Athlete Guide
2014
Note From The Race Director
Dear Athlete:
Welcome to the third annual Rat Snake challenge in honor of my
friend, Dr. Ken Stalter. It is a turning point for the race this year
as 2 out of the 3 challenges have been sold out. This is
tremendous! It was only a matter of time before this would
happen… Ken simply does this. I cannot wait to see how full the
transition area will be, or the mob at the starting line for the trail
run, or the 11 tri teams cheering on their teammates! Not to
mention the huge gathering we are going to have post races!
I have many people to thank for the great interest in the Rat
Snake this year. As always, my family, friends, the staff at Gilbert
Lake State Park, and all the volunteers who offered their endless
support to make last year such a unique experience have also
stepped up again this year. Many great suggestions have been
made, physical labor done, recruitment of friends and family to
sign up for the challenges, and much time given by many of you to
help out this year. I will be forever grateful. Because of you, the
2014 edition of the Rat Snake is going to be quite special. Thank
you.
The below information has a couple of things that REQUIRE your
attention before the race, please go through it. If you have any
questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to
contact me through the website, I am here to make sure you have
the best experience possible.
Some important notes:
 Early check-in/bib number/body marking for individual &
team triathlon and trail run will be from 6-7pm Friday, May
16 at the lifeguard station.
 Race briefing for all your race questions will be at 7pm at the
lifeguard station.
 Road are NOT closed for the bike portion. We will have
traffic control at major intersections, but you MUST follow
the rules of the road when racing. NO EXCEPTIONS
 Music devices of any kind are NOT allowed on the bike
course. You must pay full attention to you and the traffic
around you.
For those of you that do not know what Ken was all about, you
are about to find out. Let’s make this another successful year! It
will certainly be one to remember, our biggest yet! I thank you all
so much.
Yours in Perpetual Forward Movement,
Dan Forbes, Race Director
Schedule of Events
Friday, May 16th
 6-7pm: Athlete registration/check-in and bibs/body marking
at bathhouse picnic tables down at beachfront.
 7pm-8pm: Triathlete/tri teams & trail run briefing
 8pm-?: S’mores at Cabin #5 in the cabin colony
Saturday, May 17th
 6:30-7:45am: Transition area open. Late check-in
triathletes/teams report to lifeguard station for
numbers/timing chips.
 7:45: Transition area closed. Head to start line.
 8am: Rat Snake begins!!!
 6:30am-10:45am: Late registration for trail runners at
lifeguard station
 11am: The trail run begins
 2pm: Triathletes/Team/Trail Runners will be completing the
race. 3K Joggers and strollers will be beginning their loops
around the lake.
 3pm: Awards Ceremony at the large shelter. Followed by a
lot of food and a lot of beer.
 4pm: Rat Snake Kids Duathlon; Transition area must be
clear of all adult bikes.
 7pm: Post race celebration at cabin #5 for those staying
overnight.
Pre-Race Information
Personal Communication Plan
Prior to departing for Gilbert Lake State Park, be sure to establish
a communications plan with family and friends back home. Share
the race day emergency contact listed below with those who may
need to reach you in an emergency. Even if you are in Gilbert Lake
State Park with family and friends, it is essential that you have a
plan for contacting or reuniting with your group following the
race.
Race Day Emergency Contact Athlete Services 607-432-2114
pfmevents@gmail.com
Triathlete/Trail Run Check-In
Athlete check-in hours are on Friday, May 16 from 6-7 p.m. and
Saturday, May 17 from 6:30 a.m. – 7:45am (triathletes) or 10:45
(trail runners). If you do not check-in during the designated
athlete check-in hours you will not be able to race. If you fill out
a registration form on race day, YOUR RACE WAIVER MUST BE
HANDED IN BY 7:45AM and 10:45AM respectively ON MAY 17,
RACE DAY.
Personal Safety
Always train with at least one other person. When training,
please bike and run on the shoulder without moving into the
traffic lane. Please be courteous and aware that the people
sharing the roads with you are people you will count on during
race day to fulfill your physical and emotional needs. Please ride
single file, as biking side by side is illegal.
As you are one of Gilbert Lake’s invited guests, please respect and
obey the traffic laws during your training practices. Violators will
be cited. You are required to carry proper identification at all
times. If you are stopped, you must present your identification to
the inquiring officer. Failure to do so may result in race
disqualification. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Pre-Event Swim Advisement
The swim area will be closed to ALL participants, their family,
pets, and friends on Friday, May 16, and Sunday May 18 as the
beachfront will be closed. On race day, ONLY TRIATHLETES may
enter water as part of their race; NO OTHER TIME. The swim
course is extremely short, and extremely shallow, practice is not
necessary.
