The original Drift race. Get ready to embark on a historic journey along the Green River along the path of the country’s oldest running cattle drive. The race starts with a fast and flat stretch before taking you into the mountains with 2,500 feet of heart-pounding climbs and chilly descents. As it’s still winter here in March, it’s essential to come prepared for any weather conditions that may arise. The stunning scenery and challenging course will push you to your limits.
Course Description, Map, and Race Profile
This recreation event is authorized under a Special Use Permit with the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Shoshone National Forest.
28-Mile Section 1: Start to Dollar Lake: 9 miles and 325-foot elevation gain.
The 28-mile race will begin on Sunday, March 10 at 8:00 am. Racers will start by heading north along the road following the Green River for about 9 miles to Dollar Lake. This section of the course is fairly flat, wide, fast (depending on snow conditions) and easy to follow. There will be no aid, until the Moose-Gypsum intersection station. If you are struggling, this is where you should turn around as it only gets harder from here.
28-Mile Section 2: Dollar Lake to Moose-Gypsum Intersection (Aid Station 1): 4.5 miles and 300-foot elevation gain.
From Dollar Lake the trail continues North and then turns East following the river. Watch for and enjoy (but do not approach) elk in this area. At no time are racers allowed to leave the trail, this is a protected area. There will be an aid station here with water and a few basic snacks. Fill up here-you’ll want snacks and stuff before the climb.
28-Mile Section 3: Moose-Gypsum intersection to Gypsum Creek (Aid Station 2): 8.3 miles and 1350-foot elevation gain and 750-foot elevation loss.
Racers will turn right on Moose-Gypsum road, shortly thereafter begins the biggest single climb of the course. Pay attention to your temperature here, do not soak clothes with sweat or the descent to the finish line will be a cold one! Watch for and enjoy (but do not approach) elk in this area. Racers will gain 1200 feet over the next 4.3 miles to the course high point of 9200 feet. Give yourself a pat on the back, it’s downhill from here…for a second anyway. The course flattens out for about a half-mile before starting a gradual 3.5-mile 600-foot descent to the Gypsum Creek Aid Station, only 6.6 miles from the finish.
28-Mile Section 4: Gypsum Creek Aid Station to Finish: 6.6 miles and 700-foot elevation gain and 1600-foot elevation loss.
The course stays flat for about a mile before a 400-foot descent and then climbs several hills over 2.5 miles! Don’t think for a second that it’s easy. It’s not. Be sure to layer up for a fast 3-mile, 1000-foot descent to the finish line!
Drifters may leave the course on their own accord before Dollar Lake. Drifters that do not make the Moose-Gypsum Intersection or Gypsum Creek Aid Station cut-off times will leave the course by snowmachine and pay a $50 evacuation fee. In the event of snow machine evacuation at any point along the race course, Drifters will be required to pay this fee. Drifters who do not check in to either aid station or pass the finish line by 5 pm will be declared missing and a search party will be deployed immediately. Do not leave the race course.
28-Mile Aid Stations
There are two aid stations. Racers must check in at each aid station. Both will have race volunteers, satellite communication and basic first aid kits. While you may be able to grab a snack and top off your water, you need to be self-sufficient at this race. This is a cupless race. Remember cut-off times are strict!
- AS1: Moose-Gypsum Intersection: Mile 13.5 – Closes at 12 pm, 4 hours after race start.
- AS2: Gypsum Creek: Mile 21.8 Closes at 3 pm, 7 hours after race start.
- Finish line: Closes at 5 pm, 9 hours after race start. All racers must be off the course by 5 pm.
Gear
MANDATORY GEAR:
- Red Blinky light, at least 20 lumens- This must be on at all times.
- Insulated water container with at least 1-liter capacity
- Top insulative layer. This can be down or synthetic, but it must be an insulated layer for emergency warmth-a shell alone is not sufficient.
- Hat and gloves.
- Food-use good judgment-physical output and winter conditions will necessitate more calories to sustain both endurance and body warmth.
- The Drift bib-issued at the pre-race meeting.
See the gear page for details and recommended gear. THE GEAR – The Drift (thedrift100.com)
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. Racers may initially be taken to a heated aid station for a time before a full evacuation can be completed, based on volunteer availability and race flow. All racers evacuated from the 28-mile course are REQUIRED to pay the $50 fee. Exception: if you turn around before Dollar Lake, you may return to the start/finish on your own. Racers will not be permitted to leave the course on non-race snow machines.
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 aid stations. 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). 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