Muddy Squirrel

Race Details (updated 9/1/25)

1. The Buchanan Tri will go on “rain or shine.” In the unlikely event of high water (over 6ft), the race will be shortened to a duathlon. You can check current water levels here.
2. You may drop off your kayak at the Springwood Boat Launch (205 Thrasher Rd, Buchanan) beginning at noon. We’ll have volunteers there from 12:00 pm until 5:30pm. Please plan to pick up your bike before 5:30.
3. If you are renting your kayak from Twin River Outfitters, it will be staged at Springwood for you. Volunteers will direct you to your boat when you finish the cycling leg of the race.
4. Check-in starts at noon at the gazebo in Buchanan Town Park. You may drop off your bike in the staging area near the check-in.
5. The race starts at 2:00 pm. We’ll have a mandatory pre-race meeting on the basketball court at 1:45.
6. While there is plenty of space for your bike and equipment in the transition area, we do not provide bike racks. Click here for plans for a simple DIY rack if you want to bring your own! Racks are not required.
7. Spectators are strongly discouraged at the Springwood Boat Launch. The space is small and since it is a public boat landing, there will be other users. By staying out of the way you will help protect the safety of our participants and volunteers! *We highly encourage spectators everywhere else!
8. Roads will be closed to traffic for the running portion of the Tri -- however, be alert and watch for directions from law enforcement officers and volunteers.
9. There will be NO ROAD CLOSURES for the cycling leg. Please obey ALL TRAFFIC RULES and watch for cars. Please help cars get around you, especially if you are riding in a group. Wave them around if you can see the road is clear before they can.
10. There are a handful of stop signs on the cycling route. Stop for them! Law enforcement will be at some of the busier intersections to assist you. They CANNOT stop traffic but will help you cross safely. Watch for their directions. If in doubt, STOP.
11. There are 4 railroad track crossings on the course -- one on the running leg and 3 on the cycling leg. If the crossing barriers drop, stop! Trains happen and should be considered part of the race. Crossings can be rough, be alert.
12. We'll have water available at the bike transition. Water, Heed and food will be available at the kayak transition.
13. The bike route will be marked with orange arrows on the pavement and with orange signs at each intersection. Please familiarize yourself with the route map and pre-ride the course, if possible.
14. A helmet is required for the cycling leg; a life jacket is required for the paddle.
15. There will be a course sweep for all segments of the race.
16. The river will most likely be low. You may even have to get out and pull through some rocks a time or two. Make sure you have shoes for the river! You will also need them at the finish (see #18).
17. The paddle will end at the Twin River Outfitter boat ramp, which is just past the public ramp. We encourage you to take a look at it before the start, especially if this is your first time racing with us.
18. The finish line is at the gazebo in town park. You will have about 200m left to run once you finish your paddle. Make sure your number is visible on your FRONT so we can get your finishing time.
19. We will hand out finisher's awards, overall winners, and age group awards as you finish (or shortly after). Don't run off without it! Once again, our awards were made by students at BTEC.
20. Dinner catered by The James River Drip will begin at 4:30pm at A Few Old Goats (AFOG) Brewery, 19318 Main St., Buchanan! Dinner is included with your registration, but is for race participants only. Your race bib will serve as your meal ticket. We’ll provide iced tea and water. Beer is available for purchase. We will not have meals for friends and family this year. We encourage them to call the James River Drip (it’s on Main St) and place a carry out order if they want to eat with you.
21. Please pick up your bike before you go to the brewery! The boat landing is about a 10-minute drive from the Town Park.
22. If you decide to drop out during the race, you must notify a volunteer or call us at (540) 520-4988, otherwise we’ll be looking for you on the course.
23. Course maps are available on the Buchanan Tri webpage. Email us if you want a GPX file.
24. In case of emergency, call 911. If you need to be picked up (ex. mechanical issue), call Tim (540)797-0217 or Lisa (540)520-4988.