Sports: Adventure Racing

[Nickel]

Who has done it and wants to share some stories? :D I'm just reading about it Twin Cities Sports and it seems like a lot of fun.

[Heuy]

I had a roommate and some friends that have since left the Twin cities, they had a team and had lots of fun. They knew the race director (Jason Nielson) of this race: http://www.iowaactive.com/ Its called Raid the Ridge. If you click on the link (http://www.iowaactive.com/raid2006/2006raid.htm) for the 2006 race it looks like they had to take a year off. I think I even met Jason when he came to the cities once in '04 and did a Thursday night Buck Hill race with us.

[Wolfchimp]

I haven't done one but it is on my list of things to do. If you are looking to put a team together I would be interested.

[mara]

I haven't done one but it is on my list of things to do. If you are looking to put a team together I would be interested.

Same here, although my running skills make my biking skills look pro. It would be fun to try it with a not super competitive team.

[Thewavebb]

Its on my list of things to do as well. I'm sure there are enough of us active enough to put some teams together.

Ben

[Nickel]

Wow cool, I guess I better get in better shape :banana: I am just looking for 'fun' and just to try it out. ;)

I found this intro website: http://www.active.com/story.cfm?story_id=11698&sidebar=75&category=adventureracing

I know REI offers some free clinics on orienteering (which I never have done).

[mara]

I am just looking for 'fun' and just to try it out. ;)

That would be the only way I'd do it.

Adventure racing Team MORC?

[hockeynut]

While not exactly adventure racing, the Chippewa Triathlon that I've done the past two years sure seems like it. 16 or so canoeing miles, 27-30 mountain biking miles, 7 or so trail running miles. The fast people are done so quick and know the course so well it's not that "adventuresome" I bet, but at my slow-arse paddling pace and the fact that the portages aren't marked all that well means you need some orienteering skills. This race is to date easily the hardest race I've done. Note: I'm not really a huge racer, and I almost NEVER canoe. It is however, relatively affordable, you get a nice long sleeved t-shirt, and it's a blast and a half.

If the MARS (Minnesota Adventure Racing Series) wasn't so darned expensive I'd do them in a heart beat. Especially since the first one is in Red Wing and I will go on record guaranteeing a victory if I entered (ok... maybe not... it's like 2 weeks after Trans-Iowa which I will tear myself apart trying to complete).

[Nickel]

Yeah those off-road tris look interesting as I am not into swimming (unless I have to, i.e. the boat tipped over). I'm just starting to laugh at myself because this sounds like a lot of fun and I'm happy people are interested, but then I think, oh yeah, school. Ha hahahahahha, oh I suck.

[jitterjepp]

Who has done it and wants to share some stories? :D I'm just reading about it Twin Cities Sports and it seems like a lot of fun.They are a lot of fun. If you haven't done anything like it yet I would suggest going to a few of the Minnesota Orrienteering Clubs meets. They are all open events and yes they do set up adventure races that are cheaper and shorter.

A big part of the racing is navigation. Most adventure races are out in the boonies and require orrienteering skills and usually knowelge of UTM plotters. You can be the fastest biker/runner/paddler....in the world but if you take a route that is too long or go the wrong way all together you aren't going to win. They are kind of like triatholns but the course is not marked and they don't make it easy or obvious. If you don't have the orrienteering skills already I'd just check out a few of their events which are about what it costs to go see a movie but a lot more fun.

Navigational skills and route planning are like the wheels on your mountain bike. You need them. The biking skills and all that are important but its all based on navigation and orrienteering. Navigate/orrienteering on your bike, on foot in a canoe down rivers across lakes...making sure your going the right way all the time while biking and running as fast as you can go at that particular moment.


Here is a link to MNOC (minnesota orrienteering club)
http://www.mnoc.org/schedule.shtml

They have an even called Adventure -O (O = orrienteering) Its basically the same thing as an adventure race but all the ones I did with them were 4 - 6 hour races. They are definately fun. Dan and Rebeccas races are fun too and they both have done a fair amout of racing around the globe and generally set up two or three different levels of difficulty for their three races. MNOC also has some permenant courses set up around the metro area and they sell the maps for a few bucks on their site.

There also some folks you can meet at the MNOC events that set up their own races for training and fun and invite others to join. I did one that Stephen Regenold and his dad set up last year down by cannon falls that was a blast. The only cost was the price of the maps which was about $10 per team. I've also set up a few in Theodore Wirth.


Dan Williams who competes at the Afton race sets up three races a year with his wife Rebecca. His races usually have mountain biking on double track, some climbing/ropes obsticles, an orrienteering section on foot and usually some paddling.

Here is a link to their site.
http://www.wildadventurerace.com

I wouldn't mind setting up nonsanctioned style event in Minneapolis (including wirth) but there has to be enough interest and it has to be under 25 people to escape the city permit thing. There wont be any paddling and your going to get wet and dirty but you doesn't mean swimming.

[mn_ultra_guy]

I would be in for either an organized on clandestine race.

[krazykatie]

Wow cool, I guess I better get in better shape :banana: I am just looking for 'fun' and just to try it out. ;)

I found this intro website: http://www.active.com/story.cfm?story_id=11698&sidebar=75&category=adventureracing

I know REI offers some free clinics on orienteering (which I never have done).

Its on my list of things to do also. REI is having a intro to adv racing clinic this month. Let me know if you would like to go!

