Be sure to view The BEAR Updates page just before going to the race, in case of last-minute changes.

Bring extra water for your Team. The Water Management District disconnected running water from the race site. This necessitates bringing plenty of water by each Team, since we cannot replace water on site.

We plan to start the race at 7:30am. On race day between 6:30am and 6:45am, enter Bayard Conservation Area (also known as John P. Hall, Sr. Nature Preserve, Bayard CA or BCA) through the entry to the former caretaker's residence, between the east and west parking lots on Hwy 16, just west of the St Johns River -- to drop off your race gear. Look for race signs that mark the correct entrance to the Main Transition/HQ.

DROP OFF GEAR -- After passing the entry gate, proceed as directed by Race Officials to park in the designated parking area for racers. You will park your vehicle near the Main Transition (MT). Do NOT go to either the eastern or the westernmost parking lots. Walk  to the Main Transition (MT) area with your Paddle gear and place it as directed by Race Officials. Deliver your kayaks and/or canoes to the Paddle Staging Area at the north side of the Main Transition as directed.  After checking in with the Race Official by the MT, leave only your boats at the Paddle Staging Area.  All paddles, and lifejackets will be placed inside the MT. After dropping off your Paddle gear, get your bikes, maps, and other gear. Quickly place your bikes and other gear inside the MT with your paddles, etc. 

Vehicle Parking -- After parking your vehicle, secure it, as it will be "off limits" during the race.  

Check In for Race -- As soon as possible after arriving, and before 6:30am, check in with Race Officials at Race HQ/Main Transition, where you must turn in your printed, signed Waivers/Releases for each member of your Team.  Complete your set up in the Main Transition by 7:10am -- and be ready for the Team Meeting at 7:15am.

Team Meeting and Start -- On race day 15 minutes prior to the start, all Teams are to assemble on foot with your Essential Gear on the Start Area marked as directed near  the Main Transition Area. Gather with other Teams near the Green Banners at the Start Line to receive final start instructions. Of The Essential Gear, Teams will not need bikes, kayaks, canoes, paddles, or life jackets with them at the starting line. Teams will need to have ALL other Mandatory Gear listed in The Essential Gear list. 

Protect all Instruction sheets and Check Markers. At times Teams may be required to mark their Instruction sheets directly or to write information from race signs. These must be verified by Race Officials to get further instructions.  Cutting corners will cause you to miss Check Points and Check Markers not mentioned in Instructions. 

There are few portions of this course where you are allowed to bike on paved roads. If instructions cause you to follow parallel to any paved roads on foot, such as a trek or portage, your Team must stay on the left side of the road, facing any traffic. You may move across paved roads (with caution), but Teams may not remain on pavement as you travel on foot. Infractions will result in severe Team penalties. From the Start signal, Teams will have some mystery events and check points along the course at seemingly random locations. Always announce your Team Name and Number to Check Point officials as you approach.

Volunteers -- Race Officials on the course are volunteers, giving their time to help make this day of adventure both a challenge and a success for you. Please follow their instructions and carefully follow the written instructions they provide at various Check Points. If you have an emergency, ask them to notify the Race Headquarters. They are here to ensure safety and fair play. It would also be considerate for you to thank them as your pass through their Check Points and when you see Race Officials along the course. Without generous volunteers, races such as The BEAR and the Performance Adventure Racing Series would not be possible.

Kayak/canoe Portages -- Whenever required to portage your kayaks or canoes, your “boat” is NOT ALLOWED to be touching the ground while moving. Your team may use a wheeled device to transport your boat during the portage, but any conveyance must also be carried securely on the boat during any paddling on water. If you chose not to use a wheeled device, your team must carry the kayak or canoe off the ground when it is moved over land, including any beach, trails, or roads.

Remain together as a Team through each portion of the Race – 10 meters apart is the limit allowed. There is no advantage to being separated. Separated Teams will be stopped until reunited. Excessive separation will result in severe time penalties or disqualification. 

Teams are NOT allowed to cross any private property either on foot or on bikes throughout the Adventure Race.  Cheating will result in disqualification or severe penalties.