| A guide to the 2002 events
ADVENTURE RACES
Over a dozen races this summer for Midwest adventurers
By Juli Lynch
In 1995, when I started adventure racing, the sport was just starting to be recognized in the United States. The year I spent training for the 1995 Raid Gauloises, a 10–day adventure race that was held in Patagonia, Argentina was a lonely one, with few of my training buddies able to
imagine such an event. I could barely image it myself.
 The growth of the sport since 1995 is truly astounding. The Discovery Channel and ABC just recently aired two different international races. ESPN and OLN are scrambling to get coverage of a number of races that will be hosted
in the continental United States this summer. There are over 400 adventure races scheduled around the country in 2002 and the Midwest has its fair share of races to boast about.
Last month (May issue), we talked about training for adventure racing and I provided you with a 12–week plan focused on getting ready for a one– or two–day adventure race. This month we'll
take a look at the races scheduled in the Midwest so you can put that training to the test. I want to provide you with more than a list of races, however; I want to give you some idea of the vision of the race directors, their philosophy around adventure racing and their experience with adventure racing. Some of the races are already filled, but most have a waiting list that is
always worth getting on. Some of you may not have a team to race with. I encourage you to connect with the races you're interested in. Most have a message board that will help you find teammates. Last year at the Mid–America Xtreme Fall Classic, many of the individuals looking for teammates were matched up with others looking for teammates and teams on the waiting list did end up racing. I encourage teams to "compete to complete." In other words, focus on getting through the
course with your team intact physically and emotionally. Once you get good at that, you can start competing to win. Time will tell if it's just a fad of the millennium or if adventure racing will take its place alongside the marathon, triathlons, bike races and ski races as an endurance sport that draws hundreds of athletes vying for spots at
the starting line. The newness of this venue for multisports will probably mean that adventure races will come and go in the next few years, as race directors struggle to fill races and meet the demands of logistics. I encourage you to think globally, but race locally. In other words, support the races in the Midwest and while you're out there in some of the most challenging woods, waters and trails in the country, you can pretend
you're racing in the Raid or the Eco Challenge and imagine that a camera crew is waiting around the next tree.
June 8, 2002: The Watertown Challenge (Watertown, WI) Mid–America Xtreme and race director Brian Webster team each June
with Jefferson County Human Services and the local Conservation Club to raise money for Jefferson County Human Services Outreach Team. The Outreach Team works with at–risk children through a series of youth camps that the Mid–America Team hosts. This has become one of the largest 12–hour adventure races in the Midwest, hosting 60 coed teams of four. It's one of the few that is truly a fund–raising event.
According to Webster, the course is designed to challenge experienced
racers and beginners alike. Last year Webster and crew were more than willing to test the wits of the front running teams while graciously assisting the entry level teams with navigation skills and strategic challenges. This year he says teams should be prepared for a lot of navigation. Road, topo and county maps will be used, along with written instructions. Teams will have 12 hours to get to as many of the control points (CP's)
as possible. The winner will be declared by the team that collects the most CP punches in their passport within the 12–hour period. The challenge will include trail running, a watercraft section (last year we built rafts and raced them down a very cold Rock River), mountain biking and skill tests (last year we had to tie knots and tow one of our bikes, as if it were disabled, for seven miles, i.e. the rider had to sit on the bike but couldn't pedal).
As a member of the Mid–America Xtreme Team, Webster has raced in numerous one– and two–day adventure races. He attempted his first international multiday event in Costa Rica this past winter and "ended crying like a baby." His vision for the Watertown Adventure Race is to "exceed the expectations of all involved – challenging teams to push themselves and leave them wanting more." A treasure chest is the final prize that teams are navigating toward. Inside is all adventure rated gear
donated by local businesses. Unfortunately, this race fills almost immediately on Jan. 1 when online registration opens (mark your calendar for next year). It's a race I highly recommend, especially to first–time racers. There is a waiting list that is always worth getting on and a great message board to post a notice if you're a lone racer looking for a team. For more information visit www.adventureracing.net or call Brian Weber at 920/674–8194.
June 9, 2002: Hi–Tec Adventure Racing Series (Detroit, MI)
Hi–Tec can be credited with starting the short venue adventure racing craze here in the U.S. This year marks their seventh season of offering a
series of races around the country.
