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

The mandatory gear list is minimal and does not reflect what you will need for a successful race finish.  We figure you’re smart enough to know that you’re going to need fluid and something to carry it in, as well as some food and maybe a compass.  Of course, there is a ton of performance clothing and lightweight gear designed to make you faster and more comfortable, as well.  For good advice on what to wear and what to carry with you, stop off at your local outdoor specialty shop and ask the experts.  Our list is designed solely to minimize your risk of drowning, falling off a cliff or leaving your brains on a rock.  It won’t keep you from getting blisters, becoming dehydrated, cramping up, bleeding out, etc.  We strongly suggest you plan for such contingencies yourself.

Outdoor specialty stores we recommend: 

Morehead, KY:  Cave Run Bicycle & Outdoor Center                      

Lexington, KY:  Pedal Power Bike Shop, J & H Lanmark                                                    

Louisville, KY:  Trail Store

THINK LOCALLY - BUY YOUR GEAR WHERE YOU TRY IT ON !!

Mandatory Gear:

Per racer, to be carried throughout the race:

Knife, with minimum 2.5" folding blade

Whistle

Headlamp with extra batteries

Emergency space blanket

Copy of photo i.d.

Per team, to be carried throughout the race: 

Lighter or other weatherproof fire starter 

UTM plotter - scale to be determined

Compass

Waterproof map case

Fully-charged cell phone in waterproof container

First Aid Kit:

Per team or soloist, to be carried throughout the race:

Ace bandage

Sterile gauze pads (two, 3" - 4" in size)

Betadine, iodine or alcohol pads (two)

Medical tape (at least 1" x 24")

While we don't require that you run in Lafuma, you'll probably want to, anyway.  It's good stuff.  Look how fast and light and sure-footed she is.  She's probably running to get registered for the Fig.

Mandatory Gear, cont'd:

Paddle:

Per team: non-motorized canoe or kayak, with paddles

Per racer: Type 3, Coast Guard approved, non-inflatable PFD, with knife and whistle attached

Per boat:  2 chem lights, one to be attached to bow and one to be attached to stern of each boat - may be staged with paddling gear

* Rental canoes will come with PFDs and canoe paddles and rental kayaks will come with PFDs and kayak paddles; racers may use their own PFDs and paddles, which may be staged at the put-in

Bike:

Per racer: off-road bicycle (suitable for dirt trail, gravel road, creekbed, and pavement) with white light mounted on handlebars (in addition to headlamp) and red flashing light on back; bike specific helmet (ANSI/Snell or CPSC approved)

Find all of your mandatory bike gear and a few other highly recommended items, too, at Pedal Power Bike Shop in Lexington.  I recommend that your bike kit contain, at a minimum, one spare tube, air pump, patch kit, multi-tool, chain tool, quick link, and duct tape.

Rappel:

Per racer:  climbing harness, CE-approved; two locking carabiners; rappel device; 6 - 8 mm cord tied into a loop 55" - 60" in circumference for Prussik purposes; climbing helmet (bike helmet is NOT okay, unless yours is a multi-sport helmet certified for both biking and climbing)

For the ultimate in innovative, lightweight, durable, and affordable climbing and rappelling gear, check out Trango's Superfly screwlock carabiner, Cosmic harness and Pyramid belay device!

Don't forget to save room in your pack for Jack Link's.  In fact, you might want to bring a bigger pack.  Meat-eaters tell me this stuff is great on the trail.