2024 Worlds End Ultramarathon Participant Guide

WORL D S END

LTRAM R ATHO N

Blackedition the QUALIFYING RACE

SPONSORS

SPONSORS

SPONSORS

THANK

“The best way to find yourself is to lose

Our supporters have helped make this race one of the premier ultramarathons on the east coast. That wouldn’t have happened without a lot of help from a lot of great people and organizations.

Thank you to:

Pennsylvania DCNR, our host for allowing us to use this priceless public land.

An extensive network of first responders from across the area, coordinated by Sullivan County Emergency Services, and supported by doctors and nurses from our racing community. Even with all the careful planning we do, it's incredibly difficult to predict exactly what emergencies might arise on race day and we appreciate the fast thinking and prompt care these individuals provide to the race.

Volunteers with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and the HAM teams that tie our aid stations, support staff, and emergency personnel together with reliable communications across a remote and challenging landscape. The personal time and equipment these individuals

commit on race day to make this a safe race is easily overlooked as they diligently work in the background. Make no mistake, without these guys and gals, there would be no way to host these long distance races!

The passionate and growing army of local trail runners who give generously of their time, energy, and skills, volunteering hundreds of hours to keep our trails in prime condition.

A second and growing army of dedicated volunteers who help set up and manage the race, work the aid stations, prepare the food, and support the event in so many other ways.

The Alpine Club of Williamsport, conscientious caretaker of the Loyalsock Trail.

THANK YOU

lose yourself in the service of others.”

Highlighting a few indispensable people who have continued to give an enormous amount of time and heart to this race:

The definition of logisitics is the detailed coordination of a complex operation that involves many people, facilities, and supplies. It's a simple concept but rather few can appreciate the depth and chanllenges that goes into organizing the logisitical side of long distance race in the woods. And the best logisitics team is always the one you never notice because things seem so seamless and smooth. This is the reason I want to thank our long time crew that has put in so many hours prior to race day and the execution on race day that makes the race so wonderful.

Tom McNerney has been our head logistics coordinator (and also the volunteer coordinator until this year) and knows the ins and out of all the trails, equipment, and moving pieces on race day. He takes the complex "race machine" and keeps it churning from course marking to race clean up. He's indespensible at WEU!

From the humble beginings of this race, we've had Bob Stoudt and his kids putting in some serious hours behind the wheel on race day to deliver equipement, pick up dropped runners, retrieving drop bags, hauling water and about a million other odds and ends on race day. The selfless service to this race over the years have been truely a blessing. They compliment and support Tom in keeping the grease on the "race machine" and honestly don't know where we would be today without them!

To our supporters, past, present, and future: THANK YOU!

LOYALSOCK TRAIL

The Worlds End Ultramarathon was designed around the famed Loyalsock Trail, a rugged, scenery-dense single-track trail with an elevation profile that resembles an irregular rhythm EKG. With it’s beautiful vistas, punishing rocky climbs, and mountain stream waterfalls to run along, the Loyalsock Trail does not disappoint. The scenic and challenging Loyalsock Trail runs roughly parallel to its namesake creek, Loyalsock Creek. The name Loyalsock Creek is taken from the Indian phrase “Lawi-Saquick,” meaning middle creek, and flows between Muncy Creek and Lycoming Creek.

Worlds End

Ultramarathon

The Worlds End Ultramarathon is a challenging foot race that explores the Loyalsock Trail, Loyalsock State Forest, and Worlds End State Park in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania. The routes are largely rugged, scenery-dense single-track trails with some fairly remote sections, several waterfalls, and multiple vistas of the beautiful Endless Mountains. This is not a beginner-level ultra and participation in the race should not be taken lightly. As John Young writes in Hike Pennsylvania, “If you want to do some hiking in the Worlds End region, you should know that hiking here means climbing”.

RACE DETAILS

Race date: 6/01/2024

100k start time: 5:00am

100k cut-off: 12 midnight (19 hours)

50k start time: 7:00am

50k cut-off: 7:00pm (12 hours)

There is no day-of registration.

SCHEDULE

PACKET PICK-UP (CLIFF PAVILION)

Friday 5:30-7:45pm: Race bib pick up (Mandatory for all runners.) 7:15pm: Race Pre-race meeting (Highly reccommended.)

