Q1: Houston Urban Adventure Race: Will we need a map to navigate for the race, if we don't know our way around downtown?

A1: We provide paper Houston City Maps and cluesheets in Ziploc baggies that you will want to use. We recommend you bring a highlighter and marking pen to mark your designated route that you choose to reach the checkpoints.  GPS units are never allowed in this race. Compasses are not required, but they are not prohibited either.   

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 for Texas State Championship Race Series

A2: Click Here for the Eco Lonestar Adventure Race

A2: Click Here for the Tex's Challenge Adventure Race

Q3: What type of clothing and shoes should I wear for a 2-3 Hour Sprint Adventure Race?
A3:As far as shoes and clothing, 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 that are new to cycling and don’t have bike shoes will 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 (unless you aren’t good in cycling shoes, that is, or if it is so muddy that you have to push your bike most of the way). What you choose on race day is up to you, and usually should take into consideration a combination of your cycling ability and the weather.
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. Richardson Bike Mart carries them if you live in the Dallas area, or REI also. 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 our last race…check out the picture link for Muleshoe Bend by Hudson Photographic on 7/28/07 on our website.

For the upper body, the women typically wear jogbras and a technical fabric shirt that breaths well, or a t-shirt.  The guys will also wear either a technical fabric shirt or a t-shirt. In the summer Texas State Championship Sprint Series, we provide custom race singlets and you don't have to wear your own top because you can simply wear the singlet. 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.

Q4: How does the race work and what happens to all my gear while I am racing?
A4: We have a transition area roped off that you will place all your belongings in. Teams will bring blankets, or tarps, pop-up tents for shade, etc…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 an entry and an exit to the transition area. When the race is going on and you are coming or going on the bike sections of the race, you have to walk your bike in the entrance and out the exit of this high activity area. 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 and just want to have it there in case you have a mechanical issue with your bike.  No outside support is allowed. You will leave your bikes, helmets, bike shoes, and anything else in transition while on the running portion and paddling sections of the race.

Q5: How does this race work with a teammate?  Do we each do a leg of the race or do we stay together?
A5: You must always stay with your teammate (within 15 of each other). This is not a relay race.  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!

Q6: Can I use a Hybrid bike for the urban races or any race where there is not a lot of technical riding?
A6: 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.