Berryman Adventure :: The Midwest's Premier Adventure Race
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Required gear must be carried at all times during the race. Gear checks will be completed on the course.

Automatic reasons for disqualification:

  • Leaving a teammate behind
  • Mode of travel not specified for each segment of the race
  • Use of any electronic navigation device
  • Littering on course
  • Non-assistance to person in danger
  • Not following race rules

On the Race Course

  • Each team will visit a series of checkpoints that are described on the clue sheet. You must visit all the checkpoints in order (unless otherwise stated ON THE CLUE SHEET) and using the mode of transportation described. The team that visits all the checkpoints in the least amount of time will be the winner.
  • Each team will receive a control card (passport). You will punch the control card at each checkpoint starting at the 1st square until you have visited all the checkpoints.
  • There will be no time penalty for a missed checkpoint. Teams that miss a checkpoint will automatically be ranked below teams that find all the checkpoints.
  • All teams must consist of either 2 or 4 persons. If a team mate drops on a 4-Person team, the remaining 3 team members can continue on with the race as an unranked team. If a member of a 2 person team drops from the race, both team members must drop.
  • All original members of each team must check in together at each checkpoint. All members of each team must remain within 100 feet of each other at all times during the event. All team members must cross the finish line at the same time.
  • All racers and spectators must follow a "Leave-No-Trace" ethic.
  • No littering of any kind will be allowed. Any team found littering will be automatically disqualified.
  • Teams must follow race instructions and avoid all off-limits areas (disqualification).
  • Teams must exclusively travel under their own power during the race. Any team using motorized transportation will be disqualified.

Transition Areas

  • Team members will not be allowed to receive support in the transition areas from non-racers (disqualification)
  • Non-team members are not allowed on the course without the approval of the race directors.

Required Gear

  • Teams must carry all required gear throughout each leg (3 hour time penalty). Gear checks will be performed on the race course.
  • Gear that is modified in any way that is deemed non-usable by the race staff will result in an immediate disqualification and removal of the team from the race course for safety reasons.
  • Required articles of clothing must fit the individual racer that is intending to use that article of clothing (3 hour time penalty)
  • Each individual team member must wear a race number at all times (3 hour time penalty)
  • Helmets must be worn during all mountain biking legs of the race (3 hour time penalty)
  • All racers must have a red blinking tail light on their bike at all times (3 hour time penalty)
  • All team members must properly wear a Coast Guard Approved Type III Personal Flotation Device at all times while on the water (3 hour time penalty)
  • No GPS equipment will be allowed. Any team found using a GPS will be automatically disqualified, pulled from the race course, and banned from all Bonk Hard Racing events for a minimum of 12 months.

Race Management

  • All participants must be at least 18 years of age. If you would like to race and you are under the age of 18, you will need parental consent.
  • The time recorded by the Bonk Hard Racing staff will be the official time.
  • Grievances shall be given to Bonk Hard Racing in writing within one hour of the completion of the race.
  • Rules may be added or changed at any time before the event. Racers are responsible for knowing the rules before the race starts.
  • Team members must sign all waivers and be present at the safety and pre-race meetings in order to race.
  • No illegal drugs shall be used during the event.
  • Bonk Hard Racing is not responsible for stolen, lost, or damaged equipment.

Time penalties and disqualification can result from not following any of the stated rules, not carrying required gear, not having race numbers visible, not helping a person in danger and unsportsmanlike conduct.

All decisions of the Bonk Hard Racing staff will be final.

Any team that is caught cheating will be banned from all Bonk Hard Racing events for a minimum of 12 months.

REGISTRATION is currently open for the 2010 Berryman Adventure race!

** The first 50 racers to register for the Berryman Adventure will be put into a drawing for a chance to win one of five free entry certificates into any Bonk Hard Racing event! **

Bonk Hard Racing is exicited to announce that registration for the 10th running of the Midwest's Premier Adventure Race is now open, and the race will be returning to where it all started. Don't miss this exciting race!

Join us on September 25th for the 10th running of the Berryman Adventure!

** WE ARE LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD VOLUNTEERS! **

All volunteers will receive a 75% discount on any future Bonk Hard Racing event (that can be used by anyone), a really nice, technical race shirt, free pasta meal before the race, food after the race and an excellent time camping for a weekend in a beautiful location! If you are interested in volunteering at the Berryman Adventure race, please contact the race staff! Thanks!