While we make reasonable efforts to inspect the swim entry and
exit points for underwater hazards, the inspection does not take
place until just before the swim discipline starts. Keep in mind
that this is a natural body of water and is subject to hidden
hazards including, but not limited to: currents, underwater
obstructions, tides, rip currents and indigenous marine life.
Race Day Information
Mandatory Bike Check-In
Mandatory bike check-in for The Rat Snake athletes is on
Saturday, May 17 from 6:30am to 7:45am. NOT THE NIGHT
BEFORE, FRIDAY, MAY 16. While bikes are stored in transition,
athletes will be allowed to cover their seats and handlebars only
from inclement weather. Full bike covers ARE NOT ALLOWED as it
presents a safety hazard to volunteers and other competitors. Full
bike covers will be removed from any bikes left in transition once
bike check-in is over. Shoes and bike helmet may be clipped or
attached to the bicycle. You will not be able to remove your bike
from the transition area until the race is complete by all
competitors. Please arrive in transition on race morning with
plenty of time to set up your gear.
Race Day Parking
Athlete Parking:
Parking is available at Gilbert State Park, at the beach parking for
all athletes beginning at 5:30 a.m. on race morning. Parking at
Gilbert Lake State Park is available on a first-come, first-served
basis. We highly recommend athletes arrive early in case parking
fills up quickly. If the beach parking lot becomes full, you will be
directed to Brigg’s Pavilion lot on the other side of Gilbert Lake.
Please plan accordingly and allow yourself plenty of time on race
morning. We also recommend all athletes who are camping at
Gilbert Lake State Park to utilize the beach parking lot.
Spectator Parking:
All spectators are also allowed to park at the beach parking lot
starting at 5:30am on race morning. Please make the effort to
arrive before 9am on Saturday, May 17 race day, as we want as
little traffic on the roads as possible due to runners and bikers.
Thank you. ALL TRAFFIC ENTERING THE PARK WILL BE GUIDED
TO THE RIGHT AT THE “Y” AFTER ENTERING THE PARK. PLEASE
PROCEED TO THE BEACH PARKING LOT FROM THERE.
Race Morning Check-In Procedure
The registration area and transition area opens at 6:30 a.m. on
race morning. Registration area at the lifeguard station is for
athletes signing up on race day WHO COULD NOT MAKE IT
FRIDAY EVENING. This area will be by the picnic tables on the
patio next to the bathhouse. The transition area will be on the
lawn behind the beachfront at the far end of Gilbert Lake as you
enter the park. You must bear right at the “Y” and follow the
signs to the “beach” when you enter Gilbert Lake State Park.
Remember to bring your bike and run gear. Bike technicians and
pumps will NOT be available in the transition area race morning.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAND IN YOUR RACE WAIVER (if
applicable) OR FILL OUT A REGISTRATION FORM AND RACE
WAIVER AND GET MARKED WITH YOUR RACE NUMBER EITHER
FRIDAY EVENING BETWEEN 6PM AND 7PM OR RACE MORNING,
6:30AM TO 7:45AM. Do not number yourself expecting to bypass
check-in. Bib numbers will be handed out this year with timing
chips, athletes are responsible for ensuring that they have their
bib numbers and that volunteers mark them with their race
number and race code on their calves. You will not be permitted in
the transition area on race day without your body marked. Do not
apply sunscreen, oil, Vaseline or lotion until after you have been
body marked. The transition area closes at 7:45 a.m. All athletes
must be out of transition and headed to the race start before this
time.
Morning Clothes Bag
Prior to the start on race morning, place any items you may need
after you finish your trail run leg of the triathlon either in the
transition area next to your bike, or in the bathhouse if you plan on
changing for the bike portion. The bathhouse has toilets and showers
for your convenience. You will be able to retrieve your items
following the race. Please do not place anything of value in your
morning clothes bag. You can drop your clothes bag off at either area
any time before you make your way to the run start.
Aid Stations
THERE WILL BE NO AID STATIONS IN ANY PART OF THIS RACE. You
may leave a special needs bag for the trail run in front of the
bathhouse where the guardrail indents towards the water. Tables
with be marked “Special Needs” where you can place your fuel.