[Nickel]

2/27, 7pm?

[krazykatie]

2/27, 7pm?

Yes..............

[Trevize1138]

Sounds like fun but I ran into some painful troubles trying to keep in shape by running this past fall. I'm thinking I really need to ease into running if I want to do it at all, much less train for 1/2 marathon distances as part of a larger race. :)

[krazykatie]

Adventure racing Team MORC?

Great idea Mara! I have a co-ed team for the Red Wing race in May. A few of you guys and gals should get a MORC team formed!:jumpy:

http://www.wildadventurerace.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=racestemplate&product_id=17&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

[mara]

That sounds fun! I think I'd need to try kayaking and ropes before I did something like that, but I'm definitely interested in doing something like that some day. Maybe if they went beyond beginner and had an incompetent beginner race. . . :p

[krazykatie]

That sounds fun! I think I'd need to try kayaking and ropes before I did something like that, but I'm definitely interested in doing something like that some day. Maybe if they went beyond beginner and had an incompetent beginner race. . . :p

I'm going to hit up a couple REI clinics. I havent done everything either but my teammates are too conserned...sounds like they'll pick up my slack. You are far from incompetent but they do have a 2 hr beginner race!! DO it.

[mara]

I'm going to hit up a couple REI clinics. I havent done everything either but my teammates are too conserned...sounds like they'll pick up my slack. You are far from incompetent but they do have a 2 hr beginner race!! DO it.

I did see that, but the ropes and the paddling scare me. My favorite partner in wacky adventures also lacks skills in those areas, so we'd be in trouble.

Do the REI clinics cover enough to make a person not drown or not fall off a rope and down a cliff?

[manual63]

My favorite partner in wacky adventures also lacks skills in those areas, so we'd be in trouble.

Who would that be?.....:p

[krazykatie]

Do the REI clinics cover enough to make a person not drown or not fall off a rope and down a cliff?

Geez! I hope so! or else i'm in trouble:crazy:

[mara]

Who would that be?.....:p

Someone with no skillz, obviously. :D

How many really stupid things have I talked you into trying? Better yet, how many stupid things are there left out there that I will, at some point, talk you into trying?

Life is good.

[dvo1]

I just tie the rope around my neck when climbing.


Obviously, I have never fallen.:cool:

[mara]

Geez! I hope so! or else i'm in trouble:crazy:

I'll check it out.

REI always has the poor planning to schedule clinics I'm interested in when I already have other plans. You'd think they could do better ;)

[manual63]

How many really stupid things have I talked you into trying? Better yet, how many stupid things are there left out there that I will, at some point, talk you into trying?

So what you are trying to say is that you will talk me out of being stupid with my money, but talk me into being stupid with my life adventures.......:):laugh: Too funny!

(If readers don't get this, you must not be following the economy thread)

[hockeynut]

Great idea Mara! I have a co-ed team for the Red Wing race in May. A few of you guys and gals should get a MORC team formed!:jumpy:

http://www.wildadventurerace.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=racestemplate&product_id=17&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

I'm thinking about getting a team going (though the cost if I'm reading it right might be a bit steep for our blood) for the Red Wing one. If we get one going, Team SPH will dominate!

We were doing work on the middle section of the downhill course I think last year when the race was going through and here are my observations:

- if you bike a lot you will DOMINATE at least half of the field in the biking portion. Most of the people were about puking while climbing up from the golf course or just walking (maybe I'm not scared of that climb because I do it all the time).
- apparently the "ropes" section was rappelling (spelling?) down some ropes that were set up on Barn Bluff. If you've ever been rock climbing this shouldn't be too big of a deal
- I believe that the long long race in Red Wing involved a lot of Haycreek's trails, which could suck horribly as they are very sandy and bumpy from horse traffic

[krazykatie]

I'm thinking about getting a team going (though the cost if I'm reading it right might be a bit steep for our blood) for the Red Wing one. If we get one going, Team SPH will dominate!



Thanks for the info Isaac; it helps! If you get a 4 person team its only $123 per person!

[jitterjepp]

I did see that, but the ropes and the paddling scare me. My favorite partner in wacky adventures also lacks skills in those areas, so we'd be in trouble.

Do the REI clinics cover enough to make a person not drown or not fall off a rope and down a cliff?As far as the drowning goes you should swim instead of sink to the bottom while inhaling water. As far as the ropes go for Dan Williams races he may have rapelling, ascending or a traverse. There will be qualified people there looking at what you are doing and making sure you aren't doing something that could become an unfortunate accident. You should go to the clinics to learn the important things about rapelling or ascending or go out a couple times and have some other person with experience teach you because he does have a requirment for prior knowledge and in some other races you actually have to get a signature from someone. One of my friends who has been a climber for about 15 years and started and owned the verticle jones climbing publication had to get a signature from my roommate for climbing experience to enter into a ten day expedition race in Moab a few months ago.

You're pretty quick so I don't think you'll have any trouble with it. Just get out a couple times. Dan also sometimes hosts clinics for those things in his races and and I believe he usually has someone there who is from Verticle Endeavors teaching.

