North Carolina Adventure Race Series 

WHAT IS ADVENTURE RACING?

Adventure Racing is a continuous sport requiring team travel in any outdoor environment.  Activities may include orienteering (with only a map and compass- no GPS!), mountain biking, trail running or hiking, canoeing or kayaking or rafting, climbing and rappelling.  Races vary from 2-6 hour sprints to 8-14 hour races to 10-day expeditions throughout the world.  Details are at www.usara.com.   

Anyone in reasonable health can complete a 4 hour or 7 hour race… you will define your goals and go for it.  The most successful teams have someone who is good at navigation, and they share decision making.  They like outdoor challenges.  And they laugh a lot! 

NCARS GENERAL INFORMATION:

THE 2008 SERIES:

2008 REGISTRATION: 

Pre-registration is required and limited.  All registrations must be received at least 7 days prior to the race date.  Pre-registration is necessary at all events so that we can schedule specific activities and email you pre-race details.  Minimum age is 16.

Make online registrations and payments at:    

For NCARS #1

For NCARS #2

For NCARS #3

For NCARS #4

For NCARS #5

NCARS# 2,3,4,5

US National Whitewater Center Waiver

                          For your information, these registrations are counted first.

OR, download the registration form and mail to:     

            NCARS 2008

                                                            USNWC

                                                            820 Hawfield Rd

                                                            Charlotte, NC  28214

Your registration must have:

            1.  Completed registration form (including team name and race length)

2.  Payment

            2.  Signed USNWC waivers for each racer

Click here for Registration

For NCARS #1

For NCARS #2

For NCARS #3

For NCARS #4

For NCARS #5

NCARS# 2,3,4,5

US National Whitewater Center Waiver

THE 2008 SERIES- DETAILS:

Click here to register

Click here to register

Click here for USNWC Waiver

WHAT TO BRING:

Required individual gear:  a functional bike, bike helmet, sneakers, food, a pen, layers of clothes, a smiling attitude J

Recommended gear:  small backpack, hydration bladder or water bottles, compass, raincoat, bike shoes, small first aid kit, extra bike repair tools, tubes, pump or CO2 cartridges, more friends

TIMELINE FOR NCARS#2:

8:00                arrival and check in

8:30                mandatory pre-race meeting w/ passports and maps

9:00                maps and race start

1:00               4-hour race finish, gear giveaway, and check out

2:30                Family Fun Run for all ages

4:00                7-hour race finish, gear giveaway, and check out

NCARS #3 – Whitewater Adventure Race    

At the US National Whitewater Center, July 19, 2008.   Activities include whitewater rafting, flatwater canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering, and special challenges.  $60 per person- 4 hr, $70 per person- 7 hr.  Entry cap:  300

            This mid-summer race is designed for those who like to get up early,  avoid the heat, while pushing themselves in a number of activities.  Variety is the word of the day.  This race is designed so that you can have a GREAT time doing exciting activities that you may never have done before.  You will get to raft with a guide down each of the channels.  Then you will eddy out and find your checkpoint.  Your pfd/life jacket, paddle, and helmet will be provided. 

            Also, you will have access to a canoe, pfd/life jacket, and a canoe paddle.  Then you and your teammates will carry it down to the Catawba River.  Splash around.  Enjoy the day!  Expect surprises on this activity, because they are abundant!   We encourage you to train beforehand with your teammates.

            The mountain bike trails at the USNWC are the best in the Charlotte metro.   You can ride them any time, and we encourage you to do so!  Yes there will be a few surprises.

            There are 300+ acres, so orienteering is easy to design at the USNWC.  When we did two races there in 2007 people were delighted to see remote, spectacular places.

            We mentioned special challenges because they exist.  Some will be part of the race design.  We expect that you will be surprised and delighted.

If you were to go whitewater rafting at the USNWC you would invest $35 for 90 mins.  If you were to go canoeing at the center it would be $25.   If you rent a mountain bike you would invest $25.   Add it up…   This is a GREAT deal!  Most races are much more expensive.

The reason we opened this to anyone in teams of 1-4, coed or single gender, is because we want you to join us.  However, this is a team sport.  We encourage you to talk a friend or two into attending.  Or set up some friendly competition within your work group, church group, neighbors… you get the picture!  There will be an Ambassador Award for the person who brings the most people to the NCARS 2008 series.