During the bike portion, you are responsible for your own fuel and
drink.
Bicycle & Gear Recovery
You are required to reclaim your bicycle and gear at the transition
area after the race. You must still have your body markings for entry
into the transition area. If you are unable to personally claim your
bike and gear, please inform the race director or a volunteer. Tell
them your race number and who will be getting the bike. Bike checkout is from 2p.m. - 6 p.m. Please note that you will not be able to
enter transition until all cyclists have finished the bike portion of the
race.
Parking Map
Run Course 18K
The start of the Rat Snake 18K trail run will be across the street from
the beach drop off parking lot. The run for both the reverse triathlon
and the trail run will be the same 18 kilometer trail course with many
rocks, roots, dirt, mud, grass, water crossings, and some pavement.
It will be a 2 loop track that will allow athletes to store fuel in a
special needs area so that they do not have to carry all of their
energy needs during the run. With the course being 2 laps, it also
makes it spectator friendly as the athletes will venture out of the
woods 2 times passing the beachfront area where the start/finish
will be located.
It begins with a gradual uphill for about a mile. From there, a quick
right, and a quick left up another hill to Spring Pond. You will run
around the front of the pond and enter back into the woods. From
there, and long decent will begin with some steep sections, a water
crossing, and sharp turns. Please mind your surroundings! Once you
reach the end of the trial, you will make a right toward Twin Fawns
Lake. As you pass this lake, you will gradually rise again for a mile or
so. There will be another decent back into the cabin colony where
you will follow the road that leads to the beachfront. A quarter mile
or so on this road, you will make a sharp right onto the trail that
leads to the Hill Top campground. This windy path is extremely steep
with a special surprise just before you peak. As you reach the
campground, make a left and follow the pavement to the trail that
leads down to Gilbert Lake. The trail will have some steep sections,
with a road crossing before you reach the main trail that goes around
the lake. Make a right at the bottom of this trail and follow it around
the end of the lake. You will make a gradual climb at the end of the
lake, and branch off to the right towards the Large Shelter. Follow
the pavement driveway from the shelter down to the main road.
Make a left. Go a couple of tenths, and make another left that leads
to the Gilbert Lake trail. Once on the main lake trail again, bear right
and follow the trail to the bathhouse. In front of the bathhouse will
be the special needs area where you can pick up more fuel and drink.
Continue in front of the bathhouse, make a right turn just past it
following the cement path. Bear left on the pavement path heading
back toward the race start. Begin your second and final loop.
Trail runners will finish at the beachfront. Triathletes will continue to
either the transition area, or into the bathhouse to clean up and
change for the bike portion. Toilets and showers are available for
your convenience.
Trail Run Map
Trail Run Elevation Map
Bike Course 29 Miles
The bike course will leave the transition area from the beachfront
and out the park main entrance making a left on County Route 12
south. This intersection will be controlled by uniformed state park
police.
Bikers will travel for approximately 2.5 miles until they reach
Balantic Hill Road. At this intersection, they will turn left onto
Balantic Hill Road and go up and over the mountain down to County
Route 11. The intersections at the bottom of each side of Balantic
Hill Road will be manned by a volunteer.
At the intersection of Balantic Hill Road and County Route 11, bikers
will turn right and travel approximately 0.1 miles. Bikers will then
make a left onto County Route 11a and travel 0.2 miles. Both of
these intersections will be manned by race volunteers.
At the intersection of County Road 11a and State Highway 205, the
bikers will turn right and head south on 205. This intersection will be
controlled by a uniformed police officer. Bikers continue on 205
south for approximately 6 miles.
Bikers will turn right onto State Highway 23 west. This intersection
will be controlled by a uniformed police officer. The bike course then
proceeds for approximately 15 miles into the village of Morris.
At the intersection of 23 west and County Route 51, bikers will turn
north, right, onto 51. This intersection will be controlled by a
uniformed police officer.
After travelling approximately 4 miles northbound on county route
51, bikers will then make a right at the intersection of route 51 and
County Route 12, heading southbound. This intersection will be
controlled by a uniformed police officer.
Bikers will continue on route 12 for approximately 4 miles until they
reach the entrance of Gilbert Lake State Park. There, bikers will
make a left into the park; bear left at the “y” before the lake, and
continue to the beachfront. Here, they will reach the transition area
and dismount.
