FAQ
Frequently asked questions and tips
The time it takes to complete the course ranges from 1:45 to 4 hours.
The road going UP to Mt. Bachelor is NEVER closed. The road going DOWN from Mt. Bachelor is detoured through Sunriver during the race, except for the racers registered in a Pairs Category. Racers in the Pair Category are issued a special pass to avoid the detour. If Pairs were to be detoured through Sunriver, the runner wouldn’t be able to make it to the bike-to-run transition in time.
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Teams must drive via the Sunriver detour.
Yes, individuals need to have at least two support people.
One person for up at the mountain and one for in town. The support person on the mountain will have to drive the Sunriver detour.
Technically, it is possible for multiple racers registered as Individuals to share support people. There are several people who assist multiple racers for the mountain transitions. However, racers will need to be quite careful when planning. You are completely responsible for ensuring one person will be able to manage multiple athletes and consider the various start times, leg speeds, and support needs. It can be quite tricky to get the timing right and we would NOT RECOMMEND to folks to are newer to the event. There is nothing more stressful than carrying multiple loads of Alpine gear to the car while hoping you make it to the Ski-to-Bike transition on time.
One person will NOT be able to support on the mountain AND in town, though. Each support person will need to stick to a zone.
Telemark, AT skis, and snowboards are all allowed.
The large majority of racers will complete the Nordic leg using skate technique on nordic skis. However, you will also see plenty of folks using classic technique on touring-style XC skis. You might even see Telemark, AT, or even wooden skis on the course! As long is it is a ski, and you are able to complete flat and uphill terrain on it, it is allowed.
You may any type of bike (road, mountain, cruiser) as long as it is deemed safe by our bike safety crew and it does NOT have any type of electric assist.
Bike fairings are allowed, but ONLY if you are registered in an Open Team division.
You will have a transponder on your ankle that you will need to take off and pass to your teammate. Listen to the volunteers and ask if you have any questions about where you need to be before your teammate comes to the transition area.
You will receive a Pairs Pass credential in your race packet that will allow you to drive down Century Drive and not be re-routed through Sunriver. The transition zone for the Bike to Run is in the Athletic Club of Bend parking lot.
If you know you are likely to have a fast cyclist doing your bike leg, we highly recommend finding a driver to drive the running racer down Century Drive. Sometimes it can be tight for a runner to drive themselves down, park, and meet their biking partner in time.
A reminder: Only 12 and Under Pairs have the option of a 2-person Kayak. If you want to use one, and you are over the age of twelve, you need to register as a Tandem Pair.
In some races tandem means that you can do each leg of the race at the same time. That is not the case with this race. In the PPP, Tandem means that racers have the option of using a tandem bike and/or a 2-person kayak for the Bike and Paddle legs.
In Tandem Teams, racers may complete the bike leg using a tandem bike and the paddle leg using a 2-person kayak. In Open Teams, racers do not have the option of a tandem bike, but they do have the option of a 2-person kayak instead of a one person canoe.
PPP offers racer who are 12 and younger a few alterations to the course and rules to make the event more accessible. 12 and Under Individuals, Pairs and Teams all have the option of running a shortened run course and using a 2-person kayak instead of a 1-person kayak or 2-person canoe.
In the Family Teams category, if the racer completing the run leg is 12 or under, they will also have the option of completing the shortened run course. If BOTH racers completing the paddle leg in a Family Team are 12 and Under, they have the option of using a 2 person kayak, as well. If only one racer is 12 and Under and wants to paddle with an adult then the only option is a 2-person canoe.
Unfortunately we cannot allow parents to chaperone their kids on the bike course. The only case in which it would be allowed for a parent and child to complete the bike course together is if they are racing in a Tandem division and are using a tandem bike.
There is a Public Group page on Facebook for Pole Pedal Paddle. Many folks will post their needs to this group and find racers this way. You can also try reaching out to events@mbsef.org and we will let you know if anyone who meets your need is looking for a team.
No. This is not operationally feasible. Especially this year, where our boat take-out is in a different location than the put-in.
The large majority of racers complete the Paddle Leg in a single-person kayak. 2-person canoes are allowed in all Teams divisions. 2-person kayaks are ONLY ALLOWED for racers who are BOTH 12 & Under – this is the case for 12 & Under Pairs/Team divisions as well as for some Family Team divisions.
Some racers complete the Paddle Leg on a paddle board – this is allowed in all categories and divisions.
On race day, lost and found is at the MBSEF tent at the finish area. After race day, contact events@mbsef.org.
Yes! A few experienced racers have offered the following tips over the years. Most of these are geared for racers in the Individuals category, but all racers are likely to glean good info from the following printable documents.
Timeline and Checklists from Craig Mavis
Clothing Decisions and Other Tips from Craig Mavis
Tips for the Race from Craig Mavis
Tips for Individuals from Dr. Bones