The courses of each Hi–Tec Adventure Race are unique to the geography and terrain of the area. The Detroit race will take place in the 4,400 acre Stony Creek Metropark, know for its hilly terrain and the beautiful, 500–acre Stony Creek Lake. The Detroit race is the second event in the 2002 season; seven other events are scheduled around the country. Coed teams of three will compete in a 10–15 mile mountain
bike course, a 5–8 mile trail run, a 1–3 mile kayak segment and up to 10 special tests. Teams will finish in 2.5 to six hours, so this is truly a sprint distance adventure race. With no navigation required, it is a great venue for beginning adventure racers who have an athletic background in sprint distance racing, such as triathlons and mountain bike racing. The special tests have become the hallmark of this series. The Hi–Tec course
designers really enjoy finding creative ways to test a team's ability to work together both mentally and physically.
Hi–Tec has always been on the cutting–edge in bringing new ideas to adventure racing. They are true to form this season with their Hi–Tec Adventure for Kids, and the Detroit race will also host an Adventure For Kids. Kids will be able to run through an obstacle course in a custom race bib and all participants will be awarded medals. Entry for the kids is free.
The Detroit race is still open. Check out their Web site and their Teammate Finder if you're an aspiring adventure racer whose friends and family can't be convinced to join you: www.hitec-ars.com.
June 15–16, 2002: 24–Hour Nonstop Adventure Racing Camp (ARC)
Join me, Chris Ransom and Joe Selberg for a weekend of nonstop adventure race training. This camp is designed for the intermediate to advanced athlete who is confident and capable of biking and running the distance of an adventure race but needs to develop navigation, climbing,
paddling and strategic team skills necessary to be competitive in any distance adventure racing. In particular, we'll emphasize night navigation skills, climbing using the latest high–tech lightweight gear and paddling for efficiency and speed. The camp will also include instruction on team swimming with bikes and packs, team biking using tow systems, and we'll share with you our winning strategies in all events. We'll put you
through an eight–hour race, starting at midnight, where you will be shadowed by instructors giving you immediate feedback on your team decisions to encourage learning–on–the–go.
Our camps take place in the extensive Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest of Wisconsin. We also offer 12–hour "just beginning" adventure racing camps. What a great way to gain the skills required for adventure racing. Check us out at www.adventureracing.net; click on "training camps" or call 920/648–6756.
June 22, 2002: The Laacke & Joys Urban Frog (Milwaukee, WI)
Paul Daniel, the marketing director of Laacke & Joys, a Milwaukee outdoor retailer, became interested in adventure racing when a customer
"showed me pictures from one that he was in. I thought it was a hoot and wanted to put on one in Milwaukee." Well, Daniel has done his homework and this promises to be a top–notch urban adventure race.
Three person coed teams will compete in events that include mountain biking (the urban experience), rappelling off a four–story building, a beachside obstacle course, trail running in the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center and paddling on Lake Michigan. A portion of the entry fees will
go to the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center to support its environmental education programs. It is estimated that it will take teams six hours to complete this very unique course.
Daniel's philosophy is to "make them sweat, make them tired, challenge them and have them come back wanting for more." He says the race is for beginners to intermediate racers, which is exciting for all you first–time adventure racing teams looking for a great way to start in the
sport. No navigation in this race, so I imagine the pace will be blistering for the more athletic teams and strategically friendly for those who just want a day of fun with friends.
What is truly amazing about this race is that Daniel is creating space for 100 teams to enter, and the prize list is fantastic – kayaks from Old Town, car top boxes from Yakima, jackets from Woolrich, bikes from Wheel & Sprocket and cash! Other sponsors include Adventure Rock
Climbing Gym, Lava Gear, Wigwam and the City of Milwaukee. I wouldn't wait to sign up for this one. I'm certain it will fill. Registration is at www.LaackeAndJoys.com/retail and www.adventureracing.net, or call Daniel at 414/271–7885, ext. 145.
June 28–29, 2002: Pathfinder Challenge (Chicago/Midwest)
Don't be mistaken by the name of this race; it is close to Chicago but my scouts tell me it will take place in my favorite training grounds, the
extremely hilly, thick–forested Wisconsin Southern Kettle Moraine Forest, only two hours from Chicago with nearly 50 miles of single–track mountain biking, over 100 miles of running and hiking trails, connected lakes, home of the Ice Age Trail 50 mile Ultra and the Kettle Moraine 100 and mile after mile of rolling kettles, left when the glaciers retreated, make this venue a navigation challenge and a quad–burning odyssey.
Pathfinder Challenge Organizer Tom Tsatas has raced in the Eco
Challenge, the X–Games and other shorter distance races.