Bike Course Map
Bike Course Elevation Map
Swim Course 26 Yards
The race will proceed to the swim course, which is in Gilbert Lake.
Athletes will run from the transition to the beach area, enter the lake
for a 13 yard out and back swim. They will then continue to the finish
at the beachfront.
Swim Course Map
Local Traffic Laws
Please remember that members of the local community use the bike
course roads. Realize that you are an ambassador for the sport and
the event and the impact of your actions is far reaching. When you’re
out riding the course, please adhere to local traffic laws and go the
extra mile to be courteous and respectful to the residents of the local
community. When training and racing, please follow these
suggestions:
 Please ride single file. This is not just for your safety but
also to ensure local drivers can get where they need to go
without delay and frustration.
 Please obey traffic laws (stop at stop signs, signal when
turning, etc.).
 Please do not use private property as a toilet. There are
plenty of local stores along the way with public bathrooms
– please use them!
 Please do not litter. Keep your energy bar and gel
wrappers with you until you find a trashcan.
 Please ask your friends and family members to refrain from
painting the roads along the course.
This defaces public property and is a punishable offense.
Every time a cyclist has an altercation with a driver, that driver sees
every cyclist on the road as the enemy. Every time a cyclist is
courteous to a driver, that driver will give every cyclist on the road
that much more respect and courtesy in return. Please think before
you act.
Tech Tips & Other Details
Bike inspection is not mandatory and will not be provided at bike
check-in, and technicians will NOT be available. Athletes are
ultimately responsible for their own bikes. However, race officials
may, at their discretion, make final judgment as to the soundness of
the bikes. Prior to bike check-in, be sure your bar-end plugs are in
place and you have no loose spokes, brakes, headsets, stripped
cables, etc. Adjust the hubs and position handlebars correctly.
Ensure that cables and tires are in good condition and sew-up tires
are glued properly onto the rims. Securely fasten all equipment you
may carry with you on race day. To avoid an unexpected flat tire,
wait until race morning to inflate your tires to their proper air
pressure. There will be NO pumps available in the transition area on
race morning so we recommend you bring your own. You must give
your pump to a family member or friend before the race start for
storage.
For security and safety reasons, bikes will not be allowed out of the
transition area once they are brought in. On race day, a SAG vehicle
will patrol the course to aid in emergencies and MAYBE simple
repairs.
Post-Race Information
Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. (pending final
finisher) in the large shelter by the playground and boathouse on
the beach front. This will be a time for the celebration of
everyone’s participation and accomplishments of the day. The
MAIN purpose of this event!!!
Food
Post-race food and beverage will be open from 2 p.m. until the
food and beverages are gone. This too will be located at the large
shelter. Anyone wishing to have beer must present I.D. to prove
that they are 21 or older. THE BEER IS FREE!
Race Photography
We may have volunteer taking random photos throughout the
race. These photos will be online after the race for your viewing.
If you wish to obtain copies of pictures, the race director will get
you in touch with the photographer.
Lost & Found
Lost and Found will be at Gilbert Lake State Park office at the park
entrance.
Medical Facility
The bathhouse hosts the medical facility as all the first aid for the
lifeguard station is there. An EMT will be on site as well to aid in
medical treatment. The first aid area of the lifeguard station is for
athletes only and family members are not allowed. Overcrowding
in the medical area prevents the medical staff from doing their
job. For information on an athlete receiving medical treatment at
the lifeguard station, please wait in the lifeguard station’s lounge.
Rules
Event Sanction and Rules
*NOTE: ANY VERBAL ABUSE OF MARSHALS, RACE OFFICIALS, RAT
SNAKE STAFF OR VOLUNTEERS IS GROUNDS FOR IMMEDIATE
DISQUALIFICATION.
Rules Applying To All Segments of Race
It is the athlete’s responsibility to know all aspects of the run,
bike, and swim.
 Participants are expected to follow directions and
instructions of all course marshals and public authorities.
 Race officials shall have authority to disqualify any
contestant.
 Medical personnel shall have ULTIMATE and FINAL authority
to remove a contestant from the race if the contestant is
judged to be physically incapable of continuing the race
without risk of serious injury or death. Medical transport of
any contestant will result in disqualification.
 Fraud, theft, abusive treatment of volunteers, staff or others
and acts of poor sportsmanship are grounds for immediate
disqualification and will result in contestant being suspended
from the Rat Snake in following years.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Bike
Cycling conduct and specifications are consistent with USAT
rules.
