New to adventure racing or endurance sports, but you want to challenge yourself?  Then the San Juan Island Quest 6 hr race is for you.  A fun and challenging course that allows participants the opportunity to experience some of the finest the islands have to offer.  

Soloist are allowed in the 6 hr, as well as teams of 2, 3, or 4.  So find some friends to share in the suffering, or find out to what limits you can push your own body.

The Legs:

Navigation:

Through out the race you will be using your map, compass, and navigational skills to find your way along.  Making correct route choices can save you significant distance and frustration.  So get out and practice with your compass, or see about an orienteering or navigation course somewhere in your area.

Kayak (5 – 8 miles): 

The kayaking is fairly well protected with only moderate crossings, and limited exposure to the tidal currents that the San Juans are known for.  If you are comfortable in your kayak in moderate (1 – 3 ft.) chop, and know how to self rescue (just in case) you can handle the kayaking leg.

Mt. Biking (10 – 15 miles):

The Mt. Biking  will involve travel on paved roads, gravel roads, over grown fire roads, and single track.  A moderately skilled mt. biker will have no trouble with the course.  If you have an aversion to single track, you can find fire roads around most sections, and walk the single track you can’t avoid. 

Trekking (5 – 8 miles):

Run it or walk it, what you will need through the trekking section is a good pair of shoes, and an ability to keep on moving on.  The terrain is varied with everything from single track to paved roads.

Other Challenges:

Throughout the course you will be faced with surprises that will challenge your intellectual side.  Be sure to put on your thinking cap.

 

And here’s what you need:

6 hr Gear List

Mandatory Gear:

__Compasses

__Hydration system

__First Aid Kit

Kayaking List:  must be carried during all kayaking legs

__Kayak (sit inside with spray skirt.  No surf skis, no sit on tops)

__Type III PFD’s (no inflatable PFD’s allowed)

__Dry Bag (capable of storing your teams gear, and keeping it dry)

__Bilge Pump (one per team)

Mt. Bike List:  must be carried during all Mt. Biking legs.

__Bike of some sort (non-motorized)

__Extra tube or patch kit (1 per team)

__Tire pump manual or CO2 (1 per team)

__Repair Kit or multi tool, tire levers, and allen wrench set (one per team)

__Bike Helmet with chin strap (every team member)

Recommended Gear:

__Hat with brim

__Poly pro or fleece layers, with spares

__Neoprene booties and gloves for kayaking legs

__Sun glasses

__Camera – you will be in some amazingly beautiful spots

__$20 dollars to buy food in a pinch

__Any prescription meds you need

Things to Avoid:  The Naughty List

__GPS – a very big no no

__Night Vision Goggles – save those for your paint ball excursions

 

Just playing (& thinking) on Orcas for a few hours, sounds like the perfect event for you (just don’t forget the bananas).