[hockeynut]

only $123 per person! :crazy2: :crazy2: :crazy2:

[krazykatie]

Roseville REI is having an intro to orienteering this wednesday at 7pm for anyone interested in getting involved in adventure racing. Nickel?? I will be attending!

http://www.rei.com/stores/store_event_detail.jsp?pid=B21D8C70B92FDBDE321ED9E C55115618&template_id=30&template_family=webDetail&ignore_cache=1

[jms]

Hey K,
don't worry about the running! tis not that bad. i'm surely not a runner, and i survived, rather well if i say so myself!! the top teams are runners, and there times in the race reflect that. imho as long as you are moving forward you are doing well.
last year there was 60+ miles of biking. from Covell park through town to the first nav course, and then a mix of hwy. dirt rds. and singletrack. grosse point rd was a freaking muddy FUN mess!! truely a hike a bike dream or nightmare depending on how you'd see it. the biking was lengthened due to the boat problems.
the paddling course (8+ or so miles) was shorter (4 miles) than it was suppose to be mainly cause the boat Dan was suppose to use developed gasline problems, so safety on the swollen river was an issue.
as someone said in an earlier post about the repelling on barn bluff. it was truely epic imho. take into consideration that this was my first time, so i thought it was cool as hell!!!!!!:crazy2: the hardest thing for me was that first step over the edge. after i was over the edge, it was all gravy after that point!!
last year the ropes course was near the end, to me it seems like this could be a bottleneck so i understand why it was near the end of the race. i had no problem with safety, Dan and Rebecca are all about safety. don't let that be a concern!!
as for people saying the money is an issue i beg to differ!! i've done many different mnt. bike races, (24 hr. 12 hr. 100 mile, and local races) and the cost to fun ratio in adventure racing is much more than just strictly mountain bike racing!! to me, i only get so much out of riding around a trail so many times. adventure racing opened up a hole new world to me, and i'm utterly and totally hooked!!!!:jumpy: WHAT A RUSH so to speak.
if you want to truely test your body and your mind, let alone working together with your other teamates through thick and thin. your strengths become the teams strengths, and you all work through each others weakness's together! then adventure racing is something you should check out, at least once.
well that's what i think about the whole thing.
K- i hope this helps you out some, and don't worry about a thing it sound like this will something you enjoy!!

Peace,
Joe

[krazykatie]

Thanks Joe! I've never been so excited and scared all at the same time!:crazy2: I hope more MORCers get involved with me!

[jms]

Yeah, the more the merrier so to speak!!!!!!!
Peace,
Joe

[Wolfchimp]

:crazy2: :crazy2: :crazy2:

In regards to $123 a person for one race....I completely agree with you Isaac. That is insane.

[jms]

In regards to $123 a person for one race....I completely agree with you Isaac. That is insane.


Hey guys!!
i don't want to get into it, (believe me everyone is entitled to there's), but what do you guys think is insane about it ($)?? just looking for a little more than the cost is insane.

Peace,
Joe

[hockeynut]

Hey guys!!
i don't want to get into it, (believe me everyone is entitled to there's), but what do you guys think is insane about it ($)?? just looking for a little more than the cost is insane.

Peace,
Joe

For me it comes down to 120 dollars is just a heck of a lot of money for one event. Sorry if there isn't any grand reasoning behind it. I can't understand why Cheuamagon is 60 bucks either. Or why sport races are like 25-30 bucks.

All racing is too much for the unsponsored rider in my mind. But I just like getting out and trying stuff. I don't have any illusions of winning or becoming a great pro rider/racer (so the allure of a race over just riding isn't that big of a draw for the most part, races just force me to try out different trails).

[jms]

For me it comes down to 120 dollars is just a heck of a lot of money for one event. Sorry if there isn't any grand reasoning behind it. I can't understand why Cheuamagon is 60 bucks either. Or why sport races are like 25-30 bucks.

All racing is too much for the unsponsored rider in my mind. But I just like getting out and trying stuff. I don't have any illusions of winning or becoming a great pro rider/racer (so the allure of a race over just riding isn't that big of a draw for the most part, races just force me to try out different trails).

Dude!!
i wasn't looking for a grand reason behind it, in your explaination i understand now where your coming from!
i totally agree that the racing scene is overrated (maybe that's not the right word, but right now for me it is). there's the have and the have not's. i'm totally in the have not group myself.
what i do have is the drive to ride my bike as far and as long as i can, with no illusions of ever becoming a "racer".
i've done my share of racing, and i've paid my 60 bucks, more times than i care to remember. it got to the point for me, i kept asking myself, (self) why are you out here riding around in a circle (so to speak) through the woods. yes because i love it, but i came to the realization there has to be something else out there that gives me more bang for my hard earned buck!
when i broke it down, (4 or 5 different events within the same race, **** for that matter within a 12 hour period). adventure racing gave me that bang!
anyway, i'll get off the soapbox.

Peace,
Joe

[manual63]

$120.00 does seem quite steep. But $60.00 for an event as big as Chequamegon and $30.00 - $25.00 for local events is totally reasonable in my opinion.

I used to think events were way too much until I have helped run them and now see all the costs to do an event. These people put in a huge effort and basically get nothing for it. It's not like the people running these events are walking away rich, they are basically lucky if they break even.

Now I feel I have reversed my opinion on costs since I complain about $11.00 for a 2 hour session at 3rd Lair. But they are already estabilished and don't have to set up and take down for a one time event like races. And really all I am asking if for 1 more hour of time for my $11.00. A whole different type of complaint.