"We started our adventure race in the Midwest and were one of the first five races held in the country," says Tsatas. Race director Tommy Baynard, along with Tsatas, point to their impeccable safety record and speak passionately about safety.
"Along with being an organizer comes the responsibility of safety," Baynard points out. "I believe safety is expensive and is often
compromised or overlooked to either save money or charge less to undercut other races. Our vision has always been the same: Safety, purity, exclusivity and a challenging race."
My experience with the Pathfinder Challenge has been just that. Their races are raw adventure, no mystery events, no frills. You need to be committed to some tough navigation and have the spirit of an explorer. As Tastas says, "we cater to all levels. However, the racers need to be
somewhat commited." I like that. You'll know what it feels like to do one of the expedition–length international races after spending a weekend with the Pathfinder gang.
The 24–hour, one–day, 100K race will include running/hiking, mountain biking, paddling, navigation and, in the true spirit of expedition–length international races, horseback riding. Four–person coed teams will race for prizes that include first place free entry to the Pathfinder Maine Event
September 5–7, 2002, a three–day, 300K race to be held in Maine. There are still some spots open for teams but the Pathfinder Challenge has always filled in the past. For more information visit www.pathfinderchallenge.com or call 847/864–1685.
July 19–20, 2002: Mid–America Xtreme Adventure Race (northern WI)
In its fourth year, the Mid–America Xtreme Adventure Race is changing venues. The race will still take place in the rugged wilderness of the Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin, but will be staged from a
new location. This means a new race course and I know race director Mike Polzin and the Xtreme Team have been up in the forest since late winter reconnoitering the toughest course yet. Last year the race started at 2 a.m. with inner tubing down the Peshtigo River beneath a star it sky. How do you top that? I have no doubt that they will. Polzins goal has always been to "put on the best race possible, packing all the elements
and disciplines of an expedition length event into a 12–16 hour race."
Polzin initially got interested in adventure racing as a racer; however, "the lack of events in the Midwest prompted me to begin organizing races here. When I started in adventure racing, all of the one–day to two–day events were on the east and west coasts. The Mid–America Xtreme Adventure Race generally caters to the intermediate level racer – teams
with at least one or two or more adventure races under their belt."
This is another race that fills the minute registration opens March 1 (another mark on your calendar for next year). However, it is worth checking out the Web site, getting on the waiting list and posting your interest in joining teams looking for teammates on the message board. See www.adventureracing.net or call 262/522–9983 for more information.
July 20, 2002: SMAC Sprint Adventure Race (southern MI)
Paul Piorkowski, race director of the Southern Michigan Adventure Club, decided, "after competing in some plus 24–hour event, there was
no place for a beginner and there was a need for good quality 10–hour events." Hence the birth of the SMAC Sprint Adventure Race. "I envision a race that will be challenging, yet fun for all the participants. I want the race to be a steppingstone for teams. We use the protocols of the big races and we work hard to have creative sections in the race," Piorkowski adds.
One of the unique aspects of this race is that the teams can be
two–person coed, two–person female and two–person male. This is a great opportunity for those of you that are struggling to find teams of three or four. You only have to convince one other friend to try adventure racing with you.
The race will include trekking, navigation, mountain biking, canoeing, climbing and mystery events. Another bonus is that 100 teams will be able to register. The race is not full yet, but was sold out the last two years.
The race is put on in cooperation with Benchmark Outdoor Outfitters and will take place in the forests and on the trails of southern Michigan. Find a friend and register today at www.smacworld.com, e–mail paul.piorkowski@gm.com or call 734/699–5182.
Aug. 17–18, 2002: 12–Hour Nonstop Adventure Racing Camp (ARC)
This adventure racing camp will go for 12 nonstop hours in order to advance your adventure racing skills in two critical events that participants are often underskilled in – climbing and navigation/orienteering. The race will start pleasantly at noon on Saturday
with approximately four hours of climbing instruction using state–of–the–art, light–weight gear. The early evening will focus on teaching you the navigation/orienteering skills necessary to navigate using topo maps; including plotting UTM's, route selection, terrain recognition and nighttime navigation. Then, as dusk settles in the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest of Wisconsin, you will head out as a member of a team on a four–hour night navigation course that will simulate courses you'll
encounter in most 24–hour plus adventure races.
This course is meant for those who are hesitant to adventure race because of a lack of climbing or navigating experience. It is also for those who've attempted adventure racing and struggled with the navigation or those who are getting ready for their first night navigation race. Come join us; we'll keep the coffee brewing. For registration information visit www.adventureracing.net or call 920/648–6756.