Race officials reserve the right to reject any bike not meeting
safety standards.
Equipment must otherwise conform to all other general rules
for bicycles as it pertains to the Rat Snake competition,
including no add-on device(s) that may reduce wind
resistance or enhance aerodynamics of the bicycle,
regardless of any secondary benefit.
Participant is required to maintain control of his/her bicycle
5.
6.
and to operate at a reasonable speed so as not to threaten
the safety and well being of aid station volunteers, other
competitors, race officials and spectators. Operation of a
bicycle in a dangerous or reckless manner will be grounds for
disqualification.
A CPSC-approved helmet is required during the entire bike
segment including in and out of the transition area. Any
athlete riding without an approved helmet or chinstrap
fastened will be disqualified.
DRAFTING IS PROHIBITED.
General Information
1.
2.
3.
4.
Unauthorized outside aid/support or escorts are grounds for
disqualification. Handlers must be approved prior to the race
and will work directly with the race director. The expected
conduct of all handlers is consistent with USAT rules.
All athletes must attend a pre-race briefing. Failure to attend
a scheduled briefing may result in forfeiture of a start spot.
Check the Schedule of Events for briefing times and location.
The Rat Snake reserves the right to modify the above rules
as necessary, as long as such changes are communicated to
the athlete in writing or at a pre-race briefing.
Any rule interpretation or enforcement made by the Rat
Snake shall be final.
Triathlon Team Relay Information
1.
2.
3.
4.
Only 3 members to a team. Gender does not matter; you can
have all of one or a mixed gender team.
Only 1 person does one loop of the run course (1 runner per
loop=2 runners in the team), meaning that 2 of the 3
members are runners. The 3rd member does the whole bike
course solo.
Outside assistance is governed by the above rules. There
will still be no aid or assistance offered to teams.
Timing chip strap must be handed off from first runner to
second runner at the “special needs” table. Timing chip will
5.
then be handed off from second runner to biker. Biker will
keep the timing chip for remainder of the race.
When biker finishes their leg, ALL 3 members of the team
must do swim portion, touch the buoy, and finish TOGETHER
or else the whole team is disqualified.
Anti-Doping Regulations
If you have to dope to compete, you should not compete.
Medical Information
All medical expenses incurred are the sole responsibility of the
athlete and not The Rat Snake.
Failure to meet financial
responsibility to local medical facilities will result in suspension of
future participation at The Rat Snake until accounts are settled.
Particular dangers include dehydration, hyponatremia, sunburn,
exhaustion and injuries sustained from accidents. Please ask for
medical help if you have the slightest hint you may need it. You
will not be penalized for receiving a medical evaluation. You will
be withdrawn from the race only if you require transportation, IV
fluids or if medical personnel feel your continued participation
could result in serious harm or death.
During events of extreme endurance, the body’s pain threshold is
raised, and you may be in more trouble than you realize. The
medical personnel will do all they can to keep you in the race and
assure a safe finish. Also, please be attentive when taking water
and sponges from volunteers when you’re on your bike to avoid
the possibility of accident or injury to yourself or another. Please
trim your fingernails and toenails prior to the start of the race to
avoid injury to other athletes. If you spend three months prior to
the event in a climate cooler than New York we suggest you
consider an acclimation period before the race. The chance of
dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can be reduced
significantly by a proper period of acclimation. Stay with your
familiar and proven routine regarding training, nutrition, and
equipment, especially just prior to the race. This also applies to
pre-race dietary intake and medications.
It is recommended you avoid an extreme elimination diet.
Adequate salt intake during training and during the event is
especially important.
If you are taking any medications, or have any medical problem
that may influence your performance or your treatment in the
event of an injury, advise us of all necessary details well in
advance of race day. At athlete check-in, you are required to
notify the medical team, in writing, if there is any change in your
medical status/ condition after your application has been
processed. Failure to do so will result in suspension of
participation in future Rat Snake events. We can never over
emphasize the importance of hydrating prior to and during the
event. We urge you to begin hydrating heavily several days before
the race and drink enough water so your urine is clear, colorless
and copious by race day.
****PLEASE NOTE: Full disclosure of medical condition(s),
general health and surgical procedures within the previous 12
months is required. Medical consultation/clearance may be
necessary from an attending physician prior to participating in the
event. In all cases, the final decision of medical consideration is at
the discretion of the Rat Snake race director.
Best of luck and we’ll see you at the finish line!