RACE MORNING SCHEDULE (CLIFF PAVILION)

Saturday 4:00am: Check-in station opens.

*All 100k runners must check in.

*There is no bib pick up.

Fresh-brewed Bason Coffee and breakfast available! 5:00am: 100k Start

5:30am: Check-in station re-opens.

*All 50k runners must check in.

*There is no bib pick up.

Fresh-brewed Bason Coffee and breakfast available! 7:00am: 50k Start

General Information

Worlds End State Park

- Parking is limited in the lot nearest the Visitor Center – please use the large main parking area at the park entrance first. Once that lot is full, use the overflow parking up at the Visitor Center.

- Race check-in and the start/finish line are at the Cliff pavilion on the north edge of the main parking lot. There are also trails down to the Loyalsock Creek, picnic tables, and a great playground near the pavilion.

- The drop bag collection point is at the Playground Pavilion located across from the overflow parking.

- We’ll have 6 porta-johns near the Cliff Pavilion, there is a bathroom building to the right of the start/finish line and the Visitor Center facilities will also be open during normal park hours.

- Please remember that alcohol is not permitted in the State Park. We need to be good guests and respect this. Alcohol is permitted in the State Forest, which means you can have a cold one at any aid station except for Worlds End.

Drop Bags

Use drop bags if you have things you need but don’t want to carry the whole way – warm/dry clothing, a special snack, head lamp, etc. We’ll transport your bags to designated aid stations and have them waiting for you. The drop off location will be at the Playground Pavilion for Friday evening and race morning.

- 50k: We’ll take drop bags to AS4-Worlds End (only one 50k drop bag site). AS4 is at the picnic tables across the road from the overflow parking lot; please DO NOT go to the finish line!!

- 100k: We’ll take drop bags to the following 3 aids stations (use as many or as few as you’d like):

AS4-Worlds End

AS7-High Knob

AS10-Brunnerdale

Drop bag guidelines:

- Close your bag securely and label it clearly with name, bib #, and the aid station it’s meant for.

- Drop off at the collection point no later than the start of your race.

- We can’t promise to protect your bag from the weather, so a waterproof bag is best .

- We’ll get them back to the Playground Pavilion as soon as possible.

Communications

Worlds End is a remote area and cell phone service is very limited – it’s unlikely you will be able to talk with your runner, crew, etc., by phone. We will have radio communication with each aid station through our communications command bus – if you have an urgent need to contact a runner or crew, please see a race official at the finish line or any personnel at the communications command bus.

Spectators

Spectators are welcomed and encouraged. The start, finish, and AS4 are all easily accessible on foot from the main parking lot. Other aid stations with easy access and adequate parking are AS7-High Knob, and AS12-Fern Rock.

See “Guide to Crew Accessible Aid Stations” below for directions. We expect spectators/guests to follow the same rules as our participants – no littering, courtesy and respect for all trail users, etc.

Post-race Food

Finish line food and refreshments are for registered runners only (and a pacer if you finish with one.) Crews and pacers are more than welcome to participate in the finish line celebration but please come prepared and bring your own food to the party.

Cliff Pavilion (Start/Finish Line)

Playground Pavilion (Drop bags)

Main Parking

Overflow Parking

Bathroom Building

Park Entrance

Aid Station 4

Race Rules

Runner Rules

1. No unofficial runners – No unofficial or unregistered runners permitted.

2. Bib visibility - Every runner's bib must be clearly visible on the front of the body at all times.

3. No course cutting – Follow the marked course at all times – it will be clearly marked with orange survey ribbon, directional arrows, and with reflective tape after AS10. If you depart the marked course, you must return to the point of departure before continuing. Cutting the switchbacks is cheating, and leaving the beaten path to avoid mud or water is just bad trail karma – please don’t.

4. Mandatory gear – A head lamp or similar lighting is mandatory if you are running before daybreak and after dark. If there is any chance that you’ll still be out there after 8:30pm, make sure you’re carrying a light or have it in a drop bag or with your crew.

5. Optional race aids – Hiking poles, headphones, GPS devices, heart rate monitors, and similar devices are allowed – but ONLY IF you use them safely and responsibly (so you are aware of what’s around you and not a danger to yourself or others).