WHAT TO BRING:

Required individual gear:  a functional bike, bike helmet, sneakers, food, a pen, layers of clothes, a smiling attitude J

Recommended gear:  small backpack, hydration bladder or water bottles, compass, raincoat, bike shoes, small first aid kit, extra bike repair tools, tubes, pump or CO2 cartridges, more friends

TIMELINE FOR NCARS#3:

6:00                arrival and check in

6:30                mandatory pre-race meeting w/ passports and maps

7:00                maps and race start

11:00             4-hour race finish, gear giveaway, and check out

12:30              Family Fun Run for all ages

2:00                7-hour race finish, gear giveaway, and check out

 Click here to register

Click here for USNWC Waiver

NCARS #4-  Whitewater Off-Road Triathlon

At the US National Whitewater Center, September 13, 2008.   Activities include trail running, swimming and mountain biking in Xterra format.  Individually timed.  $60 per person.  Entry cap:  400

Off-road triathlons are a natural extension of road triathlons, and the distances vary with the terrain.  The international standards are described at www.xterraplanet.com.  This is not a sanctioned Xterra points race.   However, the race distances will be similar.  Expect the swim to be about ½ mile, the mountain bike to be about 15 miles, and the trail run to be about 5 miles.  Course maps will be made available prior to the race.    The staging area will have restricted access.  There are showers on the property.

This is a race designed for ANYONE in reasonable health to complete.  Come on out and explore the terrain! 

WHAT TO BRING:

Required individual gear:  a functional bike, bike helmet, sneakers, food, swim suit, layers of clothes, a smiling attitude J

TIMELINE FOR NCARS#4:

8:00                arrival and check in

8:30                mandatory pre-race meeting

9:00                starts:   staggered by age and gender

1:00               awards and check out

Click here to register

Click here for USNWC Waiver

NCARS #5 – Whitewater Challenge Adventure Race   

At the US National Whitewater Center, October 25, 2008.   Activities include whitewater rafting, flatwater canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering, and special challenges.  $80 per person- 9 hr.  Entry cap:  300

            This race is designed to be the 2008 culminating event in the Charlotte area for those who want to experience a longer race and new course areas.  For those who have done any of the 7-hour races described above, you should do fine.  For those who have only done a 4-hour race, you will benefit from some training!   Given the variety of activities, the day should fly by.

            There will be many surprises at this race.   You can expect to raft, bike, trek/run and do special challenges.  All safety equipment and supervision will be provided, as at the shorter races described above.   We guarantee that you will see some beautiful areas. 

            The reason we designed this longer race is because so many of you requested one in the 2007 evaluations.  So please bring your friends.  This race is open to anyone in teams of 1-4, coed or single gender.  The logistics are simple.  Support team members are not required.  Headlamps should not be required either J.   By this time in the year, you should be ready for this longer adventure! 

WHAT TO BRING:

Required individual gear:  a functional bike, bike helmet, sneakers, food, a pen, layers of clothes, a smiling attitude J

Recommended gear:  small backpack, hydration bladder or water bottles, compass, raincoat, bike shoes, small first aid kit, extra bike repair tools, tubes, pump or CO2 cartridges, more friends

TIMELINE FOR NCARS#5:

7:30                arrival and check in

8:00                mandatory pre-race meeting w/ passports and maps

8:30                maps and race start

5:30                9-hour race finish cut-off time, prizes and check out

Click here to register

Click here for USNWC Waiver

2006-2008 HISTORY:

There is a thriving adventure racing community in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, GA.    In the Charlotte metro there are dozens of active adventure racers, and a few years ago there was a short series in the region that turned some people on to the sport.  Local clubs like www.TrailblazerAR.com inspired folks.  But there was nothing organized.  We have an open field, without local races or clinics.

So, in 2006 we created 2 clinics and short races.  In April 2006, we went to the Anne Spring Greenway in Rock Hill.  Activities included mountain biking, canoeing, and orienteering.  Sponsors included Great Outdoor Provisions and Jesse Browns; they provided great schwag.  The support team included Paul Irwin, Dean Taylor, Steve Deis, Bill Jordan, and Doug Gray.  We had 4 exuberant racers.   We joked about it.  Laughed at ourselves, and continued. 

Adventure racers may defy generalizations, but persistence leads to finish lines.  We may not always be smart, but we will keep going. 

(In June, Steve, Bill, Jennifer and Doug were distracted by the world’s premier expedition race in Moab, Utah.  We finished Primal Quest 2006 in 37^th , humbled by the heat, glad to be alive.  Check out www.ecoprimalquest.com)  

So, in October 2006 we went to Lake Norman State Park in Troutman.  Activities once again included canoeing, mountain biking, and orienteering.  But we were in a new course area- unfamiliar to most racers.   Sponsors provided even more great schwag.  They included Great Outdoor Provisions, REI, Jesse Browns, Cool Breeze Cyclery, and Action Learning Associates.  This time our support team included Steve Deis, Paul Irwin, Travey Lewis, Jeff Hazely from Cool Breeze Cyclery, Matt Kocher, and Doug Gray.  We had 20 exuberant racers.  With many thanks to Casey Rineheart, Park Superintendent, and his staff, we called it good.  We raised $705 for the American Diabetes Association (see photo below).  Racers came from throughout NC and SC.  Everyone had a great time.   They wanted more events.

