Buff Betty Adventure Race

This year’s course will be a fun and challenging one as teams explore the park, the surrounding area and the iconic James River. Teams can expect some great mountain biking on trails, quiet country roads, open meadows, and anything else we can find to throw at you. The paddling will take place on a scenic and tame section of river, with a few class 1 ripples thrown in for some fun!
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As is standard for our races, there will be some trekking and teams should expect some extensive off trail travel and tricky navigation. Route choices will be abundant and strategy will be key, on both foot and bike. Is this the year we introduce our popular windows strategy into the Buff Betty?

If you have been thinking about taking on a longer race and feel that you have the fitness and navigation ability to get to the finish line, this is the race for you. Or perhaps you want to work on navigation, test yourself and see what you can do on your own as a soloist, or leading a team without the guys around….

The team that acquires the most points in the least amount of time wins. All checkpoints will be optional: all TA’s are mandatory. If teams want to stay official, they will need to complete the paddling component of the race. Teams will be able to do as much —or as little of—the rest of the course. The course is a secret until race morning when the maps and rules of travel are released.

The original 6-hour Buff Betty will be designed as a beginner-friendly race and will be a "taste" of the 10-hour race. It is also the perfect race to introduce your daughters or nieces to—or a friend who is curious and interested in the sport. This course will consist of the three main disciples of the sport—biking, trekking and padding—and will be designed so that you have fun, with a little bit of challenge thrown in! The navigation will be beginner-friend; as long as you can read a basic park map and have a good sense of direction, you should be fine. The team that acquires the most check points in the least amount of time wins. All checkpoints will be optional with all TA’s (transition areas) mandatory. Teams will be able to do as much of or as little of the course as they feel comfortable doing. The course is a secret until race morning, when you get your map and rules of travel instructions.