6. No unauthorized crew support or aid drops – Crew access and drop bags are allowed only at designated aid stations. No one is allowed to drop or store supplies along the race route, and runners are not allowed aid between checkpoints unless it is an emergency.

7. Pets – We love trail dogs, but not during a race. Please no pets on the course. Pets are welcome as part of your crew, and at the start/finish area, but they must be under control and they must be on a leash while within the state park. If your pet is disruptive, we may ask that you remove them from the area.

8. Do not litter – You can either carry your trash or dispose of it at the aid stations. We are operating under permits from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and litter could threaten future permits. Anyone caught intentionally littering along the trail will be disqualified.

9. Passing other trail users – The course uses many popular hiking trails and bridle (horse) trails, so please be respectful of all trail users and yield as needed. Be careful, courteous, patient, and safe while passing competitors or other trail users. Communicate your intentions clearly (“Passing on your left”), and remember that it’s a long run.

10. When nature calls – Almost all the aid stations will have bathroom facilities, either a permanent structure or a port-a-john. If you have to pee, find a tree. Anything else, use the outhouse.

11. Accountability – We’ll be tracking your progress around the course – it’s your responsibility to make sure your race bib is visible, and to check yourself in and out of each aid station (even if you are just passing through without stopping). The communications team at the aid station will record your arrival and departure, and relay your progress to race headquarters.

12. Cut-off times – Aid station captains will strictly enforce the cut-off times that are posted for designated aid stations (see aid station chart). Aid station captains also have the authority to pull you from the course if it is clear that you are physically unable to continue in a safe manner. Their decisions are final, and if you refuse to vacate the course when directed, you’ll be disqualified.

13. Dropping out of the race – If you can’t complete the race, you must notify an aid station captain and surrender your race bib, which will officially withdraw you from the race. If you leave the race and don’t show up at the next aid station within a reasonable time, we’ll assume you’re lost and will notify authorities. This could threaten the race’s future permits. Leaving a race without informing an aid station captain means automatic disqualification and possible restriction from entry into future races.

14. Responsibility - All runners and their crews are responsible to know the rules prior to participating on race day.

15. Finishing - Any runner who crosses the finish line after the 19 hour limit will not be an official finisher.

Pacer Rules

100k runners may use pacers, according to the following rules:

1. Pacers must register – Complete an emergency contact and waiver form at the aid station you are going to pick up your runner at before running, and wear the pacer bib you receive there while you are on the course.

2. Pacer starts – Pacers may start at AS7-High Knob, AS8-Dry Run, and AS10-Brunnerdale.

3. One pacer at a time – Standard practice, one pacer per runner at a time. End of story.

4. No “muling” – Pacers are there for safety and moral encouragement – not to help carry your stuff (or you). They can help you at aid stations just as your crew would, but they aren’t allowed to carry water, food, or other supplies for you or physically assist you in any way out on the trail. They may run beside you or behind you, but not in front of you – this is your race, not theirs.

5. Pacers may use aid stations – Pacers are free to use the aid stations they visit with their runner.

Crew Rules

A crew can be an important part of your race effort, and they are welcome for both 50k and 100k runners, according to the following rules:

1. Crew support only at designated aid stations – Your crew can help you in pretty much any way, but ONLY while you are checked-in at the aid station – nowhere else along the race route. Crews are NOT PERMITTED at AS1High Rock, AS3-Devils Garden, AS5-Canyon Vista, AS6-Coal Mine, AS9-McCarty, or AS11-The Gate.

2. One crew vehicle per runner – Parking is limited at many of the remote aid stations, and some of the access roads are narrow and dusty. It will be nicer – and safer – for everyone if there are fewer vehicles moving about.

3. Aid Station flow – Aid stations can be busy places, and it’s important that runners have a clear route in and out, with easy and quick access to the station. Please find an out-of-the-way place (but within 50 yards of the station) for your crew activities so you don’t add to the congestion, and please obey the instructions of the Aid Station Captain – the station is their space and their responsibility.

4. Crews may volunteer – We’re really one big trail family when it comes down to it. Crews are free to help other runners if they want to, or to help out the aid station crew (if it’s alright with the aid station captain).

Safety Rules

It’s a wild backwoods Pennsylvania mountain trail – of course it can be dangerous! That’s one of the reasons we love it, but we really don’t want anyone to get hurt, so we expect you to take some reasonable precautions, and to know what to do if something does go wrong.

