Race Day Details
Summary
2.5 mile paddle down the Namekagon River from Phipps Flowage to Trout Run Landing
5k run from Trout Run Landing to Mosquito Brook CAMBA Trailhead through The Brook trail system. This will be mixed terrain: road, gravel and off-road, with no significant climbs.
9 mile bike ride loop from Mosquito Brook CAMBA Trailhead north on Makwa single track to Gravel Pit trailhead, and back via Phipps Fire Lane and Mosquito Brook to the Mosquito Brook trailhead.
General
This is a semi-supported race. You are responsible for hydration, fuel and equipment. Volunteers will be at transition locations to assist. There will be bathrooms at the Hayward Curling Club for before and after the race, and a porta-potty at the Mosquito Brook Trailhead for before and during the race.
Race packet pick up is 4-7 pm on July 24 or at 7 am on July 25 (race day) at the Hayward Curling Club at 12475 N US Highway 63. You will get your Tricky Trout dry bag at this time! Shirts are also available for purchase.
Arrive by 8 am on July 25th for the 9 am start. We recommend first dropping your boat off on the east side of Mosquito Brook Road at the paddle start, and then continuing to the Mosquito Brook Trailhead to park and set up your bike transition. Prepare anything you need for the paddle/run transition (shoes, water, fuel) and bring it on your paddle in a labeled dry bag. You will get shuttled from the Mosquito Brook Trailhead to the paddle start.
It is highly recommended that you have the MyUSNG app downloaded to your phone (iPhone) or a similar app for Android. This provides standard co-ordinates of your location in the event of an emergency. If at any time you need to retire from the race, you must notify a volunteer.
After Party
Awards, lunch, complementary beverage, and an open clubhouse/bar await you at Hayward Curling Club after your race is done. Load up your bike and and drive to the curling club. Your boat will have been brought from the boat landing to Hayward Curling Club.
Part 1, Paddle
You must wear a lifejacket at all times in the water.
You will be shuttled from the Mosquito Brook Trailhead to the paddle start area. This year, the paddle will feature a staggered rollout, with racers being released through “The Tunnel” every 30 seconds. After paddling through the initial Phipps Springs branch, you will come to the junction of the Namekagon River from the north and the start of the Phipps Flowage going west.
There will likely be several low points to navigate. You may need to get out and pull your boat for a few feet. Keet in mind there are stumps and large rocks in the river. You may want to scout the route ahead of time to identify some of the low points. At the end of the Flowage, there are remnants of a dam. Typically, this is very navigable. There is a portage on the right shore side that is optional. It does require about a 10 ft climb up and down.
Trout Run Landing is just past the Phipps Road bridge on the left shore side. Volunteers will be present to help you transition out. They will pull your boat up to the landing. Grab any items you need for your run transition and leave behind any items in your bag. Transition bags life jackets and boats will be returned to the Curling Club by volunteers via canoe/kayak trailer.
Part 2, Run
(To download the route, click the three dots link on the Garmin Connect page and download the GPX or FIT file, which you can then share with your GPS device.)
Proceed along the route via Phipps Road Porkys Road and then on to Brook Lane. Follow the Trail signs through the beautiful trails of The Brook. This emerges onto the Birkie Trail for a brief portion before arriving road at Mosquito Brook Trailhead to enter the bike transition zone.
Respect all road rules. Run on the far left side of the road against the direction of traffic. You are recommended to wear high visibility gear. Follow the signs at intersections. Intersections WILL NOT have traffic control.
There will be little shade on the open road sections, but the trail run portion should be well shaded. Dress and hydrate appropriately for the weather. The terrain is mixed, from road, to gravel, to dirt/grass trails.
The run is a 5 km (just over 3 miles) distance
Part 3, Bike
(To download the route, click the three dots link on the Garmin Connect page and download the GPX or FIT file, which you can then share with your GPS device.)
You must wear a helmet at all times while riding your bike. It is recommended to ride a bike with at least a front suspension. There will be a sweep bike behind the last participant to assist with any incidents. They may have limited equipment, so be prepared for any mechanical or other issues.
Enter the Makwa northbound singletrack. This is an old school rocky, rooty trail. You will cross several ATV trails. This is just over 4 miles of singletrack to Gravel Pit Trailhead. Follow signs to continue on Phipps Fire Lane west back towards Mosquito Brook Road. This is a shared road. It consists of large gravel that is thick in many spots. There may be vehicles, UTVs or other cyclists. Follow all road rules. There will be a volunteer to assist at the intersection of Phipps Fire Lane and Mosquito Brook Road. They will NOT be controlling traffic.
Finish the race by leaving Mosquito Brook Road back onto the final portion of the Brook Trail with a tiny portion of single track to point you back to the Mosquito Brook Trailhead where the finish line awaits!