Rock the Race 2008 - FAQs
Last revised on 9/17/08

Q: What does my registration fee go towards?
A:  The fee goes towards some of the direct costs of the race i.e. t-shirts, maps, pasta dinner etc... the rest goes to support teen leadership programs at YMCA Camp Winnebago.  These programs include a 6 week  summer apprentice counselor program, adventure education programs providing teambuilding, climbing and high ropes experiences for local youth and environmental education programs.  Race for the Future!  Rock the Race and raise money to help local youth become better leaders for tommorrow.

Q: Is the entry fee per team or per person?

A: The entry fee is for each person.
          
Q:  How does an open format race work?

A:  Either before the race begins or shortly after it starts, teams will receive maps and other information about the race course. The objective will be to obtain as many points as possible by finding checkpoints.  Each team will decide how to approach the course.  Each team will determine what order they want to do the race, different teams will go about obtaining checkpoints in different order.  All teams will need to return to the finish line within the 8 or 4 hour time limit to be considered ranked.  The team with the most points wins.

Q. What about the recent rains and the level of the river?

A.  Things should be ok by race day. We are moving ahead as though the river will be fine. We will work with the forest preserve staff to make the final decision about paddling.

Q:  I have never done orienteering. How does that work?

A:   Pretty good. Seriously, though, the orienteering man will be at the start of that portion and help you out with the how to's.

Q:  What will mystery events involve?
A:  Sorry.  We're not telling:), but you will find them unique!

Q:  Is there drinking water on the premises?

A:  Yes. The forest preserves have hand pumps. Teams need to transport their own personal water during the race. (Camelbacks are a good choice.)

Q:  Can my team rent a canoe?

A:  Yes. Paddle and Trail is offering a discount for rental. Canoes will need to be transported from their store to race central. That cost is $40. Please call 815-636-9066 and ask for Jim.

Q:  Is there some one to watch our gear while we are racing?

A:  Please bring a lock for bikes as you might be leaving them while you do something else, but all other gear will be kept in a place where we have a "Guard."

Q:  Where do we park?

A:  Cars can be parked at Espenscheid. Parking space is limited, so try to car pool as much as possible.

If you are bringing your own canoe, we need you to drop it (and your paddles) at Bauman Park in Cherry Valley.

Q:  When can we register?

A:   Registration is now closed.

Q;  What do you mean by a new high school division?

A:  Teams can be made up of 2-4 freshman through senior high school students, coed or not. That is a seperate division competing for the prize. The entry fee is different than for the other divisions. High school racers pay $35 for the 8 hour and $25 for the 4 hour race per racer.

Q:  What is the prize?

A:  A rock. Seriously, these are coveted items. Ask one of last year's winners about them. New policy this year--We ask that you be present when the winners are announced. We would rather not mail rocks.

Q:  Can I get a free massage after the race?

A:  Sure can! Health First Physical Rehabilitation will be on hand after the race to offer complimentary massages, stretching and maybe even adjustments!

Q:  Who can I call to get a real person to talk to?

A:  Deb Fritz at 815-489-3377 or dfritz@rockfordymca.org.