciplines of the race, so you can carry extra water and specific shoes if needed...

Q6: How does this race work with a teammate? Do we each do a leg of the race or do we stay together?
A6: You must always stay with your teammate (within 20 seconds of each other). This is not a relay race (unless you’ve entered the new relay category. All teammates must complete each leg of the race together and finish together to be official. You can do whatever you can to help the slower person. For example - some racers actually tow the slower runner on the run with a bungee (that is up to each team). You may find this is hard to do when you are running on single track trails and trying to pass other teams, but there are plenty of jeep road sections also where a bungee can be beneficial. With practice, anything is possible! Relay racers will have one runner, one biker and both will paddle together

Q7: Can I use a Hybrid bike for the urban races or any race where there is not a lot of technical riding?
A7: No, all racers must bring a mountain bike to every race, including the urban adventure races. A mountain bike and helmet is on the required gear list for each race. There are no hybrids allowed unless they are a mountain biased hybrid with 26” wheels.

Q8: My circumstances changed and now I can’t make it to the race, Can I get a refund?
A8: NO! no refunds under any circumstances.  Wait!  Well maybe.  We at Terra Firma understand that things change, sometimes out of your control and we never want to rip anyone off.  But please understand that we make a considerable investment in Shirts, awards, Dumpsters, Porta Potties, Land use fees and a host of other expenses to put a race on.  We know your one fee doesn’t effect this number, but if we don’t have a policy and stick to it, where do we ever draw the line.

We think we’ve come up with a pretty liberal policy and hope you agree:
• Cancellations up to 14 days prior to the event will receive a 50% refund or 100% credit to another race in the same year.
• Cancellations within 7-14 days prior to the event will not receive a refund but may receive a 50% credit
towards another race in the same year.
• Cancellations within the last 7 days prior to the event are not eligible for any refund or credit because we’ve already spent your money.
• Alterations to the course, start time, disciplines and venue (to within a reasonable distance) are not
grounds for a refund/credit, nor is plain ol’ bad weather.