But honestly, I can't see why they would charge $120.00 for this event, that seems way too steep.

[mn_ultra_guy]

I have this same feeling in regards to the fees for both running and cycling races. I also do not like the attitude that seems to go with racing, so I found this fringe side of cycling call Randonneuring. Is is basically long-distance unsupported endurance cycling which is non-competitive in nature, and self-sufficiency is very important. The results are listed in A-Z order, so if came in as the last rider, but your name starts with A, you are listed first. The fees for these types of ride, if there are any usually run 10-20 bucks to cover the printing fees of the cue sheets. If anyone is interested in more info see http://rusa.org or PM me for more info, but I do think adventure racing is pretty cool, but too expensive for my tastes!
Devin

[jms]

$120.00 does seem quite steep. But $60.00 for an event as big as Chequamegon and $30.00 - $25.00 for local events is totally reasonable in my opinion.

I used to think events were way too much until I have helped run them and now see all the costs to do an event. These people put in a huge effort and basically get nothing for it. It's not like the people running these events are walking away rich, they are basically lucky if they break even.

Now I feel I have reversed my opinion on costs since I complain about $11.00 for a 2 hour session at 3rd Lair. But they are already estabilished and don't have to set up and take down for a one time event like races. And really all I am asking if for 1 more hour of time for my $11.00. A whole different type of complaint.

But honestly, I can't see why they would charge $120.00 for this event, that seems way too steep.


personally i don't think the money is to steep for any event wild adventure race puts on. with living in hibbing i can't see coming south for anything less than a 12 hour race.
Dan and Rebecca put on A+ events!
since you have a inner knowledge of putting on events, (mountain biking only? or others i don't know) consider the resourses that go into an adventure race. getting permission from land owners, acquirring(?) permits, lining up ropes masters, (they aren't free) they have awesome kayaks for these events, safety boats etc. food, swag bags, and the like.
they also rely on voulnteers, so image what the cost would be if they didn't have help.
listen, i'm not tring to sway anyone, but i don't think the entry fee is over the top. i think Chaq. is over the top among others. the local events are just that local, so i don't have a problem dropping 30 bucks or whatever.

Peace,
Joe

[Tetreves]

You're putting a large group of people into untracked land, with minimal gear, for 4-8 hours, and then tell them to go as fast as they can.

Think of the cost of the insurance policy the organizers would need to carry, and suddenly the race fee comes into focus.


Also, most races are organized and run by volunteers, I can't say for sure, but something tells me an adventure race is going to require specialists out on the course makeing sure people don't get hurt. There needs to be people with skills out there, and those people may not volunteer their skills for a full day just to make sure you don't hurt yourself.

[jitterjepp]

I just got this email from the AR list serv if you are looking to learn the "ropes" (probably not very punny...oh not again) for AR stuff....

We're gearing up for a great race season!
Saturday April 21, 2007 from 9a.m.-noon has been set for the Wild
Adventure Race Ropes Training Class. Please visit
www.WildAdventureRa ce.com for more details.

[jitterjepp]

BTW setting up and event like the 24-hours of afton that is held in one location (and race day entry fees are $100) is a bit easier than setting up a multi disclipine course that needs to have people finishing at ~ a predetermined period of time.
Many of these races have combined use of city, county and state land and it requires getting multiple permits, providing logistics for moving equipment such as 100 bicycles to the biking section from the race start because you are not supposed to know ahead of time where it will be or moving 50 kayaks around. They don't have to do that stuff at bike races. You also have to have staff for ropes obsticles and equipment to set them up. (multiple ropes, webbing, anchors...and you don't get that stuff at a hardware store for 10 cents a foot. The kayaks are also an expense as well as storage for them. Then there are insurance costs and facilities rentals for start and finish locations as well as paying to have police patrol dangerous intersections.
There are fuel costs for having people drive around for 24 hours on back roads trying to keep track of where everyone is at. All of the races I've competed in also had post race diners that were catered or at places like Lutsen and the event organizer pays for that as well.

When you set these courses up it takes a lot of time. You have to get permission. Then you set up a course and check to see if it's ok. Then you have to run the entire course as if you were a competitor to make sure the time frame works. If not, back to the drawing board.

I don't have a single problem with anyone making a buck for doing all that work. I don't think anyone is getting rich but even if they were making a living on that alone why would that be so bad? Does anyone here work at their job everyday and say at the end of the week "no I can't take that check it wouldn't be right" I think the price for these events is justified. If anything some of them should be higher.

If you think its really out of hand then get the equipment set one of them up at the low price you think is right and see how you come out.

[krazykatie]

I just got this email from the AR list serv if you are looking to learn the "ropes" (probably not very punny...oh not again) for AR stuff....

We're gearing up for a great race season!
Saturday April 21, 2007 from 9a.m.-noon has been set for the Wild
Adventure Race Ropes Training Class. Please visit
www.WildAdventureRa (http://www.WildAdventureRa) ce.com for more details.


I've been waiting for the date on this because its the area I need the most help in....of course it has to land on our Fruita trip.:cryin:

[krazykatie]

I will be attending this event though! Its open to anyone! Sonja will be joining me and is in need of a bike to borrow for the day. If anyone has an extra bike laying around shoot me a PM! Thanks!

