Course Description, Map and Race Profile
The 13 mile course will start at 9 am from the Upper Green River parking area, just past the Forest boundary. The trail runs along the CD Trail and breaks off onto the N Trail. You’ll travel along the Upper Green River for another three miles before turning around and heading back on itself. Look for Kendall Warm Springs, home of the Dace. This is the original 13-mile Drift course, back by popular demand! Enjoy!
All racers must check in at the turn-around. Water and basic snacks will be available. Anyone unable to finish will take a snowmachine ride out and will be required to pay $50.
This recreation event is authorized under a Special Use Permit with the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Shoshone National Forest
Safety
Although every attempt is made to make this race as safe as possible, Drifters are reminded that you will be traveling through remote wilderness in variable, often formidable, conditions at altitude in the winter. You are ultimately responsible for your safety. There will be limited snow machine support and course sweeps. Do not underestimate the difficulties of this race.
Evacuation
In the event a racer is unable to finish the race or if they miss an aid station cutoff, they will be taken off the course via snow machine. It may not be possible to evacuate from the course immediately. Be prepared to wait. All racers evacuated from the 13-mile course are required to pay $50 as an evacuation fee.
We know it can be a bummer to quit a race. We know you’re tired, you’re disappointed, you’re hungry, you may be hurting, you’re probably freezing, and you’re just plain defeated. But be grateful for assistance off the course. Pay your drop-out fee and be kind to your evacuator. Be patient if you have to wait. Remember that these folks are only there because they have volunteered to help you.
Self-Sufficiency
Racers are expected to start and finish with all gear they will need for the course. Racers may pick up snacks and drop trash at the turn-around point. There is no caching or outside support allowed. This includes dropping gear you are not using, towing or receiving food, water or a ride from anyone not affiliated with the race. Doing so will result in disqualification. Racers can and should help each other. Buddy system is always encouraged.
Weather
March in Pinedale is still very much winter. The average high is 38*F (which seems like a lie-it’s colder than that) and the average low is 7*F (again: lies). March is the windiest month (and, hey, that’s really saying something) with an average wind speed of 8 mph (but it’s totally going to be windier than that). However, temperatures in Sublette County in March have been as cold as -39*F. Read it again. For real. (yes, it says negative.thirty.nine.degrees.fahrenheit). Frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration, sun- and windburn are all very real and potentially deadly dangers here. Be prepared. Be overly prepared. Should you show up for the race under-prepared, it is at the discretion of a Race Director to determine whether you can safely race, and you may be denied entry, without a refund on your registration fees.
Leave No Trace
Pack it in, pack it out. We are guests of the Forest. The Drift is permitted through the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Shoshone National Forest and future races depend on you. Please be respectful of each other and of the area.
Animal Safety
The Wind River Range is home to both grizzly and black bears as well as moose, elk, mountain lions, wolves, coyotes and many other animal species. You are unlikely to see any of them. Racers are responsible for knowing what to do in case of an encounter. Take extra precautions with your food-please don’t litter or leave food behind. This protects both you and the animals in the area.
Manners
We do not receive special use of the trails as racers. We are still required to abide by all trail rules. Please yield to other trail users and say “Excuse me” and “Thank you.” Remember, you are wearing race bibs and are representing The Drift-everything you do, or do not do is a reflection of the entire race. The possibility of future events depends on you. Also remember your manners while interacting with race volunteers! Putting on a race like this is an enormous undertaking and our volunteers are taking time away from their homes and families to help make the event successful. Treat all volunteers with respect-they certainly deserve it. Tell them “Thank you.” Tell them more than once. Should you have a concern or a complaint, please reach out to a Race Director.
Rules
- Race Directors win all arguments.
- No motorized forms of travel.
- Carry your gear.
- Leave No Trace
More questions? Check out the FAQ page