Q: What is the Oyster Racing Series (ORS)?
A: The Oyster Racing Series (ORS) is the ultimate urban adventure race. The race tests the body and the mind in the urban jungle. It has been described by competitors as Survivor meets The Amazing Race.
Q: What is an urban adventure race?
A: An urban adventure race is the same idea as a wilderness eco race, but set in a city. The same disciplines are utilized: running, biking, hiking, floating, etc., but in an urban atmosphere. Specifically, this race will circumnavigate a major city and encompass many of its attractions and sporting locales.
Q: Who competes?
A: Anyone may compete in the ORS, from weekend warriors to elite athletes and everyone in between. There are men’s, women’s and coed teams, each made up of 3 people + an optional 1 support person. Plus, we offer corporate and family divisions.
Q: What types of activities are there?
A: There are a number of different disciplines that each team will participate in – creeking & rafting, urban trekking, running, biking, navigation, and in-line skating. Plus, there might be some surprises. Past surprises have included repelling, stair climbing and riding public transportation.
Q: Where does the race go?
A: The race will begin and end at a central location in your designated city. The rest of the course will be disclosed to racers as they begin the race and complete each subsequent leg of the race. For more information about past courses please see the Course Description on the ORS website.
Q: How long will it take?
A: That depends on the team, their endurance, strength, conditioning, navigational skills and determination. The course is designed to take the average weekend warrior approximately 4 – 8 hours to complete. Some teams may complete the course faster, and some may take longer. The course will be “swept” at the 8-hour mark.
Q: What is a “Weekend Warrior”?
A: We have defined the “Weekend Warrior” as an athlete who does moderate workouts during the week and enjoys competing and testing his/her endurance levels in a variety of events on the weekend. This may consist of partaking in a 10k run, an Olympic distance triathlon, a 1-2 hour mountain bike ride with buddies, and/or a full day of hiking or skiing. A “Weekend Warrior” in most cases, has NOT competed in an urban adventure race. If you are reading this, you are likely the “Weekend Warrior” whom this event targets.
Q: How do I register?
A: Simply fill out the online registration linked to our website at Active.com, or there is a registration form online in a downloadable booklet, print it, fill it out, and send it in.
Q: What do I do to prepare?
A: The best way to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the ORS is to attend training seminars held in each city leading up to the race. Leading adventure athletes and race officials will be on hand discussing proper race preparation training methods as well as advice on how the novice should prepare. Not only will the seminars help you keep your training on track, but there may be a few clues about the course revealed at the seminars.
Q: What is a Mother Shucker?
A: A Mother Shucker is a volunteer for the ORS. To sign up to be a Shucker, please contact the Oyster offices at 1-877-328-2783.
Q: What’s the “ball busting part” and “do you have the pearls” part?
A: The course is designed to challenge every person who enters the race. Everyone who trains properly should be able to complete the course, but the ultimate test will be who finishes in the top echelon. Don’t be misled, this race will not be a walk in the park. It will challenge every aspect of your endurance, mind and body. It will beat you up and drain you, but once you cross the finish line, the accomplishment will be well-worth the trials! And, once you cross the finish line the true meaning of the name “Oyster” will be realized.
Q: Should I bring a mountain bike or a road bike?
A: This depends on your own comfort level and you must use your own judgment as to what will be the best choice for you and your team. If a specific bike is needed, we’ll be sure to let you know.
Q: What does a support person do?
A: A support person can assist in the transition area by preparing your gear, hydration, food, etc. They are not allowed out on the course to assist you. They are not mandatory to compete in the race. Support people can be any genger (i.e. female support person for an all male team or vice versa).
Q: Where do we put our gear/stuff?
A: You will be able to select a defined perimeter within the transition area to place your gear, clothing and other necessary equipment. The location of your designated area is selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. This area will be secured.
Q: Do we have to carry our running shoes and inline skates with us?
A: You may leave all of your equipment within the transition area, unless otherwise specified on a passport. Once in awhile we will do a double leg (i.e. bike and then skate) and being able to carry your skates in a pack is nice. But we will let you know in advance if this is the situation.
Q: Do all the team members have to attend the pre-race check-in the day before the race?
A: It is highly recommended that all team members attend the pre-race check-in. Helpful information will be provided at this time, along with your team number, bibs and swag bag. This is also when pledges will be collected, Oyster Rockefellers distributed and Pearls filled out. It is not mandatory for all team members to be in attendance; however it is mandatory for at least 1 team member.