Our 5th annual Bike-Hike-BBQ April 14, 2007
Time: arrive 10:00 am with a 10:30 am start.
Directions to start and parking: Andrews Park, Champlin Hwy 169 north to 117th Ave N turn right (east), go approximately 1 mile, park on left (see map insert below) or
Google: Oregon Ave N & 117th Ave N, Champlin, MN 55316
UTM (NAD27): 470621 East 5001342 North (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=159)
http://www.wildadventurerace.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=28

[jitterjepp]

Another one...

Hello everyone ,

Spring is here and there are 2 orienteering events available this weekend.

First, on Sat March 24th at 12 noon at Hyland Lake Regional park in Bloomington, MNOC has their 8th annual orienteering skill development clinic with sections for beginners, intermediates, advanced , and adventure racers (learn about UTM's and more). Plus a USOF Sprint series event ~ 2km at 2 pm - 3pm . Register before Friday at www.mnoc.org for $10 or on the day registration for $13.

Second , on Sunday March 25th an MNOC group will be carpooling to the Badger Orienteering Meet at Black River State Forest , WI. Car pool will meet at 8:45 am at Starbucks @ NE corner of Tamarack Village , Woodbury. (let me know at maps@mnoc.org if coming). Should be back by around 5:30 pm. More details at Badger Orienteering club website .

Cheers

Ian Harding
MNOrienteering Club
www.mnoc.org
maps@mnoc.org

[krazykatie]

I'm going to a clinic at REI on tues night on adventure racing for women.


http://www.rei.com/stores/store_event_detail.jsp?pid=C02A419A78BD85B3A710A1B E9B8C974F&template_id=30&template_family=webDetail&ignore_cache=1

[2BOutside]

The Wild Adventure Races are going to be great this year (as well as the MNOC Adventure-O in July).

I know of 5-6 teams for the May spring Wild Race, and a few of them are looking for a person or two to join up with their teams - both for the 2-3 hour, and the 12 hour. Generally all of us are average, but I know teams of all abiliites (from slow/fun/who cares how fast to wicked fast/fun/competitive).

PM or e-mail me if you're interested in racing and looking for some teammates. Only way to try adventure racing is to just jump in a go for it!

[jms]

right no Dan,
jump in:jumpy: and go for it is right!!!!
adventure racing will change the way you look at team sports!

Peace,
Joe


The Wild Adventure Races are going to be great this year (as well as the MNOC Adventure-O in July).

I know of 5-6 teams for the May spring Wild Race, and a few of them are looking for a person or two to join up with their teams - both for the 2-3 hour, and the 12 hour. Generally all of us are average, but I know teams of all abiliites (from slow/fun/who cares how fast to wicked fast/fun/competitive).

PM or e-mail me if you're interested in racing and looking for some teammates. Only way to try adventure racing is to just jump in a go for it!

[krazykatie]

I'm so looking forward to my first AR especially after the clinic last night! Rebecca got me all excited and eased my fears. Here's something to look forward to..for all of you who are "thinking about it"

<TABLE id=Table8 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=row1><TD class=boldText vAlign=top width="15%">Oct 20 - Oct 21 </TD><TD class=boldText vAlign=top align=middle width="55%">Wild Adventure Race Bike-Hike 24 hr </TD><TD class=boldText vAlign=top width="19%">Niellsville
Levis Mound
</TD><TD class=boldText vAlign=top width="10%">WI</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%"></TD></TR><TR class=row1><TD colSpan=5>Wild Adventure Race Bike-Hike 24 hour race. Entering our 7th year of putting on Clinics and Events we are proud to be adding a new event this year. The Bike-Hike 24 hr race will consist of Solo, 2 person and 4 person teams both coed and open categories. This race is unsupported. Taking some aspects from the popular format of 24 hour mountain bike races and 24 hour rogaine events we are establishing a new type of fun for 2007. Competitors will compete over a 24 hour period to see who can put in the most milage on their bike and find the most checkpoints on foot. More info about this event on the website. Disciplines include: Trekking/Orienteering Mountain Biking/Single Track and Trail Team Challenges Entry Fees include maps, random prize drawing, Event photo CD, and race management support throughout the race. Course design and management by Eco Challenge/Primal Quest experienced expedition verterans with over 7 years of event management experience. See the website for more details. Come play in the Wild! </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[jms]

Rebecca is a wonderful person!!!!
i spent the night with her at one of the ropes courses at the 24 race at the ridge last sept. and it was great fun!!! between the sleep deprivation and the clowning around, we had a good time. i'm glad she eased the fears you were having!:banana:
thanks for the info about the hike a bike. i'm SOOOO looking forward to this race!!

Peace,
Joe
I'm so looking forward to my first AR especially after the clinic last night! Rebecca got me all excited and eased my fears. Here's something to look forward to..for all of you who are "thinking about it"

<TABLE id=Table8 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=row1><TD class=boldText vAlign=top width="15%">Oct 20 - Oct 21 </TD><TD class=boldText vAlign=top align=middle width="55%">Wild Adventure Race Bike-Hike 24 hr </TD><TD class=boldText vAlign=top width="19%">Niellsville
Levis Mound

</TD><TD class=boldText vAlign=top width="10%">WI</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%"></TD></TR><TR class=row1><TD colSpan=5>Wild Adventure Race Bike-Hike 24 hour race. Entering our 7th year of putting on Clinics and Events we are proud to be adding a new event this year. The Bike-Hike 24 hr race will consist of Solo, 2 person and 4 person teams both coed and open categories. This race is unsupported. Taking some aspects from the popular format of 24 hour mountain bike races and 24 hour rogaine events we are establishing a new type of fun for 2007. Competitors will compete over a 24 hour period to see who can put in the most milage on their bike and find the most checkpoints on foot. More info about this event on the website. Disciplines include: Trekking/Orienteering Mountain Biking/Single Track and Trail Team Challenges Entry Fees include maps, random prize drawing, Event photo CD, and race management support throughout the race. Course design and management by Eco Challenge/Primal Quest experienced expedition verterans with over 7 years of event management experience. See the website for more details. Come play in the Wild! </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[krazykatie]

I will be attending this event. Its open to anyone.

