Teamwork: Making the CAT a Fun First Race

When we created the CAT Race, we envisioned it as a great team event that would allow racers to participate on a more recreational level. There are amazing folks who do these adventure races who have the ability to load not only a bicycle on their car but a kayak or canoe as well (we want to see a photo of that!!). But it's a lot easier if one person drives here with their bike and other with their boat and they race as a team.

Teams can be 2, 3 or 4 people (2 person canoe leg).

Make it a great weekend to get the team together and hang out in Hancock. Have some great warm up rides or paddles on Saturday and a great dinner in town Saturday night. Choose from a local campground, motel, cabin rental or B&B for your stay. Remember your NYC DEP access permit lasts for 3 years so this could be your inaugural trip to the western Catskills and the first of many as you'll want to return again and again!!

Campgrounds Near CAT Race

The Cannonsville Area has the most camping and RV facilities in the western Catskills area due to it's proximity to the East Branch of the Delaware River and great fishing along it's banks. It is also where the West Branch meets up and other well known tributaries such as the Beaverkill and Willowemoc. The Delaware River starts just below Hancock - which is the start of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway.

You can also camp on New York State DEC lands. Please familiarize yourself with rules for backcountry camping on state lands by going to the DEC website linked here.

The Great Western Catskills website has a listing of all lodging in the county broken out by type of lodging and price range. We're showcasing some local campgrounds that have websites we could link to for our intrepid racers.


Guestward Ho Family Campgrounds
Guestward Ho Family Campground offers lakeside and lakeview campsites for all types of campers. Nestled atop the highest point in Deposit, New York, our sites offer outstanding panoramic lake views. Our wooded sites are situated on 50 acres, presenting your family the perfect setting for a true camping experience!
6214 Decker Road • Deposit, NY 13754
P: 607-467-3246
W: www.guestwardho.com

Peaceful Valley Campsite
Select a sunny or shaded area in one of our three island, river front, or mainland campsites. With over 500 acres, there is a special spot for everyone!
486 Banker Road • Shinhopple, NY 13755
P: 607-363-2211
W: www.nypeacefulvalley.com

Oxbow Campsites
Oxbow Campsites is located along the East Branch of the Deleware River and is only minutes from Roscoe N.Y. also known as "Trout Town U.S.A." We have two playgrounds safely located away from any main roads, a ball field, a recreation hall full of video games and pin ball games, a Volley Ball net and much more to keep everyone occupied.
3026 County Route 30 • East Branch, NY 13756
P: 607-363-7141
W: www.oxbowcampsites.com

Russell Brook Campsites
One of New Yorks most naturally beautiful campsites. Situated in a secluded valley, high in the catskill mountains. Surrounded by 18,000 acres of forest preserve and country streams. Secluded tent sites, RV sites, cabin rentals. Most sites waterfront.
731 Russell Brook Road • Cooks Falls/Roscoe, NY 12776
P: 607-498-5416
W: www.russellbrook.com

Kayak and Canoe Rentals in the Cannonsville Area

The calls are already starting to come in and interest in the inaugural Cannonsville Adventure Triathlon (the CAT Race) is building. Some folks have their sneakers and can run a decent 10k. They have their road bike and 12 miles is within their ability to ride at a decent clip. They can paddle the four miles, but they don't have a canoe or kayak as they usually rent (or they have a canvas bottom boat and don't want to put it through the steam cleaning process). They're not planning on winning so they don't need a super fast boat. Sooooooooo.... what do they do?

Why rent one of course! Here are a list of outfitters in the area, listed in order of closest proximity to Hancock:

Border Water Outfitters, 140 East Front Street Hancock 607-637-4296

Catskill Outfitters 7 North Street Walton 607-865-8827

Al's Sport Store, 6964 River Road Downsville 607-363-7740

Tall Pines Campgrounds, 2715 County Route 35 Bainbridge 607-563-8271


Area rentals may run out fast so make sure to reserve so you get the type of boat you want in the area you want. Also confirm if they will provide racks or padding for your car so you can transport the boat yourself.

USA Triathlon Sanctioned Race

Race organizers for the CAT Race are happy that the USA Triathlon has sanctioned this inaugural race. The USAT mission is to encourage, support and enhance the multisport experience in the United States. Delaware County event organizers are hoping to tap into the 130,000 members of USAT to generate interest as well as provide confidence in racers from the local area.

Mark Hughes, Owner of Fast Finishes, who is providing the timing support for the race, is looking forward to a challenging day for racers. “We're very happy that this is a USA Triathlon sanctioned race. Sanctioning sets a high standard for the event. It will be a fair event raced under the rules of the sport. Drafting is not allowed on the bike, as per triathlon rules. It's a fast, competitive course. The run is flat and fast and the reservoir is smooth and ready for some fast paddling. The bike has some hills and will challenge you all the way to the finish.”