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WHAT IS ADVENTURE RACING?

WHAT IS ADVENTURE RACING?

Adventure racing is an endurance sport which involves travel on foot (trekking or running), mountain bike and by water (canoe, kayak, raft, occasionally swimming).

What differentiates AR from other racing sports is the inclusion of wilderness navigation using a map, compass and common sense. There is no set race course; participants must find their own route from one checkpoint to the next. The checkpoints (CPs) are marked on maps which the racers receive shortly prior to or at the start of the race. AR also differs from other sports in that racers are part of a team of 2-4 people who travel together the entire time.

The races can last from several hours to many days and are unsupported, for the most part, which means that the racers carry what they will need (food, water, gear) in backpacks for the duration of the race.

To succeed, racers will need athletic endurance, navigation skills, mental toughness, good pre-race planning, strategic decision making as well as a strong and supportive "team" mentality.

Sound intimidating? While it's true that longer races can test even the toughest outdoor athletes, AR is a very open and inclusive sport. Beginning racers will feel welcome at nearly every event. Most races are organized so that anyone at any level of experience and fitness can participate.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Old Pics: Aug 2010 - GMARA Bitter Pill 12 hour race. Stowe/Waterbury area VT

All Photos courtesy GMARA (http://gmara.org/)


Adjusting for declination with protractor.  Old school! 

Beautiful morning on the Winooski.  A beaver slapped its tail at us while we were paddling.  Rob's comment: " If I was the race director, I'd put a checkpoint on a beaver."

GMARA's Tim Curtin answering the question:  Why the 1/2 mile portage?


The middle guy gets to kneel on the bottom of the canoe - so comfy!

Just finished 1000ft climb from river on first bike leg.  Transitioning to trek/orienteering leg.

Emerging from trek, about to transition back to bikes.  I think we were in 4th overall at this point.  "Got any spare PFDs?"

About to begin 2nd bike leg

The Catamount trail. Good times.

Swam to 2 CPs across this pond!

Go Rob Go!

At finish line.  We finished in about the middle of the pack after a bad decision later in the race to go after some bonus CPs, but we had a great time and look forward to 2011!  Thanks GMARA!

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