Bike-Hike-BBQ
This is a free social event!

Our 5th annual Bike-Hike-BBQ April 14, 2007
Time: arrive 10:00 am with a 10:30 am start.
Directions to start and parking: Andrews Park, Champlin Hwy 169 north to 117th Ave N turn right (east), go approximately 1 mile, park on left (see map insert below) or
Google: Oregon Ave N & 117th Ave N, Champlin, MN 55316
UTM (NAD27): 470621 East 5001342 North (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=159)

This is a biking and hiking orienteering event for teams of any size. We encourage people to team up or meet people to team up with at the event. The course is approximately 3-4 hours in length. This event is free and participation is at your own risk. Topo maps and instructions provided.

Afterwards, meet up for a BBQ social event at Dan and Rebecca's home nearby in Champlin
(BYOB and BYOF to grill or whatever).
Hope to see you there! Directions to BBQ handed out at start.

Recommended gear: backpack and hydration, compass, map case, mountain bike and bike helmet, hat and gloves, trekking and bike shoes, and a bike lock. (Towel and change of shoes or clothes for afterwards).

[2BOutside]

I will also be at the bike-hike-bbq this saturday, should be a fun time.

ALSO - on Sunday, there is a MNOC (Minnesota Orienteering Club) O-Meet at Lebanon Hills Park. Watch for the O-Meet signs and follow them to the start area. Great way to work on your map-reading/following skills. And a great excuse to run around through the woods. Start is between 12 and 1:30. Details can be found at www.mnoc.org (http://www.mnoc.org) (and look at the schedule).

Map-reading and good navigation skills are key to being able to adventure race well!

[mn_ultra_guy]

I am interested in going to this. Let me know if any other Morcers are up for it!

ALSO - on Sunday, there is a MNOC (Minnesota Orienteering Club) O-Meet at Lebanon Hills Park. Watch for the O-Meet signs and follow them to the start area. Great way to work on your map-reading/following skills. And a great excuse to run around through the woods. Start is between 12 and 1:30. Details can be found at www.mnoc.org (http://www.mnoc.org) (and look at the schedule).

Map-reading and good navigation skills are key to being able to adventure race well!

[krazykatie]

I am interested in going to this. Let me know if any other Morcers are up for it!

Dang! Some how i missed this? I would love togo but to much going on this weekend. Good thing my tmates can navigate cuz i sure the heck can't.

[2BOutside]

I am interested in going to this. Let me know if any other Morcers are up for it!

I'm going to try and make it... probably won't get there till about 1:15 though... you can start a course anytime between 12 and 1:30, and the courses "close" at 3:30.

Depending on how serious you are about doing it fast, wear stuff you can get dirty (and will keep stuff from getting in your shoes!)

And don't do the super-easy courses, the longer, more difficult ones are way more fun, and completely do-able if you're at least somewhat map-handy!

[krazykatie]

I will also be at the bike-hike-bbq this saturday, should be a fun time.



Oh so much fun! Great to meet you Dan. :) I'm looking forward to may 12th more than ever. It was nice to share this event with a few other MORCers, thanks for coming along! I hope you guys are hooked now and will join me on the next race!! :banana: I'll post up pics tomorrow.

[2BOutside]

Yea, great to meet you as well (and the rest of your gang too!) The Bike-Hike was a lot of fun. Are you & posse going to the Adventure Race on April 22nd? (and going to the Boat your Butt off this wednesday?)

P.S. Today was a fantastic day for the orienteering meet - hope everyone found any excuse to get outside today!

[krazykatie]

Yea, great to meet you as well (and the rest of your gang too!) The Bike-Hike was a lot of fun. Are you & posse going to the Adventure Race on April 22nd? (and going to the Boat your Butt off this wednesday?)

P.S. Today was a fantastic day for the orienteering meet - hope everyone found any excuse to get outside today!

My posse will be at the race sunday but i'll be in Moab riding my bike :jumpy: and yes i will be going to the boat butt off with one other teammate and i'll try to recruit more. See you then!


Boat Your Butt Off!
(This is a free event)

What: Come out and practice your kayaking skills on the boats we'll be using for the Minnesota Adventure Race Series. Airhead TK2 2-person inflatable kayak
Where: West side of Medicine Lake Minnesota. Google Medicine Lake, MN 55441 (see insert map)
When: Wednesday April 18, 2007
Time: 6-7:45pm (sunset at 8:02 pm)
Cost: your elbow grease, inflating, paddling, cleaning when finished otherwise it is FREE!

What you bring (MandatoryGear): PFD if you have one, rain jacket, fleece, clothes to keep you warm, your paddles if you want.

