Survive the Ark Course DescriptionsPaddleThe paddle section of "Survive the Ark" will take place on the Gatineau River above the Paugan Dam in Low, Quebec. The race will commence from the boat launch which is located approximately 5km from the Ark. Since this is above the dam, there is minimal current in the river. Although technically a "river", this section of the Gatineau encompasses a multitude of large and small bays and islands. The course will take you directly "upriver" but the route will be obviously marked with large balloons. Once you exit the first start-line bay, you won't see any other homes or cottages until the racers in the "Ultra" division reach Lac St. Marie. Despite being only 40 minutes north of Ottawa, and a few minutes away from Low, Quebec, this is true wilderness paddling. There will be manned turnaround points at 5km for the Short Course racers, 12.5k for the Challenge Course racers and at the far end of Lac St. Marie (20km) for the Ultra competitors. Trail Run and Mountain BikeFor those of you who have raced the Mad Trapper and 5Peaks Trail Runs here at the Ark, you'll be familiar with some of the trails found in the trail run and mountain bike sections.90% of the run and bike sections will be on purely technical single track. 60% of these trails will be wide enough for an ATV to pass, while the remaining 30% will only be wide enough for a mountain bike to pass through comfortably. Expect hard packed soil with enough roots and rocks to make it interesting, but not so many to make it too frustrating. There will be some nice cruising sections but you definitely need to expect some considerable elevation changes. 99% of these trails will be rideable by a well-rested, average mountain biker, and 95% will be runnable (as opposed to walking) by a rested, reasonably fit runner. 9% of the run and bike sections will take place on double wide, double-track trail. For the most part, these will be relatively flat sections to allow riders to catch their breath or pass with ease. 1% will found on gravel roads. The entirety of this race will take place on private land. As mentioned, the trails will alternate between being "relatively" flat, to rolling, to climbing and descending. The majority of the trails will take you through maturing hardwood forests of maple and oak. There are also 2 or 3 beautiful vistas on the loop which may serve as a good spot to catch your breath and grab a snack or drink. On Site Tent CampingThe primary camp area is a short 2 minute hike up the hill from Farrellton Rd, or a 10 minute hike from the Ark. No vehicles are capable or allowed to access the camp area. This site can accomodate approximately 30 tents. This is true wilderness camping, but there are 2 camp fire pits with grills, a 4 room outhouse, a central kitchen area and large picnic table. It's beautiful and dry up there. For the Labour Day weekend, mosquitoes and other pesky insects should be a non-issue, but if you're lucky, the friendly fox might stop by to say Hello.The overflow campground is located about a 5-10 minute hike back from the Ark right on the main trail. This is the site of the Maple Sugar Shack and can accomodate another 30 tents. There is a small creek running through this camp and in the spring and early summer, mosquitoes are more of an issue. There shouldn't be any problem in September though...
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