Many of the things that make bikes a great everyday commute option are the same things that make them a powerful tool to use during a natural disaster situation. They don’t rely on the electrical grid or gasoline, are nimble enough to maneuver, and easy enough to carry over obstacles.

September is National Preparedness Month and Arlington’s Office of Emergency Management is hosting the region’s first Disaster Relief Trial on September 29 which is designed to prepare a community for disaster and show how bikes can be used as a response tool in a time of need.

The Challenge

The Disaster Relief Trial will simulate an emergency and participants will be tasked with completing the obstacles and challenges using the bike as the tool for disaster response.
Participants will start at Thomas Jefferson Community Center, where riders will be briefed about the five checkpoint locations. Riders will have four hours to complete all challenges and return to the starting location.
Each checkpoint will feature a different Essential Element Challenge, including:

• A physical barrier.
• A water crossing.
• Rough terrain.
• Food pick up.
• Water pick up.

There will also be three bonus Emergency Preparedness Challenges participants may opt to complete to receive extra points, including:

• Relaying a critical message.
• Demonstrating use of a fire extinguisher.
• Packing a simulated wound.

The checkpoints are fixed locations, but the order and route taken to complete the challenge is up to you and your team.

How the Challenge is Scored

Points will be awarded based on successfully completing the essential elements and emergency preparedness challenges, as well as per pound of emergency supplies transported back to the start. The top three finishers in each of the five registration categories will also receive some fun giveaways.

Who Can Participate

Anyone who is looking to see what they can do by bike! Whether you’re a family looking for a friendly way to introduce your kids to the power of bikes, a solo rider curious about the amount of weight you can carry, or a group of friends looking for a fun bike-related challenge, this event is going to be a blast. It’s even a great event for cyclocross riders looking for an interesting way to cross train. Five registration categories are available.

Experience the Trials

Grab your friends and family and join us at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center for a day of fun and learning new ways to use your bike for good.

Need More Information

For additional event details, including the rules, registration categories, and points, visit DRTArlington.com.

Photo Credit: Flickr/Yellekenna
Video Credit: Vimeo/Portland DRT and Russ Roca