Photo:  Starting line from the October 28,2006 Adventure Race at

Lake Norman State Park with 28 enthusiastic racers. 

A smarter support team might have given up, but we decided to continue.  So we decided to do a bit more in 2007…

In 2007 we created a series of three races. 

NCARS #1 was on April 28, 2007 at Lake Norman State Park.  We had 50 racers and 8 support team volunteers who shared their wisdom.   Our friends at Lake Norman State Park donated the canoes, and the new bike trail was well received.  Sponsors included Cool Breeze Cyclery, Pura Vida Adventures, REI, Great Outdoor Provisions, and Jesse Brown.   This event was possible because of the volunteer support team of Michael Beacham, Steve Deis, Paul Irwin, Bill Jordan, Mat Kocher, Stephen Morris, Bruce Thompson, Joe Moerschbacher from Asheville and and Doug Gray

NCARS #2 was on May 19, 2007.  It was a 4-hour or 7-hour rogaine at the USNWC.  We had 75 racers, and they traveled from Florida, Ohio, Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas.  Professional photographer Kelly Owen provided some great images.  The schwag was incredible- many thanks to our sponsors.   Racers loved the climbing section, rafting, biking, trek/run and special tests.  Here are some images….

NCARS #2 photos:     May 19, 2007  just after the race start…

… rafting down the competition channel...  preparing the maps…

            … doing some short climbs on the largest artificial walls in the U.S…         

               … then biking on one of the trails…   Go for it!

NCARS #3 was on  October 13, 2007.  It was  also a 4 hour or 7 hour rogaine at the USNWC.  There were 106 racers, and support team volunteers included students from Belmont Abbey College.  There were 22 teams with 59 racers in the 7 hour race.  None found all 26 CPs.  Course highlights included CP18 at the edge of a lake, 2 bonus bike OPs, and an underwater CP.  First place went to soloist Corbitt Simmons.  There were 14 teams with 32 racers in the 4 hour, and 3 teams found all 16 CPs.  First place went to the 4-person team with Brian Schroeder, Rick Tillis, his brother NC State Representative Thom Tillis, and Scott Bruno.  The schwag was outstanding- at least 25 people walked away with gear that cost more than the race entry; in other words, they made money!   Racers loved the Climb-2 –Zip, rafting, flatwater, trek/run, biking and remote CPs.  It was a perfect fall day and racers were pushed beyond the park boundaries. 

Special thanks for 2007 goes to Steve Deis and Gerry Farris.  They each checked the course, set out the CPs, and we learned to do it accurately.   Go figure.

We had 231 racers, and at least 24 volunteer days in 2007.   Many thanks to everyone!

2008 REGISTRATION: 

Pre-registration is required and limited.  All registrations must be received at least 7 days prior to the race date.  Pre-registration is necessary at all events so that we can schedule specific activities and email you pre-race details.  Minimum age is 16.

Make online registrations and payments at:    

For NCARS #1

For NCARS #2

For NCARS #3

For NCARS #4

For NCARS #5

NCARS# 2,3,4,5

US National Whitewater Center Waiver

      For your information, these registrations are counted first.

OR, download the registration form and mail to:     

            NCARS 2008

                                                            USNWC

                                                            820 Hawfield Rd

                                                            Charlotte, NC  28214

Your registration must have:

            1.  Completed registration form (including team name and race length)

2.  Payment

            2.  Signed USNWC waivers for each racer

[click here for NCARS 2008 Registration Form]

[click here for NCARS# 2,3,4,5 USNWC waiver ]

NCARS 2008 BENEFIT:

DIRECTIONS:

2008 CONTACTS:

            Sponsors:  Lance Kinerk at lance@usnwc.org

Volunteers:  Troy Rutten at trutten@usnwc.org

Race directors:  Doug Gray 704.895.6479 doug@action-learning.com

or Gerry Farris at doctordanger@carolina.rr.com   

SPONSORS INCLUDE:

To become a sponsor contact Lance Kinerk at lance@usnwc.org  We want to promote your products and organizations!

RESOURCES:

a.  www.usara.com is the U.S. Adventure Racing Association.  A great calendar.  Join for $35 annually or $8 at each event. 

b.  www.triangle-ar-team.com has a more local calendar of adventure     races, mountain biking, and trail races. 

a.     www.checkpointzero.com also has a great calendar and links to races. 

b.     www.trailblazerAR.com is based in Atlanta and has a growing chapter in Charlotte.  

c.     www.oarevents.com organizes 1-5 day AR’s in VA, TN and WV, has a 5-day AR clinic. .oar

BOOKS:

a.  The Complete Guide to Adventure Racing, The Insider’s Guide to the   Greatest Sport on Earth, 2001, Don Mann and Kara Schaad.  An excellent primer, with plenty of visuals and tips from the founder of Odyssey and PQ 2006 and 2008 Race Director. 

b.  Adventure Racing, 2004, