Red River Gorge American Classic, a/k/a The Fig X

Q.    How do I register?

Q.    Is Flying Squirrel Adventures on Facebook? 

A.    YES!  Okay, so this question isn't asked all that often, but I figure that's just because you hadn't thought to ask.  Anyway, click here to join our Facebook Group, where you'll find exclusive photos, announcements and other items of interest to adventure racers and interested others.  Flying Squirrel Adventures has its own website now too!

Q.    Do I have to have a support crew?

A.    No.  In fact, support crews are not allowed.  You may not receive assistance from anyone other than another racer or the race staff except while in a designated transition area.

Q.    Can I use a GPS or other tracking device?

A.    You may not use a GPS or any other electronic tracking device that receives information.  You may use a SPOT or similar device that transmits but does not receive information about your location. 

Q.    What about cell phones or walkie-talkies?

A.    You are encouraged to carry a cell phone with you, but it must remain turned off throughout the race.  It is to be used only in the case of an emergency.  Walkie-talkies and similar communication devices are prohibited.

Q.    Do team members stay together throughout the race?

A.    Yes.  All team members must stay within 100' of each other throughout the race and must visit every checkpoint together.

Q.    How experienced do I need to be to do this race?

A.    The Fig is a challenging race that is not geared toward beginning racers.  That isn't to say that we haven't had many beginners complete the race and be competitive.  However, solid navigation skills are a must.  It is very easy to get turned around in the Gorge, and down right lost, for that matter.  On the other hand, the mountain biking and paddling will not be particularly technical.  There are no mountain biking trails to speak of in the Gorge, which means the pedaling will be predominantly on unimproved and gravel roads.  Paddling will be on Class 1 moving water. 

Q.     How far is each discipline?

A.     This will vary a lot, depending on your route choice and whether you choose to go after some bonus CPs or not.  The average team can expect to paddle for 2 -3 hours, trek for 3 - 4 hours, and bike for 4 -5 hours.

Q.    Where does the race start and finish?

A.    Hemlock Lodge, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade, Kentucky

Q.    What about lodging in the area?

A.    Can't beat the State Resort Park for convenience, reliability and price.  The Lodge is offering a discount for racers.  Just let them know you're racing the Fig.

Q.    Is the Friday night check-in and race briefing mandatory?

A.    You do not have to attend the race briefing.  It is strongly encouraged, however, as anything discussed during the pre-race briefing will become part of the official rules.  Now, I'll try to be sure everything is covered in the printed materials and review anything particularly notable prior to the race start Saturday morning.  Nonetheless, things will go much more smoothly Saturday morning and you'll be ahead of the game if you attend the pre-race briefing.

Q.    Where and when will we stage gear?

A.    We'll let you know about 2 weeks before race day.

Q.    How long do you expect the winners to take to finish the race?

A.    We'll let you know about 2 weeks before race day.

Q.    Will I need climbing shoes?

A.    No.  There will be no technical climbing in this race for which advanced climbing skills or shoes would be needed.  You may be required to do some rock scrambling and similar non-technical climbing.

Q.    Will I need to plot checkpoints?

A.    Yes.  Wondering how?  Here's one tutorial: http://www.maptools.com/UsingUTM/quickUTM.html

Q.    Will I need to use my compass?

A.    Yes.  Definitely.

Q.    What is the magnetic declination for the Gorge?

A.    This changes over time.  It will be indicated on your maps, which are quality waterproof maps from MyTopo.

Q.    Are there any race reports out there that I can read?

A.    Here is a report by Rev3 Adventure from the Fig IX:

       http://www.rev3adventure.com/blog/

       Here is the "official" report from our very first year:

       http://www.geocities.com/bluegrassmtc/RedRiverGorgeRace.html

       Here is a "travelogue" written by a smart-alecky first-timer from the Fig VI:

       http://home.fuse.net/michael.frey/Index/Travel.html

Not what you were looking for?  Feel free to e-mail me with any other questions.