What we will bring: inflatable boats, ABS plastic kayak paddles, pumps and a few PFDs to borrow if you don't have one.

Socialize afterward at a local food and drink establishment.

[krazykatie]

here are a couple pics from saturdays race.

[2BOutside]

There is a cheap mini-adventure race coming up on Sunday April 22nd. I'm planning on doing it, good practice before the Wild Adventure Series starts. Also sounds like a great event for people who would like to try adventure racing but haven't tried it yet. You need to e-mail Mike to register in advance (so he can have enough maps on hand!)


This is the cheapest adventure race opportunity you will find all year!!!



Here's the details:

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MNOC AR Tune Up

Hike, Bike, Paddle

Sand Dunes State Forest
Sunday April 22, 2007


Cost: $20 per person, Any team configuration. This is an informal event, though, run and administered like a real adventure race. No prizes, but great personal recognition!

8:30 AM Gear check and event instructions.

Mandatory Gear
-Mountain Bike
-Helmet
-PFD Type III (personal floatation device)
-Compass
-Whistle
-Map Case
-Bike Lock (recommended)

9:00 Am Start

2-3 mile paddle, 5-6 mile run/trek, 15-18 mile bike

Multiple maps, (USGS 1:24k, and O maps 1:10k).
UTM coordinates (help available, if needed)
Compass navigation. (in the forest, you're on your own)
Kayaks provided (flat water, lake, and marsh)
Biking is on trails, asphalt, and gravel roads.

E-mail Mike Carlson to register, pay on the day of event.
mcarl99@juno.com

[2BOutside]

I believe *today* (Thursday) is the last day to let Mike know if you're interested in this Sunday's race. (so he can have enough maps & boats ready!).

Hope to see some folks out there!

[krazykatie]

I believe *today* (Thursday) is the last day to let Mike know if you're interested in this Sunday's race. (so he can have enough maps & boats ready!).

Hope to see some folks out there!

You all have fun and good luck! :)

[Jfederer]

I did the spring 3 hour race last year, that's put on by Wild Adventure Race, and it nearly killed me...guess I wasn't in as good shape as I thought. Oh well I finished it. And it WAS fun. Maybe I'll be ready next year after a full year of "conditioning"

[2BOutside]

Sunday April 29th, 12pm

Theodore Wirth Park

Run/Hike & Bike

Great benefit adventure race, probably about a 2 hour average finish time. The race is a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The entry fee is only a $25 donation - so it's a pretty cheap event!

This will be a fun race for both novice and experienced racers - so for all of you who haven't tried this before and think you can't orienteer, this'll be a great chance to try it! I know you all can hike and bike...

Teams: Teams of 2/3/4, or let organizers know if you need a team and they will help match you up.

Gear: Bike (road or mountain), helmet, compass, water/snack (optional)

Detailed information - call the number on the invite with questions.
http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?event=QWDSGALLEYYAEBXSMKYF&unknownUser=true

[krazykatie]

Here's an opportunity for this weekends race!


Is there anybody out there that has
done an adventure race before that is interested in doing the 12-hour
event in Red Wing this Saturday 5/12? We have an experienced racer
(and a capable navigator) who has lost his teammate. This guy is an
ironman triathlete -- never says quit. He would race hard but always
has fun and finishing as his first goal. Speed is not the critical
factor...
trekking/mountain biking/kayaking (boats provided)/rappel.

We can get you help with some gear items if needed.

Reply via e-mail to CompetitorRelations @WildAdventureRa ce.com (http://us.f389.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=CompetitorRelations%40WildAdventureRace .com)

[krazykatie]

BRUTAL....thats all i have to say about yesterday's race. :sick: I had a great time though!:banana: Dan I think you were following me the entire race;) And Joe you have some great pics...would appreciate a copy!!:)

[krazykatie]

I'm not sure if any of my teammates are going to make it down for this race. If anyone else is interested in racing let me know. I would like a 4 person co-ed team. I can't navigate worth crap (i get lost off mapquest directions) :embarass:but i can handle everything else. :banana:
http://www.wildadventurerace.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=racestemplate&product_id=4&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

I haven't done one but it is on my list of things to do. If you are looking to put a team together I would be interested.

by then, this race will be in your back yard!

[2BOutside]

Your summary of the race is pretty accurate - that was pretty brutal. Good experience, but still nuts.

Sure showed me I've been way to lazy lately! Need to get out today to work out some of those fun sore muscles.

BRUTAL....thats all i have to say about yesterday's race. :sick: I had a great time though!:banana:

[2BOutside]

Dan I think you were following me the entire race;)


We thought you guys were following us....:D now which was it after all?

[2BOutside]

I'm going to try the June 9th Hudson race too... and know a number of friends who will be (there were 12 of my friends doing the 12-hr race in diff teams - all new racers). So if people want to get some teams together, shout out, happy to help match people up.
Who's up for it?


Oh, and if anyone wants to get some good orienteering practice, there's a MNOC meet Saturday May 19th, and you can start the courses from 12 till 1:30 (courses close at 3:30 and it rarely takes that long!) Great way to work on your adventure racing map skills. Location is at Theo Wirth - centrally located! NOt sure where at the park people are meeting, but they generally have a big tent setup somewhere and some signs to the "O-Meet" :jumpy: Anyone going to come out for that?