Q: I really want to participate, but I’m not sure I can do all the modes of transportation required. What should I do?
A: See Oyster Rockefeller below.
Q: What is an “Oyster Rockefeller”?
A: An “Oyster Rockefeller” is a free pass for one of your teammate to skip a leg of the race. Two team members at all times must complete each leg of the race. You can obtain “Oyster Rockefellers” based on the number of pledge dollars that your raises. See Pledge Bonuses in the Race Packet. Occasionally, there is a leg of the course that all team members must complete, but this is most always a discipline (i.e. running) that you would need anyway to be considering this race.
Q: Will my gear be safe?
A: The will be security within the transition area. Only racers, volunteers and race staff are permitted within the transition area.
Q: Should I bring a map?
A: A map of the city will be provided to you although you may want to bring your own map if you feel it will better serve you throughout the race.
Q: Can I use a GPS?
A: Sure.
Q: Can you tell me where we will be going?
A: No. The course is secret until the race starts and you will not know the next subsequent legs of the race until the current leg is completed.
Q: Do you provide the floatation devices?
A: Typically, if there is water transport the race will provide you with the transportation devices. Plan on bringing a flotation device suitable for 3 people (i.e. a raft) or 3 individual flotation devices (kayak, canoe, tube). All team members should plan to bring a life vest/personal flotation device. If there is a floatation section to the race you compete in each team member must also wear a PFD while competing in this leg of the race. In the past, we have been able to get enough flotation devices and PFDs for all teams. We expect the same for future races and will notify you once secured. Until then, plan on your own devices.
Q: We aren’t the best swimmers. Will we need to swim?
A: We reserve the right to get you wet. However, if swimming is involved, your skill level will need to be basic at best. If extended/lengthy swimming is involved, only one member will need to be a proficient swimmer (think mini-triathlon length at best). Otherwise, swimming might not be involved in this year’s race.
Q: Where should I park?
A: Parking is available in and around the transition area. We will direct you upon race day where to park. For Sunday races, the metered parking is free and we'll be there early so there should not be a problem. In some cities we have secured parking for a nominal charge to help you park nearby.
Q: What if I want to compete, but I can’t find two other people to be on a team with me?
A: You may contact our office by phone, email or our message board where we will take your name and desired division and attempt to pair you with other individuals trying to form a team.
Q: What time should my team arrive?
A: The transition area opens at 6am. Race begins at 8:00am sharp! We suggest arriving earlier rather than later.
Q: Anything else?
A: ORS is a charitable event to benefit Special Olympics Colorado, Transportation and Land Use Coalition in San Francisco, Arthritis Foundation in Seattle/Portland and Austin Parks Foundation. The event is FREE to spectators and cheering is much appreciated. Please encourage friends and family to come on out for the day to cheer you on and participate in the day’s festivities: expo, festival, entertainment and more!
GEAR LIST:
If you do not have all the gear, please visit our local sporting goods supplies partner stores so that they can take care of your needs.
Mandatory Personal Equipment (to be carried at all times)
• Race organization provided racing number to be visible over all other clothing
Mandatory Team Equipment (to be carried at all times)
• First Aid Kit suitable for 3 persons (See below for a list of specific items)
• 1 compass or GPS or map
• 1 cellular phone
• 1 writing utensil
Mandatory Individual Bike Equipment
• Road Bike
• Bike Helmet
Mandatory Individual In-Line Skate Equipment
• In-line skates
• Bike or Skate Helmet
• Wrist guards and knee guards are recommended
Mandatory Team Rafting/Creeking Equipment (If you elect to provide your own, although the race will supply):
• 1 floatation device suitable for 3 people (i.e. kayak, inner-tube, canoe)
• OR 3 separate floatation devices suitable for 1 person
• All competitors must wear a life vest and 3 helmets while competeing in this aspect of the race
Mandatory First Aid Kit
• ¾” adhesive bandages
• 1 Ace bandage
• Mole Skin
• Antibiotic ointment packet
• Electrolyte replacement tablets
• Sunscreen
• Tylenol or equivalent
Recommended Personal Equipment (Not mandatory)
• Polar Fleece top
• Biking shirt
• Long sleeve t-shirt
• Water/wind resistant shell
• Water bottles or water bladder
• 2 pairs of shoes
• Protective in-line skate gear
• Sun glasses
Recommended Team Equipment
• Multi-tool
• 2 spare Tubes
• Patch Kit
• Extra compass
• 1 waterproof map/passport holder