RockstAR Racer Update
Dear RockstAR's,

Only two weeks left until Race Day!  We hope you are looking forward to it as much as we are - July at Bark Lake is always our favourite time of the year.  We spent the long weekend checking out course conditions and putting the finishing touches on the maps, and as always we loved what we found.  Things are pretty dry which always works in the favour of racers, as it typically allows for quicker access around swamps and streams.  We'll be exploring some new areas, staging some new theme or task-based checkpoints, and generally doing everything we can to make this race the highlight of your summer!


Just so that everyone's aware, there were two things that came up last week which we wanted to make note of:

1) As some of you may have already heard, Bark Lake had a pretty intense fire last Wednesday which destroyed two of their buildings.  Thankfully nobody was hurt, and the response was quick enough to keep things quite contained under the circumstances.  At the moment it doesn't appear that our event will be impacted in any way, but we thought we'd give the heads up on the situation in case you heard about it elsewhere.

2) 8-hour teams will be seeing a different Stage 1 bike course this year, due to bridge construction that we were not made aware of when we submitted our route plan to the local municipality many months ago.  The good news however is that this will allow for a little more time to attack the Stage 2 checkpoints, not to mention a little extra shut-eye!

As a result of item 2, we have made some minor edits to the Race Day itinerary, which are now reflected (and highlighted) in the racer information packages linked below.  Please do make certain to have a look before heading up to the race site.

Otherwise, the following are just a few additional notes and reminders to keep in mind before Race Day. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

The key piece to making the most of your RockstAR race experience is reviewing the racer information packages that are carefully prepared to outline everything you need to know prior to Race Day.  In addition to the updated itinerary and related details, these handy docs provide an overview of the racecourse; how the format works; notes on navigation; and answers to just about any question you might have.

Click here for the 4-hour racer package

Click here for the 8-hour racer package

Race Check-In

Please note that there is LOTS to be done prior to Race Start - do not assume that you can check in just prior to the briefings and be ready to race!

You will be required to submit a copy of your proposed race route before leaving (not to mention actually plan that route), as well as prep your bikes and canoe, set up your transition space, sign your waivers and emergency contact forms, etc, etc. A complete summary of pre-race tasks is available by clicking here.

4-hour racers are reminded not to arrive for check-in prior to 10:30am. 8-hour racers may begin checking in at 7:30am.

NEW FOR THIS YEAR - bike helmets and lifejackets will be checked at Check-In.  Details are provided in Section 2 of the racer information packages linked above.

We're down to our last one (or two) volunteer shifts to be filled, and we're hoping that if you have friends or family coming with you on Race Day that they might be willing to help out.  The timeframe is between 11:15am and 7:00pm, with breaks in between.  The position is based at the Hub transition area, where they will be able to watch you come and go throughout the day.

In addition to enjoying a fun and relaxed atmosphere, RockstAR volunteers are invited to join in on the post-race dinner and are provided with a race tee, bagged lunch, and covered shelter where they are stationed. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the Race Crew, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

A delicious and hearty post-race meal will be waiting for you at the finish line (included in your race fees), but if you are thinking ahead to options for breakfast on either Saturday or Sunday morning, please remember that tickets need to be purchased in advance. If you did not order any at the point of registration, you can still do so by contacting us at [email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR 4-HOUR TEAMS - if you have pre-ordered breakfast tickets for Saturday morning, you may claim them at the 8-Hour Race Check-In, which opens at 7:30am (breakfast will be served until 9:00).  Any pre-purchased Sunday morning breakfast tickets will be included in your team kits.

We've noticed a recent trend in the ever-growing Family Category this year - that of family teams looking to compete as a group of four.  While we're not set up for 'official' teams of four, family teams of two are of course welcome to stay together throughout the day if they choose.

However, in fairness to other teams, if you are planning on having your group of four paddle in one canoe, we kindly ask that you let us know if advance.  This will be permitted, but it will have to be with the understanding that such teams will not be eligible for a podium placing.  Please let us know by writing to [email protected]

Teammate Changes

Yes - making adjustments to your team line-up is allowed! We just need to know who is racing and who is not. If you need to make a substitution or change, please let us know at [email protected] and we'll take care of it right away.

Please note that neither race transfers or refunds are offered at this stage.

Host Site Notes

A few final bits and pieces regarding the host site at the Bark Lake Leadership Centre:

Accommodations - if you are looking to stay on-site, you'll want to call 1-888-517-9999 to book your spot.  Please note that camping is not permitted.

Bugs - they're not the worst we've seen them this year, but still a force to be reckoned with when deep in the bush.  Be sure to bring your bug spray! (or bug-hats if you hate them as much as we do)

Post-Race - just a reminder that there are no ATM's on-site at Bark Lake and that the nearest town is 15km away - be sure to bring some cash for that well-deserved post-race beer! 

See you on the 23rd!

Your RockstAR Team

Storm Racing  |  www.stormevents.ca