2021 Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge – Winter Edition

Race Update #1

Thank you for registering for the inaugural Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge – Winter Edition! We are less than 3 weeks from race day and are thrilled that nearly 150 racers are signed up! Please read the details below carefully and look through all materials on the race website including the Gear List.

Gear List. If you have not already, please be sure to review the Mandatory Gear List for the race. *NOTE: we have added 1 sled or tube per team for the special challenge.

Race Headquarters (HQ). The secret location of race headquarters will be announced no later than Monday, January 18th.

Start Times. All teams will be assigned a specific start time, staggered by at least two minutes between teams. These start times will be announced no later than Monday, January 18th.

Check-in will be very streamlined for this event. We will have your bag of maps, instructions, swag, and e-punch stick set out for you. Simply grab the bag, do a “clear/check” of your e-punch stick (this will be described at the pre-race meeting) and get your team photo taken. Teams may check in up to 1 hour before your start time. We STRONGLY encourage teams to come early to get set up before your check- in window to allow you the most time to work with the maps to plan your race. Note: there will NOT be any indoor space open to racers (other than bathrooms), so plan to do your mapping in your vehicle to stay warm. You may also wish to return to your vehicle mid-race to warm up.

Pre-Race Meeting on Zoom. There will be no in-person pre-race meeting for this event. Instead, we will be hosting a pre-race meeting on Zoom the night before the race; Friday, January 22nd at 8pm. We anticipate this meeting to last no more than 1 hour. A link will be sent out the week of the race.

Adventure Racing for Beginners Clinic. There will be an option (but highly encouraged for newbies!) Beginners Clinic on Friday, January 22nd at 7pm (1 hour before the pre-race meeting). This clinic is intended for those who have not participated in an adventure race before.

Fans/Spectators. Friends and family are always welcome and encouraged to cheer on teams throughout the race, but please be sure to remind your fans that while they should cheer loudly and take plenty of photographs and video, this is an unsupported race, and therefore they are not allowed to provide any assistance to your team or any other team.

Lodging. If you are coming in from out of town, please book your accommodations at one of the Wausau’s many lodging options.

Series Points. The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge is proud to be part of two adventure racing series. We strongly encourage all teams to track your ranking! Series entry is FREE, and you’re automatically signed up for both series by competing in this event. More information on each series can be found below:

● Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series, presented by 1st Basis Consulting, is Wisconsin’s premier race series featuring adventure races throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota, and cash prizes totaling over $2,000. There is no fee to join the series, simply race any of the events and you’ll be automatically signed up. The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge – Winter Edition is the first race in the series, so by signing up for this event, you’re already ahead of the curve towards earning your maximum points in the series for the chance to take home prizes. Compete as a soloist or in teams of 2, 3, or 4 and see how your team ranks against others in the Midwest!

● USARA is the nation-wide governing body of adventure racing. The United States Adventure Racing Association tracks race results from races throughout the country and offers a yearly national championship event.

Additionally, we are THRILLED that for the first time ever this year, the USARA Adventure Racing National Championship will be held in Wisconsin! The National Championship race will be held in Cable, WI on September 10-11, 2021. This race will earn you points towards qualifying for Nationals!

IRONBULL is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that promotes outdoor adventure sports in Central Wisconsin. We aim to drive economic development, benefit community organizations, and attract and retain a talented work force through the production of high-quality events that promote healthy living in our community. Check out more about us and our events at www.ironbull.org and spread the word!

Sponsors. Please support and thank our generous sponsors for their help and contributions to this event. Next time you are buying gear for the race, doing other shopping, or looking for services, please consider frequenting our race sponsors and thanking them specifically for their support of this event. Current sponsors include: Nicolet National Bank USARA Walmart Foundation Red Eye Brewing Company People’s State Bank Northern Lites Rib Mountain Cycles 1st Basis Consulting IRONBULL Gary Barden Design Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series

Facebook. If you have not already, please “like” our Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge Facebook page as well as our IRONBULL Facebook page, and Winter Edition Facebook Event page. We will be posting photos and videos from the racecourse along with other helpful information on these pages leading up to the race. In the days after the event, please visit to see photos of your team and tag yourself.

Tips and Suggestions. ● Label your gear! It makes it much easier to return lost items to their rightful owners. ● Start testing your clothing and footwear plan to make sure you’re comfortable for 3 hours out in the cold. Clothing and footwear in winter conditions are really personal preference; not too thin that you’ll be cold, and not too thick that you’ll sweat. We recommend a layered system of breathable clothes with wool socks. Some racers prefer trail running shoes while others prefer winter boots to keep their feet warm. Use these days leading up to the race to test out your plan!

Personal Property Policy. The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge – Winter Edition, IRONBULL, and its race directors are not responsible for lost or stolen items. There will be transition areas during the race where you will leave your bike or other gear. While there will be volunteers at these transition areas watching bikes and gear, we cannot guarantee the absolute safety of your equipment. We recommend you label all your gear and lock up anything you are truly concerned about.

Questions? If you have other questions that haven’t been answered by the FAQ page, please feel free to send us an email.

Tim Buchholz, Anna Nummelin, and Andrea Larson Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge – Winter Edition, Race Directors [email protected] www.facebook.com/ribmountainadventurechallenge www.facebook.com/IRONBULLxtreme www.ironbull.org