12-6-08 Desert Rage Finale - Saguaro Lake, Butcher Jones Cove

This is it, the last Finale.  We will continue to hold "Desert Rage" format races in the future, though they will no longer be held together by points or consistency in format.  We're looking forward to longer races, beginner races, solo races and two person team races, night races, women's races and more in 09. 

Get ready for an exciting adventure that will have you paddling, biking and trekking around beautiful Saguaro Lake.  We're pulling out all the stops. It's going to be a fast, furious day with lots of transitions, LOTS of opportunity to strategize, and lots of fun.  Make sure you read this THOROUGHLY and check back every once in awhile to see if there have been any updates!  Volunteers, we need you for this race more than ever.  Please join us and earn an $85 race credit toward a future race. 

Long Course is for series points, 25+ miles, 6-10 hours 
Recreational course of approximately 12-15 miles 3-6 hour finish time. 
Cutoffs will be enforced for both courses.

Every vehicle, including volunteers, must pick up and display a "Tonto National Forest" users pass.  You can get them at Big5 Sporting goods, and many other places.  It is HIGHLY recommended that you get this before you leave as most places up there won't be open should you decide to arrive the morning of the race.  Here is more info: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/tp/index.shtml.  If you already have a "Golden Eagle" passport and the "Tonto Upgrade" sticker, you don't need the pass.  If you don't know what that is, you don't have one.  For those of you coming in from out of town, the closest metro area to Saguaro Lake is East Mesa or East Scottsdale. 

Who: Solo, 2, 3 or 4 person teams of mixed or same gender.  3 or 4 person coed teams are the premier division and those who are eligible to accumulate points for the Desert Rage series.  Awards will be presented when 75% of the teams have finished.  All race participants can look forward to an official pair of Desert Rage DeFeet Air-eator socks or an SAS running hat/visor as well as picnic type food at the end of the race.  

What: Trekking, orienteering, mountain biking on trails and roads, lake paddling on Saguaro Lake & mystery events looping in & out of a single transition area.  You will have to plot checkpoints on 1:24,000 maps using provided UTM coordinates (NAD83 datum).  The race organization will provide contour maps covering the entire course on 8.5 x 11 sheets of non-waterproof paper, however, you are encouraged to bring your own maps should you desire.  Boat rentals available from Ted at Salt River Canoe and Kayak: 480-345-7258. 

Where: Butcher Jones Beach, Saguaro Lake  Whether you're racing, volunteering, or spectating, bring lots of water, food, lawn chairs, blankets, and whatever else you might need.  The closest hotels are in Fountain Hills, AZ east of Phoenix.  Primitive camping is available throughout Tonto National Forest and within two miles of the Start.  Check out http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/home.shtml for camping info or call (480) 610-3300. 

When: The will be opened with the gate at approximately 5:00am We'll begin check-in at 6am.  Pre-race meeting at 6:30 which is mandatory for all participants, Race start 7am.  In order to speed the check-in process, please have each of your teammates fill out and sign the waiver here: WAIVER and bring it with you.  Sunrise is at 7:19, though we'll have twilight at race start.

Registration fees for the long course are:$95 per person, recreational course $85 per person.  Add $15 per person if registering after November 22nd. Registration is closed on Wednesday.  Click here to register now

Refunds will not be given for any reason unless cancelled by us, however, in extreme circumstances the entry fee is transferable to a future race hosted by Sierra Adventure Sports.  Please understand this rule is in effect as arrangements for medical staff, insurance, etc., must be made in advance.

Medals & sponsor provided prizes will be awarded to the top finishing Co-ed, all male, all female, and over 40 years (average age of team members) masters division for 3/4 person teams.  Masters teams must declare their status at Check-in; ID may be requested.

This is a fully self supported race where you supply your own food, water, kayak/canoe, paddle/oar and type III Life Vest, along with all other gear.  

Required Personal Gear (Every person must have & carry their own at all times).  We may have a gear check on the course where you could be penalized if you don't have this with you.  You do not have to carry paddle, pfd or kayak on sections other than water, helmets and bike gear only on bike section.

Required Team Gear

-A team first aid kit suitable for all activities
-1 Small shovel (a broad scoop or wide blade, no spoons)
-Two compasses, each carried by separate individuals 
-A watch or method of keeping accurate time throughout the race
-5' of standard useable duct tape 
-One waterproof map case (Ziploc's allowed though something heavier preferred as maps aren't waterproof)
-One bike pump or inflation kit - Bike Leg 
-Mini repair/wrench tool - Bike Leg 
-Tire repair kit  - Bike Leg  
-At least two pencils or pens that write
-Two FRS two-way radio's to be used for emergencies & a remote orienteering activity. 12+mile range.  Make sure these work, your team will be using them in the race. 
-Water purification tablets, liquid or a water filter. Enough for 6 gallons of water in case of emergency.

* Racers may carry a cell phone, though they may not use it.  It is for Emergency purposes only and must be kept in the “Off” position for the duration of the race.  Penalties will result if anyone is caught using a phone.

What is Remote Orienteering? (Does not apply to soloists)

Remote Orienteering
One team member will remain in the TA with a walkie-talkie. The other team members will be given a map containing one checkpoint and they will take with them the other walkie-talkie. Upon the orienteer's leaving the TA, the remaining lone team member will be given another map containing "the one" checkpoint, and additional checkpoints which they must communicate to the remote team members solely by radio in any order. If at any time the remaining members communicate with the TA member in any way other than by radio, their orienteering course is complete.

The TA team member will be kept within a confined area of the beach and there is no switching of team members allowed once begun.

Sample Map

Walkie Talkie Tips.

Pre-test them before getting map.
Agree on a channel, others may be on it too.
Avoid unnecessary chatter and conserve battery power.

...and a big thanks to our sponsors that make it possible:
www.REI.com
www.HammerNutrition.com
www.BootcampChicks.com
www.Racelab.com
www.NavigationGames.com
www.MtnRacingSports.com
www.ARbuddies.com
www.RoadID.com
www.Zanfel.com

Questions to Info@SierraAdventureSports.com

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