Adventure Racing in the USA

Find the Adventure Racer in YOU.

Adventure racing is one of fastest growing sports in the US and worldwide. Popularized by the Discovery Channel's Eco-Challenge, a variety of races are popping up all over the place. But you don't have to travel very far to compete in your first race, as there are plenty of adventure races in the Midwest this season.

The new challenges of combining multiple sports in a team setting are drawing people to the sport. It is one of the few sports where reaching the finish line is a victory in and of itself. Adventure racers typically compete on 2-5 person teams and must have at least one member of the opposite sex. The ability to function as a team is a requirement for success in the sport, as all team members must cross the finish line together or they are disqualified. That, more than anything separates the teams that will finish from the teams that will struggle to stay in the race.

Adventure racing offers something for everyone. They vary in distance, sports and number of team members. The races can last a few hours or several days and often cover 100 miles or more! From runners to paddlers, the sport provides a challenge that is never the same twice. I've competed in short and long distance events all over the world and each one is unique in its own way. Races can include bushwhacking through forests, mountain biking, horseback riding, rappelling, paddling, trekking and orienteering, to mention just a few. Unlike running races and triathlons, you don't know the course until you experience it. Because of that, adventure racing provides a wonderful sense of mystery and discovery every time you race.

It does not require Olympic level athleticism to compete in adventure races. In fact, most strong racers have average skills in a variety of sports and own the ability to work as a unit rather than outshine their teammates. However, it does require working through fatigue, sleep deprivation, technical challenges, interpersonal issues. The top teams typically sleep 90 minutes per day.

Navigation is the bread and butter of the sport. The object is to find several check points in sequence on the course. You must locate them in order with all your teammates together. Frequently, racers do not find out their next destination until arriving to the checkpoint and receiving their next set of maps. GPS is a four-letter word and can't be used. Competitors make their way through the course with nothing but a map, compass and their navigational skills.

For a long time, the Ironman Triathlon competitions were considered to be the toughest athletic challenges. People sought something more demanding than a 10K or a marathon. Adventure races have now upped the ante and taken a step beyond and are now considered to be the toughest endurance competitions in the world. Adventure racing takes us back in time to explore our most primal instincts to discover the world.

If you're wondering how to get involved in adventure racing, keep reading…Over the next few months I will be writing on gear, training tips, teamwork and logistics. But for now, the most important step is to select an adventure race and find or develop a team.

Selecting an Adventure Race

Last year, our team struggled to find local races to prepare for the Eco-Challenge. I was amazed to find the variety and quantity of races that have popped up this season. From sprint (a few hours) distance to 24-36 hour events, there are plenty from which to choose. Mike Ehredt, my Eco teammate, created the GREAT MISSISSIPPI RIVER ADVENTURE SERIES, a sprint distance race in Palisades Forest Preserve. The race offers a course that is great for first time racers. Knowing Mike, it will host many navigational challenges.

Picking a race is just like any other sport. You don't want to bite off more than you can chew. What may seem "cool" while your sitting on your couch reading a race brochure could challenge you and your teammates way beyond your skills. The object is to be realistic and grow into the sport slowly. This way, you will feel successful rather than feeling like someone who couldn't find his or her way out of a cardboard box. Try a sprint or one day race. This way you can test gear and your team's dynamics. You can also learn from the other teams and pick up valuable tips for the longer, more demanding races.

Building a Team

The first question you need to answer is are you a good leader or do you prefer to follow. This will tell you whether you want to follow and find a team or lead and create your own team. Most adventure races have websites with bulletin boards with team finders. There is usually a huge search for female racers as there aren't a lot of women in the sport. It is great to feel wanted! Just remember, starting your "own" band takes a lot of time and energy. I always recommend joining a team for first-timers. That way you can learn on your first journey. Regardless of whether you are looking to join a team or start your own, the best place to do so is on the web. Post a message on the bulletin board. Another great networking tool is to join the Chicago Area Adventure Racing Association www.caara.com. They offer networking, race calendar, training opportunities and email updates on the adventure racing happenings.

Choose your teammates wisely. Let me repeat... CHOOSE your teammates wisely. Make sure that you and your team members have the same goals. If there is any conflict within the team's goals you can bet that you will never see the finish.

The following are just a few websites to get you started.

CHICAGO AREA ADVENTURE RACING ASSOCIATION www.hometown.aol.com/bruceu6752/CAARA/CAARA.html

UNITED STATES ADVENTURE RACING ASSOCIATION www.usara.com

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