Aug. 31–Sept. 1, 2002: The Trekineer Adventure Race (Michigan's U.P.)
This is a new race but knowing the Mid–America Xtreme folks, you can be assured that this will be a stellar event. The race location is the upper
peninsula of Michigan in the Ottawa National Forest. The terrain and scenery are certain to be spectacular. One aspect of adventure races Mid–America Xtreme has become known for is their post–race dinner and awards ceremony. You won't be dissappointed at the Trekineer. The event will be hosted at the Black River Lodge and Campground. Coed teams of four will compete in a 24–hour race. Events will include mountain biking, climbing, running/hiking, navigation and sea kayaking on Lake Superior.
To give you an idea of the remoteness of this truly wilderness event, just check out the race description on their Web site. It includes information on the white tail deer, lynx, black bear, coyote, fox, wolf and turkey you'll share the trail with. For more information visit www.adventureracing.net or contact race director Leo Grant at
608/655–4880.
Sept. 7, 2002: The Frontier Adventure Race (central WI)
I love this race because it truly has a community spirit. It seems like everyone in town pitches in to make this central Wisconsin adventure
race a success. If you haven't visited Mt. Morris, Wis., you're missing a great little spot in the Midwest with fantastic scenic biking, great trail running and beautiful stone quarries for paddling. Each year the race includes the infamous mystery event that often levels the playing field between the top teams and those competing to become top teams. The navigation is perfect for beginning to intermediate adventure racers who
are still skeptical of their ability to plot UTM's. Two years ago the race required teams to compete in archery. We lost a significant number of points as our arrows whizzed above, under and around the target – so much for being talented athletes.
This race offers an opportunity to race as a coed team of four or as a coed relay team, which allows newcomers to the sport to get their feet wet without committing to an entire day of racing all disciplines. It's a
great idea. There are still openings but this race will also fill up. Connect with the FAR folks at www.cwainc.org or call 877/886–8437.
Sept. 13–15, 2002: The Wild Onion Urban Adventure Race
(Chicago, IL)
The Wild Onion folks have accomplished an astounding feat in the ever–growing sport of adventure racing. They put together an urban adventure race and ended up with big sponsorship, an hour–long slot on ESPN and $25,000 in cash prizes that lured teams from as far away as Finland to show up last year.
The concept is simple. Offer a 24–hour urban adventure that covers
approximately 75–100 miles of air, land and water terrain within a city and includes 150–200 athletes organized into coed teams of three. Include disciplines such as canoeing, kayaking, cycling and running, but also add some urban extreme sports such as inline skating, scootering, stair climbing up skyscrapers, city navigation and rappelling off buildings. What a way to visit Chicago!
This race closed soon after it was open for registration in March (another
calendar mark for next year). Expect even more pro–teams and international teams to show up this year. Take a moment to check out their Web site (great photos): www.urbanadventureracign.com.
Sept. 21, 2002: Adventure Duluth (Duluth, MN)
If you've never met Rod Raymond or visited his Web site, you must plan to meet the man by attending Adventure Duluth, a 12–hour "northwoods race for the modern day voyageur," as he puts it. I met Raymond two years ago at the Minnesota Border to Border race, as we traded off
half–mile sprints with our teammates during the 50 mile run. His energy and enthusiasm and dedication to the silent sports is infectious. His adventure race will be no less impressive.
The venue for this race is literally and poetically "Superior." Imagine racing with a team of three, where each person does at least two of the events; or a six–person team, where each person does one event, or a two–person team where both have to do all events together. Our
three–person team is already arguing over who gets to do which event. The events include a Lake Superior swim, beach running, kayaking, inline skating, canoeing, road biking and orienteering.
This is a tremendous variety of events and it all concludes with a voyageur rendezvous finish that includes Montreal canoe rides for the kids, fry bread, bannick, and other traditional foods and theatre. Expect the Minnesota "tri" crowd to show up for this event – but that shouldn't
scare you away. Find five friends who enjoy one of each of the events and you've got yourself a great day of adventure racing. Registration information is available at www.askrodraymond.com or call 218/728–0610.
Oct. 5–6, 2002: 24–Hour Adventure Rage (southern MI)
Luke Zaser is an adventure racer who can't imagine "how you could be a good course designer if you are not a racer." With that in mind, you
know that this race will ensure the highs and lows of adventure racing, especially in a 24–hour venue.