1. If you get injured – Stay on the trail and wait to inform another runner that you are injured and ask that they notify race officials at the next aid station. Cell phone service is very limited on the course, but there will be a communications team at each aid station that can talk to race headquarters and to a centrally-located ambulance/ EMT crew. If you need help, that aid station communication team is your fastest and most reliable answer – go to the nearest aid station (forward or back) or relay the message to them.

2. You are a pedestrian – You must obey all laws pertaining to road pedestrian crossings; vehicles have the right-ofway at all times. Before you cross any road, remember what your mother told you and look both ways.

3. Course knowledge - The race will do everything they can to provide an adequately marked trail, but it is necessary for runners to continually remain alert as they run the course. On occasion, weather, animals, and persons not associated with the event can alter or remove course markings. A working knowledge of the course is highly encouraged. You are ultimately responsible to follow the correct course. You can also carry the course using your phone’s built-in GPS to see your location on the course at all times even while in airplane mode or without cell coverage. Cell coverage is poor or nonexistent in portions throughout the course.

Race Bib Placement

While racing with us at the Worlds End Ultramarathon, it is required that all racers wear their bib either on the front of their shirt or on the front of their shorts, pants, tights, or bikini (hey we won’t judge). It is also required that you do not fold or obstruct the bib number in any way. If your entire bib number is not plainly visible to race officials, we reserve the right to stop you until your bib is fixed or disqualify you if you do not comply to this rule.

Course Markings

The Worlds End Ultramarathon course is well marked with a combination of orange flagging tape, orange arrows and highly reflective flagging provided by our sponsor RUseeN. Turns are typically marked with three (3) pieces of orange flagging tape before and after a turn. Know that there are MANY intersections and you need to stay vigilant during the entire race. You are ultimately responsible for staying on course.

AS6 Coal Mine

AS11 The Gate

AS7 High Knob

AS8 Dry Run

AS9 McCarty Rd

AS10 Brunnerdale

AS1 High Rock

AS2

AS3 Devils Garden

AS5 Canyon Vista

AS1 High Rock

AS4 Worlds End

AS5 Canyon Vista

AS6 Coal Mine

AS2 Onion Hole

AS3 Devils Garden

100k Course Records

Men’s 100k Course Record

Wesley Atkinson

10:50:38 (2019)

Women’s 100k Course Record

Nicole Yokum

13:23:05 (2021)

50k Course Records

Men’s 50k Course Record

Reagan McCoy

4:40:14 (2022)

Women’s 50k Course Record

Kristina Folcik

5:49:20 (2018)

Worlds End Ultramarathon 100k Aid Stations

Worlds End Ultramarathon 50k Aid Stations

VOLUNTEERS

VOLUNTEERS

Driving Directions to Crew Accessible Aid Stations

Worlds End Visitor Center to AS2-Onion Hole (6.5 miles - 12 min)

1. From the Worlds End State Park entrance, turn left onto PA-154.

2. Follow PA-154 for 5.6 miles, then turn left onto Rock Run Rd.

3. Follow Rock Run Rd for 0.8 miles, then turn right into CCC Camp S95.

4. CAUTION: Watch for runners – the race route follows part of Rock Run Rd.

5. Aid station is to the left when you enter the camp. Parking starts in the grassy area on the right.

AS2-Onion Hole to AS4-Worlds End (6.5 miles - 12 min)

1. Return to Rock Run Rd and turn left.

2. Follow Rock Run Rd for 0.8 miles and then right onto PA-154.

3. Follow PA-154 for 5.6 miles, then right into the Worlds End State Park entrance.

4. Park in either the main parking lot or overflow parking lot, walk to the visitor center and then directly south across PA-154 to the picnic area along Worlds End Tr. Runners enter the area behind the Worlds End Visitor Center from the east along Loyalsock Creek, then turn south on Worlds End/Loyalsock Tr. to the aid station.

AS4-Worlds End to AS7-High Knob (7.9 miles - 16 min)

1. From the Worlds End State Park entrance, turn left onto PA-154.

2. Follow PA-154 for 0.5 mile, and then turn right onto Worlds End Rd.

3. Follow Worlds End Rd for 2.8 miles, then turn right onto High Knob Rd.

4. Follow High Knob Rd for 4.6 miles to High Knob Vista, (stay right at 2.3 miles where Dry Run Rd joins from straight ahead. You’ll know you missed the turn if you are driving on a gravel road.)

