Calleva Race pre-run report and race updates.

This weekend Brian and Steven from team SOG did the expert course pre-run in real racing conditions with real maps, passports and course description. The temperature was 100+, humidity just 100%, but they managed to clear the course in 10 hours. Here are course review comments and some photos by the official Calleva race photographer Vladimir Bukalo.

• Great course. Navigation was challenging. Terrain was challenging. A lot of different activities to make it fun.
• If it is hot beware of overheating especially with the increased difficulty of the terrain and when you are riding roads you are really exposed to the sun. Get in the water and creeks and use them to cool you off.
• Make sure you have enough water. Don't pass up a chance to get water unless you KNOW you can get it somewhere else.
• Consider wearing sunglasses. You do some road riding and some on pretty heavily used dirt roads. When cars pass they can kick up a lot of dirt.
• You and your gear will get wet. It is impossible to avoid. You probably will even swim. If you have something you need to keep dry (like a map) make sure it is safe and secure.
• Contour lines that are very close together often mean impassable cliffs, beware and plan accordingly.
• Bike riding isn't super tricky. If it is dry your tires don't need to be super nobby.
• There are several places on the course where you may be stuck waiting to move in the direction you want. Utilize any downtime you have (eat, reorganize gear, study maps, etc.). At the same time be creative and find other ways to accomplish your task or continue moving in the right direction.
• Keep yourself cool (in the shade) and relaxed whenever possible. Save all your energy for the race.
• I recommend a water proof pen/sharpie, we had a sharpie which worked well, the passport is water proof but a normal pen might run.

A few notes from the race director:

• Both SPORT and EXPERT categories will paddle canoes with bikes. Two bikes and 2 people per canoe. 
• SPORT course is very similar to the EXPERT one. Just shorter and no cliffs to climb or go around.

Pay attention to the schedule change: 

• 7:00 AM - Registration and Check-In opens at Riley's Lock. All team members must be present for    check-in. Bibs, number for bikes,and give-a-way stuff will be distributed to teams at the end of check-in. 
• 7:30 AM - Loading buses. You will get maps at the entrance to the bus. 
• 8:30 AM - Race briefing near the start location. 
• 9:00 AM - Race starts. 
• 7:00 PM - Official race finish at Riley's Lock. 
• 7:00-8:00 PM Awards ceremony and after race food at Riley's Lock. 

The race course is long. The vetting team spent roughly 4.5 hours running/hiking, 4 hours biking, and 1.5 hour paddling. Sport category has only about half of running/hiking sections, but the same biking. And there are no optional biking check points, except the 5 miles of single track! Make sure you can bike and your bike is in good working condition. There is one HUGE uphill on the bike.

You will paddle 14-15 feet canoes. Please make sure you know how to fit your bikes inside and prepare some ropes or straps to secure your bikes.

Gear list is finalized (SPORT, EXPERT) and there are a few new items:

• Biking front light and rear red light (in case you get lost).
• Handlebar mounted bell or horn (a few bucks in Walmart).

The race is less than one month away. We are ready for you!
Some additional race info and photos are on our Facebook page.

See you August 5th!