[hockeynut]

It looked like everyone was having a blast on the doubletrack climbs on Memorial. Had to yell "Don't follow me" a few times as I ducked in and out of singletrack. Sounded like lots of teams got lost finding checkpoints 7 and 8.

Not that it's a big deal, but if people have a communication line to the race director could I suggest putting up some sort of sign at a couple of the regular trailhead spots notifying anyone who might be using the trail that there will be racers coming through (and going backwards)? I have absolutely zero problem with racers using the trails backwards or forwards (I love it!), but when the race is routed to go backwards on the trails I could see some potential head on collisions if the timing is wrong either going around corners or ducking into and out of the singletrack. Personally I knew the race was going on so half expected it, but I know that others might not have known and go faster than I anyways. Hope all had a great time and can come down and enjoy some of the trails around Red Wing (for biking, hiking, climbing) again.

[krazykatie]

Not that it's a big deal, but if people have a communication line to the race director could I suggest putting up some sort of sign at a couple of the regular trailhead spots notifying anyone who might be using the trail that there will be racers coming through (and going backwards)?

I'll pass this on...

[krazykatie]

I'm going to try the June 9th Hudson race too... and know a number of friends who will be (there were 12 of my friends doing the 12-hr race in diff teams - all new racers). So if people want to get some teams together, shout out, happy to help match people up.
Who's up for it?



Hey Dan or anyone else! I have a team set for Hudson and we are about to register. There is a chance i may not be able to race. So i'm looking for a backup person. Please let me know if you are interested!!:) Its only a 4-6hr race which will be a walk in the park after the 12hr!:D

[krazykatie]

Hey Dan, they gave up the cheat sheet at tonights meeting.....!

[2BOutside]

Hey Dan, they gave up the cheat sheet at tonights meeting.....!

I hope my teammate got it then... or I guess we can just trail you the whole time again.. :D

[2BOutside]

very fun race today in Hudson - awesome job to everybody who did it! Much more fun than the Red Wing variety this year! Only thing that would have made it more fun was some true singletrack on the bike section... maybe next race!

Next Adventure Race is:
MNOC's Adventure-O... not many spaces left... register while you can! That'll be a 6-8 hour race. www.mnoc.org (http://www.mnoc.org)

And hey B.E.E.R. team... nice job following us today... ;-) good finish. we should form a mega-team, I swear....

[2BOutside]

If anyone is looking for a team for the MNOC Adventure-O, send me or Katie or any other adventure racer MORC people a PM really soon... trying to get teams figured out for that race, so any potential adventure racers..... c'mon out here!

[krazykatie]

If anyone is looking for a team for the MNOC Adventure-O, send me or Katie or any other adventure racer MORC people a PM really soon... trying to get teams figured out for that race, so any potential adventure racers..... c'mon out here!


Congrats on your team's win Dan! Yes! we may as well form a megateam since we leaped frogged each other the entire race AGAIN! That cracks me up. I sent you a email about forming teams. Saturdays race rocked! I can't wait til Adv O!!:banana:

[krazykatie]

This looks like it could be fun!

http://www.adventurenorth.net/trekkineer/trekkineer.htm (http://www.adventurenorth.net/trekkineer/trekkineer.htm)

[2BOutside]

This looks like it could be fun!

http://www.adventurenorth.net/trekkineer/trekkineer.htm (http://www.adventurenorth.net/trekkineer/trekkineer.htm)


I'm outta town for that race, shucks... is team B.E.E.R. doing it? What other races are you guys thinking about doing this season? Anybody gonna take the plunge and do the Wild 24-hour?

[krazykatie]

No wild 24hr for me but I'm thinking about doing the 24hrs of Levis!!

[jitterjepp]

This looks like it could be fun!

http://www.adventurenorth.net/trekkineer/trekkineer.htm (http://www.adventurenorth.net/trekkineer/trekkineer.htm)I did this one two years ago. It was a lot of fun. The orienteering specific section was pretty crazy. When we looked at the map we could see it was about an 8 hour section and we were at the 22 hour mark. None of the teams actually got all the controls and you had to swim out to the middle of a swamp to get one of them. It was the toughest one I've ever done even in comparison to 36 hour races.

One of the teams also ran into a recluse on Michigan. People had been walking along the top of a cliff all night long along his property line with headlamps and glow sticks. He thought they were aliens (as in from outer space) and confronted them with a shotgun and they had prove they were human.

Seriously it really happened.

[mn_ultra_guy]

Are you guys going to this?
http://www.mnoc.org/news/2007/marseries/
Any last minute people looking for team mates?

If anyone is looking for a team for the MNOC Adventure-O, send me or Katie or any other adventure racer MORC people a PM really soon... trying to get teams figured out for that race, so any potential adventure racers..... c'mon out here!

[2BOutside]

Are you guys going to this?
http://www.mnoc.org/news/2007/marseries/
Any last minute people looking for team mates?

Registration closed a few weeks ago, but I have heard of one or two people with holes in their teams.... I'll PM you my phone number, give me a call, I can see what I can do to help.

Personally, my team is fully (and I think Katie's is too, but not sure), but often times some random teams do have a need for a last minute substitution.

The pre-race meeting is tonight at 6:45 at Bloomington REI... my bet would be everyone there has their team already in order, but as a long shot you could come by a few minutes early and ask the event organizers, usually they know who the teams are with last minute teammate switches needed.