logs rocks & steel | Race Links

race details

Q: I think there was a mention of support on the website. Do we still need this?

A: A support-crew is required for the Championship Course. If you can not find a support crew, we can provide support for you, however, there's an additional cost of $40 per soloist. From the website (http://www.logsrocksandsteel.com/racedetails.php): "Unsupported Option: (Only applicable to Championship Course participants in the Solo, or Team of 2 categories.): The organizers will provide support for competitors unable to provide their own support-crew to move their gear between the various transition areas around the course. There will be an additional cost of $40 per participant (or team) for this service. The unsupported option will include: transport of 1 bag and 1 boat to TA1, transport of 1 bag and 1, or 2 bikes to TA2, plus we’ll return the boat and TA bags to the finish area."

Q: What is your best suggestion for a kayak? I believe there was talk about a few portages on the Championship Course, what kind of kayak would you recommended to bring?

A: For kayaks, I would suggest using the lightest and sleekest kayak you can paddle, without having to worry about tipping over. I know some of the other soloists are paddling surf ski’s and intermediate flat water racing kayaks, like the Simon River Sports Laser (http://www.simonriversports.com/english/products/kayaks/laser.html). All of the paddling will be on flat water lakes, however some of the lakes are remote, so there won't be any motorized boat support. There are also two portages on the paddling leg. The first is between 400 & 800m long, depending on the water level. The second portage is 800m long. So, there could be a total of approx. 1.6k of portaging during the race. We know this isn't ideal for soloists paddling kayaks, but another option that works well is to use a plastic kayak, and then just drag it along the ground. We also provide kayak rentals (for a cost of $50), but we need to know if you require to rent a kayak from us before next Wednesday July 16th 2008.

Q: We had indicated we had our own canoe but now would like to rent a canoe from the race organizers for the event instead. Is this possible?

A: This won't be a problem; we can organize the canoe rental for you, we just need to know before Wednesday July 16th, 2008 so we can organize this. You'll need to pay the $50 canoe rental fee in cash when you register for the event on July 18th, or 19th.

Q: My wife and I would like to enter the Minden Course as a coed team. Do we need to bring our own support crew in order to participate or will our canoe & bikes be moved to the transition areas by the support staff.

A: For the Minden Course, support crews are not necessary. However, you'll need to drop-off your canoe at the run-to-paddle transition area (TA) before the race. This TA is roughly a 5-10 minute drive from the registration area at Minden Fairgrounds. The paddle-to-bike transition area will be in the same location as the Start/Finish, so transportation of your bike won't be required.

Q: I’d like to sign up for the Minden Course. Do I need a mountain bike or would a hybrid suffice?

A: The bike leg on the "Minden" course is suitable for hybrid bikes. Approximately 75% of the route is on gravel and paved roads, while the remaining 25% is on double-track ATV trail. We actually had to take out a bunch of trail we were going to use in the Minden Course, due to some logging activity this past winter, which eliminated about 1 mile of trail. We are currently investigating a new section of trail that will greatly increase the amount of trail the course offers. While this new trail will offer some technical riding, it still is rideable on a hybrid depending on your skill level.

Q: Can you tell me what kind of kayaks participants are being provided (if you rent for the race)?

A: The kayaks we have available for rent are coming from Algonquin Outfitters, they'll be Perception Eclipse models. You can view them at the following link: http://www.perceptionkayaks.com/eclipse-17

Q: I would like to do the Minden race solo. I am an experienced kayaker, but portaging is not something I have done with a kayak, and most are too heavy to carry for any distance. I don't want to damage a rental or my own by dragging it. Would assistance be allowed?

A: Yes, on the Minden Course, soloists are permitted to get assistance from family, friends, or volunteers with their kayaks for portages.

Q: Can teams of two bring a tandem kayak, or are we required to use a canoe?

A: You are permitted to use either a canoe or kayak.

Q: Are the portages over trails, or through wetlands?

A: The portages are over trails. They are official portages marked with the standard signage by the Ministry.