FAQ

The time it takes to complete the course ranges from 1:45 to 4 hours.

The road going UP to Mt. Bachelor is NEVER closed. The road going DOWN from Mt. Bachelor is detoured through Sunriver during the race, except for the racers registered in a Pairs Category. Racers in the Pair Category are issued a special pass to avoid the detour. If Pairs were to be detoured through Sunriver, the runner wouldn’t be able to make it to the bike-to-run transition in time.

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Teams must drive via the Sunriver detour.

In theory, it is possible for an Alpine or Nordic racer to get back to town fast enough to also do the final sprint. But we don’t generally recommend any Team make a plan for their mountain racer do legs in town.

Yes, individuals should be supported by at least two support people. One person for up at the mountain and one for in town.

The support person on the mountain will have to drive the Sunriver detour back to town and won’t be able to make it in time for the in-town transitions. The mountain support people are also responsible for bringing down a racer’s gear from the mountain.

The in-town support person helps you transition to your running shoes/clothing at the bike-to-run transition and also helps you carry your boat to the water for the run-to-paddle transition.

It is possible for a racer to complete the in-town transitions with only the limited volunteer support. However, a racer will have to drop off their running shoes prior to the start at the bike-to-run transition, and be responsible for carrying their boat to the water all on their own. In-town volunteers are only able to help racers with equipment collection and storage after the bike and paddle legs. 

Technically, it is possible for multiple racers registered as Individuals to share support people. There are several people who assist multiple racers for the mountain transitions. However, racers will need to be quite careful when planning. You are completely responsible for ensuring one person will be able to manage multiple athletes and consider the various start times, leg speeds, and support needs. It can be quite tricky to get the timing right and we would NOT RECOMMEND to folks to are newer to the event. There is nothing more stressful than carrying multiple loads of Alpine gear to the car while hoping you make it to the Ski-to-Bike transition on time. 

One person will NOT be able to support on the mountain AND in town, though. Each support person will need to stick to a zone.

The Pole Pedal Paddle does not have requirements to qualify for this wave. The Elite wave is always the first wave of the day and it is often where the fastest overall times of the day come from. This is partially due to having the fastest snow conditions or the coolest temps on the run, but it is mostly due to the fact that the large majority of the racers in this field have competed in at least one of these events (frequently nordic skiing, cycling, or running) at a collegiate or professional level. Many of the past winners of the PPP are Olympians or professional triathletes or adventure racers. And they always race in the Elite wave. We recommend athletes considering the Elite wave to review past results from the Elite wave and asses if it may be the best fit for them.

The Elite wave is also the only category in which cash prizes are awarded. For this reason, it is the only wave where both PPP’s Drafting Policy and Transgender Policy come into play. 

Telemark, AT skis, and snowboards are all allowed.

The large majority of racers will complete the Nordic leg using skate technique on nordic skis. However, you will also see plenty of folks using classic technique on touring-style XC skis. You might even see Telemark, AT, or even wooden skis on the course! As long is it is a ski, and you are able to complete flat and uphill terrain on it, it is allowed.

You may any type of bike (road, mountain, cruiser) as long as it is deemed safe by our bike safety crew and it does NOT have any type of electric assist.

Bike fairings are allowed, but ONLY if you are registered in an Open Team division.

You will have a transponder on your ankle that you will need to take off and pass to your teammate. Listen to the volunteers and ask if you have any questions about where you need to be before your teammate comes to the transition area.

You will receive a Pairs Pass credential in your race packet that will allow you to drive down Century Drive and not be re-routed through Sunriver. The transition zone for the Bike to Run is in the Athletic Club of Bend parking lot. 

If you know you are likely to have a fast cyclist doing your bike leg, we highly recommend finding a driver to drive the running racer down Century Drive. Sometimes it can be tight for a runner to drive themselves down, park, and meet their biking partner in time.

