Primal Quest Sprints Series 2008
Frequently Answered Questions

Q.  When it says pants and shirt, does that mean the shorts and shirt we are wearing or do we have to carry an extra pair of pants and a shirt?

A. “Pants and Shirt” refers to the pants (or shorts) and shirt that you will be wearing during the race and does not mean that you will require a separate pair.

Q.  Thermal tops and bottoms?  Are the thermals required for the sprint race?  If so, that’s fine, but who will be checking and is everyone checked?

A. Thermal tops and bottoms may be required dependent on weather.  A decision will be announced during the race brief as to whether or not you’ll be required to carry these items.  It is worth mentioning that we have seen hypothermic people in mid-summer.

Q.  Weatherproof gear?  I assume that means rain pants and jacket.

A. Yes, and like thermal tops & bottoms, these items will be required based on weather. An announcement will be made during the race brief as to whether you will need to carry these items.

Q.  Can we use the strobe light on our bikes if it’s removable for the emergency strobe?

A.  Yes, the blinking/strobe light from your bike will suffice.

Q. Can you race in the PQSS solo?

A. No, the format for the PQSS races is for two-person teams only.

Q: Can bikes other than mountain bikes be used?

A: Yes, other bike types can be used but with the understanding that each race will include biking sections that may be on groomed, un-groomed trails, single-track, fire roads, and other terrain that is best suited for a mountain bike.

Q: Due to my travel arrangements I will need to rent a bike for the race, are there any local options?

A: Yes, there are two local options for bike rentals, one convenient and the other is further away but offers more selections and higher-end bike options. The first option is Moraine S.P., which would be the most convenient since it is within the park venue. They rent single and multi-speed/geared bikes of various models. Please contact the rental office at 724-368-9011 or, if no answer 724-658-7054. Additional information can be found at www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateParks/parks/moraine.aspx#biking. The second option would be Trek of Pittsburgh Cranberry, this a Trek store that offers Demo rentals for $40/day and is approximately 30 minutes from the race venue. They have a excellent variety but selection may be limited due to the popularity of the September bike race season so you are encouraged to call early if you hope to get bike from them. They have both 26 and 29ers but they specialize in the 29ers. Contact them at 724.779.TREK(8735).

Q: Do you provide boats for the paddling sections?

A: Yes, PQSS will provide all boats for the paddling sections.  To be best of our abilities all boats will be similar in design, form and function as not to advantage or disadvantage any particular team.

Q: Can you bring your own boat?  If so what type?

A: You are permitted to bring your own boat provided that it meets the exact specifications of boats that PQSS is providing for the race.  Since the boat specifications may change for each race please contact us if you wish to bring you own boat.

Q: Can you leave bike repair/service items with your bike?

A:  Bike specific items may be left with the bike as long as they are securely attached. PQSS staff and volunteers will not be responsible for items that are lost in Transition Areas.

Q: Can you leave you bike shoes with your bike?

A: You are permitted to leave you bike shoes with your bike provided they are securely attached to you bike.  PQSS staff and volunteers will not be responsible for shoes that are lost in Transition Areas.

Q: Is camping available?

A: Depending on the race location camping may be available.  Please check the accommodations and directions portion of the race description for more information regarding accommodations available for each race location.

Q: Are there any special hotel rates available for race participants?

A: Depending on the race location special rates on hotel/motel rates may be available.  Please check the accommodations and directions portion of the race description for more information regarding accommodations available for each race location.

Q: Will the course be marked or will you be required to navigate?

A. Generally, the race courses will be marked, and you will be required to follow the specified route.  However, some courses will feature an optional orienteering section in which teams will be required to navigate using map and compass.

Q: Will changing facilities be available?

A: Since each race will take part in a different venue, facilities will change with each location.  Please check the information regarding the race you plan on attending for information regarding the facilities offered at each location.

Q: Parking / Park entrance fees?

A: Each car or persons attending the race will be required to pay park entrance fees or a parking fee based on the race location.  Information regarding this can be found in the details section of each race description.

Q: Do you need a climbing helmet or harness for the ropes sections?

A: The ropes sections will consist of obstacles that can be safely navigated without the need for a harness.  The obstacles will also be limited such that an approved bike helmet and bike gloves will provide sufficient protection.

Q: What are PQ logs?

A: The PQ log challenge is a technique borrowed from US Navy SEAL training.  Each team will be provided with a ‘log’ approximately 5′ long and they will be required to perform several tasks or physical feats/exercises with the logs.  Examples include but are not limited to sit-ups, overhead presses, running, and/or swimming.

Q: Will there be competitor tracking?

A: Due to the relative short nature of these races, competitor tracking is not necessary.  PQSS will strive to have the race results posted to the internet as soon as possible to allow family and friends to see your accomplishments.

Q: Are certifications required for the race?

A: The PQSS races do not require certifications in race disciplines.  We do recommend that each person be knowledgeable in the basics of each discipline and be familiar with proper safety practices for each as well as general first aid and CPR.  If you wish to have additional instruction in any of PQSS race disciplines, other race disciplines or are in need of a certification to participate in another race please contact us and we can provide information regarding some of our partnership sponsors that provide training and certifications or other instructors that may be near you.

Q: I don’t know any other racers.  Where can I find others to train and race with?

A:  There are numerous websites and social networking outlets that can help you find a teammate to race and/or train with.  If you are having difficulty finding someone or are in need of someone on short notice feel free to contact us and we will do our best to help you in any way we can.

Q: My teammate has decided not to race or has become ill can we change team members and/or our team name?

A: Yes, send us an email with any changes to your teammates or team name and we will update your entry.

Q: Are teams allowed to change categories?

A: Yes, as long as the race isn’t sold out you can switch categories or divisions at any time. Please give us at least 10 days notice prior to the race. Please call or email to make team changes.

Q: How do I log into the site?

A: You are not required to login to the site in order to view the site features. Just click on the tab or option of interest.

Q: Why should I subscribe to the PQ Newsletter?

A: Through the newsletter, we’ll distribute details about the Primal Quest Expedition Adventure Race ®, the Primal Quest Sprint Series races and other key race information. If you subscribe, you’ll be one of the first to know the news!

Q: How do I subscribe to the PQ Newsletter?

A: Just click on white envelope found in the right sidebar of any page of the website, or indicate your interest on the registration form when signing up for a race. All you need to supply is your email address (required) and we will put you on our PQ Newsletter distribution list.

Q: How do I opt in or out of future Primal Quest emails?

A: In each email you receive, there will be a link to unsubscribe or change your areas of interest.