"I envision a race that will be challenging, yet fun for all the participants. In the middle of the race, I want participants to be saying: 'Why did the race director add this section. It is brutal.' And then once the race is over and the participants reflect back on it, they will be saying, 'you know, that was a lot of fun and there were some very challenging and creative
sections in the race.' I definitely want to put on a race that will leave people wanting to come back when we do it again next year."
Well, that pretty much says it all! The 24–Hour Adventure Rage, to be held in Southern Michigan, is sponsored by the Southern Michigan Adventure Club (SMAC), who are also sponsoring a Sprint Adventure Race July 20. The 24–Hour Adventure Rage, according to Zaser, will cater to the intermediate racer who has done some sprint level races and
wants to take the next step to a longer race. However, he adds that "it could be accomplished by well–trained beginner adventure racers. I wanted to be able to put on a lower cost, longer race that everyone could enjoy."
Fifty, four–person coed teams will compete in trekking, orienteering, mountain biking, canoeing, climbing and some mystery events that seem to be more and more popular in one– and two–day adventure races. Zaser promises some wonderful prizes.
There are still spots available, so if you're ready to try the sleep deprivation aspect of adventure racing, this looks to be a great race to check out. And keep in mind that my first adventure race was a 10–day race. I don't think you have to start at sprint distances to build up to the longer races. Like running, biking, skiing or triathlons, different individuals excel at different length races. Don't let the length of the race scare you
away. Southern Michigan has some beautiful territory that will be wonderful to explore.
Visit www.smacworld.com for details, e–mail luke@zaser.net or call 734/214–2067.
Oct. 19–20, 2002: 12–Hour Nonstop Adventure Racing Camp (ARC)
On the weekend of October 19–20, we will be hosting two separate 12–Hour Nonstop Adventure Races. Camp I to be held on Saturday,
October 19, will focus on climbing and navigation skills for adventure racing. Sunday, October 20, will focus on paddling and biking skills for adventure racing. In addition, each camp will conclude with a four–hour mini adventure race, where instructors Juli Lynch, Chris Ransom and Joe Selberg will join you in a simulated race, providing coaching and ongoing feedback on skills, team dynamics and team strategy.
The 12–Hour Adventure Racing Camps are designed for those just
starting out in adventure racing who have few of the skills, little time to train and an interest in competing in an adventure race simply to complete it intact physically and mentally. This camp will be a great opportunity to prepare for the Fall Classic Adventure Race. All the participants who attended the camp last year competed in the Fall Classic and placed top 10 in the standings. Most of the participants in the camp did not have
teams to race with before camp began. For more information visit www.adventureracing.com. Click on "training camps" or call 920/648–6756.
Nov. 2, 2002: The Fall Classic (Delafield, WI)
Last year, my team, Rajalta Rajalle sponsored an all woman's team at this entry–level adventure race. It was my vision to bring a group of top women triathletes together to do an adventure race, to promote adventure racing to the tri and mountain biking community and to promote the ability of women to compete alongside male athletes in a
team setting. This vision would not have come alive without the support of the Fall Classic's race director, Keith Lamb. Lamb's vision for this race, set in the unending hills of Lapham Peak State Park in Delafield, Wis., is to "provide a forum for first–time adventure racers to come out and get their feet wet without the pressure of a large race."
Lambs desire is that the competitors see the race director on the course
and are able to meet other racers and share experiences. Veteran teams are encouraged to race with first–time racers or sponsor teams by assisting them in gaining the skills to become adventure racers.
Lamb first became interested in adventure racing after watching the British Columbia Eco Challenge. He volunteered at the first annual Mid America Xtreme adventure race and was hooked into the organizational side of racing. Lamb has provided support in many races and you won't
find a more knowledgeable person in the sport when it comes time to figure out all the logistics involved. But maybe more fantastic is his willingness to help teams by offering advice, assistance and support. Contact Lamb with any question you have on adventure racing and he'll get back to you immediately with a smile and encouragement. He's truly the ambassador for our sport here in the Midwest.
The Fall Classic includes running/trekking, biking, paddling skill test and
straightforward orienteering. Coed teams and same gender teams of three or four people can race. I bet Lamb would even let you race solo if you asked him. He really does aim to accommodate any configuration of team you consider. How about a family team? This would be the race to bring out the baby jogger or encourage your boy scout or girl scout son or daughter to join you (they might be the better navigator).
Information is at www.adventureracing.net or contact Lamb directly at 262/495–8856. | |