5. CAUTION: Watch for runners – the race route follows High Knob Rd for 0.4 miles between Bridle Tr and Ketchum Run Tr near the Fern Rock aid station, and the final 0.3 miles before the vista.

6. Aid station is at the vista parking area. Runners enter from the southeast along High Knob Rd from the Loyalsock Tr, leave to the southwest on High Knob Tr.

7. NOTE: Park only in the designated parking lot or on the right side of the road past the aid station. Do not park on the entrance road to the parking lot.

AS7-High Knob to AS8-Dry Run (4.3 miles - 12 min)

1. NOTE: High Knob Rd is a one-way loop around the vista area – continue clockwise from vista parking to complete the loop and return to High Knob Rd.

2. Leave High Knob overlook parking and continue around loop for 1.2 mile to intersection with inbound High Knob Rd. CAUTION: Watch for runners – the race route crosses the exit road.

3. Turn left at stop sign and follow High Knob Rd for 1.4 miles, and then turn right onto Dry Run Rd.

4. Follow Dry Run Rd for 1.7 miles to the Dry Run Falls trail head parking and picnic area on the left.

5. CAUTION: Watch for runners – the race route crosses Dry Run Rd about halfway to the aid station.

6. Aid station is at the picnic area above the waterfall. Runners enter from the southeast from Dutters Tr, leave to the west crossing Dry Run Rd to follow Old Bark Tr.

7. NOTE: Park only on the right side of the road but do not block trail access.

AS8-Dry Run to AS10-Brunnerdale (6.1 miles - 16 min)

1. Continue down Dry Run Rd for 2.1 miles, and then turn left onto PA-87.

2. CAUTION: Watch for runners on the paved road near the ranger station at the end of Dry Run Rd.

3. Follow PA-87 for 0.7 miles, then turn left onto Ogdonia Rd.

4. Follow Ogdonia Rd for 3 miles, then stay left onto Brunnerdale Rd.

5. Continue on Brunnerdale Rd for 0.3 miles to the trail head parking lot on left.

6. Aid station is to the left in the parking lot on the Loyalsock Tr. Runners enter from northwest on Loyalsock Tr, leave to northeast on Ridge Tr.

7. NOTE: Park only on the right side of the road.

AS10-Brunnerdale to AS12-Fern Rock (8.9 miles - 21 min)

1. Continue on Brunnerdale Rd for 4.1 miles, then turn left onto PA-42.

2. Follow PA-42 for 1.9 miles, then turn left onto Worlds End Rd.

3. Continue on Worlds End Rd for 2.9 miles, then turn left onto High Knob Rd. Make an immediate right into parking lot.

4. Aid station is at the Fern Rock shelter near the rear of the parking lot. Runners enter from the north up the wooden steps from Fern Rock Nature Trail, leave to the north on Bridle trail along Worlds End Rd.

5. NOTE: Additional parking is available in the Bridle parking area on the other side of Worlds End Rd.

AS12-Fern Rock to Finish (3.0 miles - 7 min)

1. Return to Worlds End Rd and turn left.

2. Follow Worlds End Rd for 2.8 miles, then turn left onto PA-154.

3. Follow PA-154 for 0.2 miles, and then turn right into the Worlds End State Park entrance.

Remember crews, this participant guide has detailed navigational maps plus 2 detailed course maps to help you navigate from any point on or around the course. If you are not using the driving directions in the order listed in this guide, just find your current location and refer to the maps!

Worlds End State Park

Race course crosses Rt 154 at the state park which is also the access point for Aid Station 4. This corner is controlled by DCNR. Drive carefully. Rt

Race course crosses Rt 154 at the Double Run parking area. Drive carefully.

WORLDS END START TO AS2 ONION HOLE

AS2 - Onion Hole

Race Course

Enlarged for detail

Crew Parking Area

Race course overlaps Rock Run Rd at the Iron Bridge. Drive carefully!

Rock Run Rd

Race course overlaps brie y with Rt 154. Use caution.

Race course crosses Rt 154 at Shanersburg Rd. Drive carefully.