A reminder: Only 12 and Under Pairs have the option of a 2-person Kayak. If you want to use one, and you are over the age of twelve, you need to register as a Tandem Pair.

In some races tandem means that you can do each leg of the race at the same time. That is not the case with this race. In the PPP, Tandem means that racers have the option of using a tandem bike and/or a 2-person kayak for the Bike and  Paddle legs.

2-person kayaks give racers a strong advantage. For that reason, they may only be used by racers during the paddle leg if they are registered in a Tandem Pair or Team, Open Team, 12 & Under Pair or Team, and Family Team if both paddlers are 12 & Under.

2 person canoes are allowed in all Team categories, and the Family and Tandem Pairs categories.

In Tandem Teams, racers may complete the bike leg using a tandem bike and the paddle leg using a 2-person kayak. In Open Teams, racers do NOT have the option of a tandem bike, only bike fairings, but they do have the option of a 2-person kayak instead.

PPP offers racers who are 12 and younger a few alterations to the course and rules to make the event more accessible. 12 and Under Individuals, Pairs and Teams all have the option of running a shortened run course and using a 2-person kayak instead of a 1-person kayak or 2-person canoe. 

In the Family Teams category, if the racer completing the run leg is 12 or under, they will also have the option of completing the shortened run course. If BOTH racers completing the paddle leg in a Family Team are 12 and Under, they have the option of using a 2 person kayak, as well. If only one racer is 12 and Under and wants to paddle with an adult then the only option is a 2-person canoe.

Unfortunately we cannot allow parents to chaperone their kids on the bike course. There is only one case in which it would be allowed and guaranteed for a parent and child to complete the bike course together and it is if they are racing in a Tandem division and are using a tandem bike. One other options would be for a family of four to register two pairs in the same Family Pairs division. If parents and children alternate in a specific way, it would allow for a parent and child to be on the bike course at the same time.

We recommend parents and young racers who are are tentative about the bike course portion to preview the course together in the weeks prior to race day. Often that practice, along with knowing there will be lots of friendly folks on course and aid stations along the way, help young racers to the gain confidence needed and feel ready for race day.

There is a Public Group page on Facebook for Pole Pedal Paddle. Many folks will post their needs to this group and find racers this way. You can also try reaching out to events@mbsef.org and we will let you know if anyone who meets your need is looking for a team.

No. This is not operationally feasible. Especially now, with our boat take-out is in a different location than the put-in.

The large majority of racers complete the Paddle Leg in a single-person kayak. 2-person canoes are allowed in all Teams divisions and the Family Pairs divisions.

2-person kayaks are ONLY ALLOWED in Open Teams, Tandem Teams, and for racers who are BOTH 12 & Under – this is the case for 12 & Under Pairs/Team divisions as well as for some Family Teams.

Some racers complete the Paddle Leg on a paddle board – this is allowed in all categories and divisions. 

One of our Major Sponsors, Powder House, is ready to support you with Nordic gear, Nordic-specific grinding and waxing. Powder House is also presenting MBSEF’s PPP Preview race on Saturday, May 3rd. Be sure to check out pppbend.com/nordic-ski-prep-services to learn how to register, or to learn more about clinics offered at Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor prior to race day. We’ll update that page with more info as it becomes available.

Try and find a replacement. We do not issue refunds. Racers are able to revise teammates by managing their team online. Contact events@mbsef.org if you need help. We will need the name and email address of your replacement, but they will still need to sign waivers and fill out their forms. 

In some cases, the Race Director may permit you to rollover your registration for one year. 

On race day, lost and found is at the MBSEF tent at the finish area.  After race day, contact events@mbsef.org.

Yes! A few experienced racers have offered the following tips over the years. Most of these are geared for racers in the Individuals category, but all racers are likely to glean good info from the following printable documents.

Timeline and Checklists from Craig Mavis

Clothing Decisions and Other Tips from Craig Mavis

Tips for the Race from Craig Mavis

Tips for Individuals from Dr. Bones