F.A.Q.'s Frequently Asked Questions

Spawners,

The “Salmon Simulation” is an analogy for the obstacles, challenges and transformations that Chinook, Coho, Chum experience in their journey. It is our hope that you are able to create your own connections to the salmon journey. Collectively we will celebrate the pain and triumph as humans through the stories that you share with your fellow competitors, teammates, volunteers, friends and spectators. Our intention is for you to become more cognizant of the challenges that fish face as you experience your own journey through the course.

The Bellingham Traverse is not intended to be a “normal” race. We like to refer to it as a Challenge and hope that the level you choose to participate is rewarding for you, both mentally and physically. Unlike the salmon, our intent is for you to live at the end and make this an annual event for yourself, friends and family.

Safety is our main priority and our volunteers are out there to guide you through the course. Please respect the duties that they have been assigned and heed their warnings. Thank them as you pass them on the course; it’s only one breath.

There may be some locations where a sign will replace a human. Please note that these signs are not only directional, but also reminders of safety and awareness. You must obey all traffic laws as you would as a responsible citizen out recreating on your own. This is an OPEN COURSE.

We strongly encourage you and your teammates to read all the information contained within the Web site (that’s why you’re here). Please study the maps, understand the transitions and join us at Boundary Bay for the ceremonies at the end of the day.

Good luck, play fair, have fun, be safe. Spawn & Live!

Let the Questions fly:

Logistics:
Chinook - How do I do it Solo?
For fresh Chinook, the most common question is the placement of gear if you’re doing it solo. After picking up your packet at Boundary Bay Brewery in the garden, transport your equipment and gear. Whether or not you have a support crew you must stage your equipment at the Transition Areas in the morning. We recommend starting your drops at Lake Padden (mtn & road bikes); to Fairhaven (pair of running shoes); to Marine Park (kayak); to Cornwall Ave. (park your car on the street, so it’s there when you’re finished). If you need more advice, call your mother.

Coho - How do we do it Tandem?
The Tandem division offers nice variety. You and your partner may mix and match the legs to suit your interests, you may even choose to do back to back legs. Both tandem bikes and tandem kayaks are encouraged. It’s all about being together!
Example: Ricky runs up to Lake Padden; Lucy jumps on her mountain bike and has a blast in the woods; they both get on their tandem road bike and ride around Lake Samish and into Fairhaven; Ricky runs down to Marine Park through the 100 Acre Woods; Lucy cheers him in to get in their tandem kayak and paddle across the bay; together they TREK back up to the finish line at Boundary Bay Brewery.

CHUM - What’s in a Team?
If you’re not having fun in this division, you should be on medication. You may have 3-5 people doing any number of legs and don’t have to alternate.

What is the TREK?
The TREK brings your team together at the end of the paddle to make sure you all have made it home safely. We will store your boat on the grass until you have finished the Traverse, not the cold and refreshing Traverse Ale at the finish line, but the event! Go get your boat, then get a beer, please.

Do we all have to do the TREK?
You all get to do it! It’s now only a half of a mile, so nothing like the real trek from Fairhaven back in the day. BUT if you have a teammate that has an issue or an injury, they can wait at the finish line and still come across with you. Remember, it’s all about having fun.

Gear:
Helmets:
You must wear a helmet on both bike legs.

What kind of Mountain bike do I need?
Your bike must be able to handle single track terrain. Cyclocross bikes are allowed. Please have it tuned up before hand.

What kind of Road bike do I need?
You may use whatever type of bike you like- including tandems and recumbents. You may use aero bars, disc wheels. Cyclocross bikes are allowed.

What are my choices for a boat?
You may use any type of human powered craft you'd like. This includes ALL types of kayaks and canoes, and rowboats. (yes even tandems)

Are there local companies that we can rent from that deliver to the race?
Yes that rent. No on the delivery. Details on Rental Resources.

Is it an on-the-water start or a beach-launch start?
It's a beach start. You carry your boats down to the water and get in.

Is there Security for our equipment?
We have special areas that hold the equipment before, during and after the event. But you must retrieve your gear as soon as possible after you finish.

Registration:
See the Registration page for details.

Do we get a T-shirt?
We don't provide T-shirts with registration. Each year we do a different fun giveaway.

How much does this cost?
The prices for each division are listed on the Registration page. Sign up early and save.

Can we change divisions mid-stream?
Yes. If, for example, you signed up initially as a co-ed tandem team and later decide you can't do it all, you may change divisions. Just let us know ahead of time, please.

When do we pick up our packets?
Packet pick-up will be in the morning day of at Boundary Bay Brewery in the garden.

Course:
Are there Maps of the course?
There are individual maps for each leg of the course.

Where does the Trail Run really go?
This is a secret. Only those who have come before know. Go explore.

Fundraising:
Which Organizations can we raise money for?
Our list grows every year. Please browse the list of organizations that we’ve supported in the past to see where your donations could go to help sustain the quality of life in our region. If you have one in mind that is not on the list, just ask us, If they are a worthy non-profit (501 C-3) organization we will welcome them into the Traverse.

Can I raise money for more than one group?
Absolutely, please do.

Where does the money go?
The registration fee is to pay for the event. 100% of the money from the donations goes directly to the groups of your choice.

How do we submit our donation forms and money?
Bring your pledge form and money Saturday morning to Boundary when you come to pick up your packet. This is where you collect the bait that you’ve earned.

Do you have to fundraise to be in the race?
You are encouraged to fundraise for your favorite cause. Use this time to plan your annual giving to the group of your choice. It’s tax deductible.

The Awards Ceremony
Who gets prizes?
There are two types of prizes. The BAIT is reserved for the FUNdraisers who earned these goodies. There are other prizes for those who seemed to be in a hurry to get back to the finish.

Will there be Traverse Ale on tap?
I was once asked, “Just how much beer is there at the finish line?!”
A: Plenty.