Race course crosses Rt 154 at the state park which is also the access point for Aid Station 4. This corner is controlled by DCNR. Drive carefully.

Worlds End State Park

Race course crosses Rt 154 at the Double Run parking area. Drive carefully.

Rt 154

AS2 ONION HOLE TO AS4 WORLDS END

Enlarged for detail

Crew Parking Area

Race Course

Race course overlaps Rock Run Rd at the Iron Bridge. Drive carefully!

Race course crosses Rt 154 at Shanersburg Rd. Drive carefully.

Race course overlaps brie y with Rt 154. Use caution.

AS4 - Worlds End

AS2 - Onion Hole

Rock Run Rd

Race course overlaps High Knob Rd . Drive carefully.

AS7 - High Knob

Crew Parking Area

Race course crosses High Knob Rd . Use Caution.

Exit Loop

To Aid Station

AS4 WORLDS END TO AS7 HIGH KNOB

High Knob Rd

Course

Begin One Way

Enlarged for detail

Worlds End State Park

Race course overlaps High Knob Rd between point 19 and point 20. Use caution.

Worlds End Rd

Race course crosses Worlds End Rd. Use caution.

Race course crosses Worlds End Rd at point 16. Use caution.

A challenging foot race through the untamed Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania

ExitLoop

Race course crosses Dry Run Rd. Drive carefully.

Dry Run Rd

Race course crosses High Knob Rd . Use Caution.

Enlarged for detail

AS7 HIGH KNOB TO AS8 DRY RUN

Caution.

High Knob Rd

Race course crosses Dry Run Rd.

Do not block course crossing.

ContinuestraighttoaccessAS10

Race Course

Dry Run Rd is a gravel road.

Crew Parking Area

AS8 - Dry Run

Race course overlaps brei y with Dry Run Rd at the ranger station. Use Caution.

Dry Run Rd

Ogdonia Rd

Ogdonia Rd is a gravel road.

Rt 87

Enlarged for detail

AS8 DRY RUN TO AS10 BRUNNERDALE

Enlarged for detail

Race Course

Be alert for this interection just prior to the aid station. Stay to the left at the split to connect to Brunnerdale Rd.

AS10 - Brunnerdale

Crew Parking Area

ContinuestraighttoaccessAS12

Enlarged for detail

AS10 BRUNNERDALE TO AS12 FERN ROCK

Enlarged for detail

Race Course

Crew Parking Area

Crew Parking Area

AS12 - Fern Rock

AidStation#NameCoordinatesDescription

41°28’22.2” N

Start/Finish Cliff Pavilion

AS2 Onion Hole

AS4 Worlds End

76°34’ 56.0” W Start/Finish line is at the Cliff Pavilion on north edge of main parking lot (41.472836, -76.582220)

41°27’40.9” N

76°30’30.3” W CCC Camp S-95 campsites on Rock Run Road, 0.1 mile past Iron Bridge on Rock Run Road (41.461349, -76.508425)

41°28’16.0” N

76°34’54.0” W Picnic area on Loyalsock/Worlds End Trail, south of Route 154, directly across from WESP Visitor Center (41.471111, -76.581667)

41°26'37.7" N

76°40'42.8" W

AS7 High Knob

AS8 Dry Run

AS10 Brunnerdale

AS12

Fern Rock

Parking area is at High Knob Vista on High Knob Road (41.443806, -76.678556)

41°25’49.2” N

76°40’ 14.1” W Picnic area at Dry Run Falls on Dry Run Road at intersection with Old Bark Trail & Dutters Trail (41.430333, -76.670583)

41°23'06.8" N

76°40'05.8" W Brunnerdale picnic area on Brunnerdale Road at intersection with Loyalsock Trail (41.385222, -76.668278)

41°26’15.4” N

76°36’ 29.9” W (41.437611, -76.608306)

Fern Rock Nature Trail parking area at intersection of Worlds End Road and High Knob Road

GPS Guide to Crew Accessible Aid Stations

Cliff Pavilion

The Loyalsock Creek flows in a tight “S” deep in the canyon where your journey will begin on race day. It’s not unimaginable, from the view of the AS5 Canyon Vista overlook, to believe what some say was the first settlers’ description of the densely forested place where seven mountain ranges intertwine: the World’s End.

When you come to the end of your rope...

...tie a knot and just hang on for dear life!