Distances |
Distances are preliminary estimates and may change as we continue to fine-tune the course. We will update distances during the winter and spring as necessary, but these are good benchmarks for what you can expect. Discipline-specific estimates represent the cumulative distances for each discipline over multiple stages of the event. And remember: route choice and navigation mistakes may result in different experiences!
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weather and terrain |
Weather:
The PA Wilds are a mountainous region with unpredictable and varied weather, even in the summer. Average temperatures in the region range from the low 50s to high 70s °F. You can expect approximately ten days of rain in June. Despite those averages, we have seen it snow in late May, we have experienced temperature swings from the 90s to the 30s as late as early June, and we have encountered weeks of hot, dry weather, followed by days on end of cold, raw rain. In short, be prepared for just about anything -- though we should be clear of wintery precipitation by late June. Terrain: For those unfamiliar with Pennsylvania, expect relatively rugged terrain. Much of the race course will take place in the Pennsylvanian segment of the Appalachian/Allegheny Mountain range. The range typically offers rocky terrain with steep climbs and descents. Ridges and narrow valleys are common, but rolling plateaus can also offer a break from the up and down. Off-trail travel varies considerably: expect some dense bushwhacking in places with thickets of mountain laurel and/or rhododendron. In other spots, the woods will be quite open. Creeks, marshes, and swamps are commonplace. |
Packrafting |
All of the paddling in this year’s race will take place on flat water or scenic waterways. When on moving water, teams can expect flat to class I whitewater with the potential of some II- unless rain spices things up a bit more.
We are including packrafting for a stage of this year’s race due to expected lower water levels that would make canoeing unpleasant or impossible. Teams without packrafts may still participate in this year’s race, but they will be unofficially ranked. For rentals, check out Backcountry Packraft Rentals. Backcountry also offers useful tips on their Packrafting 101 page. Please take note of our training recommendations under "Safety and Required Certifications". |
Brent and Abby at Rootstock Racing are two of the most thoughtful, creative, clever and thorough race directors I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. As a race director myself, their level of care and professionalism is something I have always aspired to achieve. I have raced in many of their events and, without exception, they have all been first rate. I am fortunate to live within a few hours of most of their races, but I would not hesitate one second before traveling a very long way to participate in a Rootstock event. -Eric Caravella, Team nyara |
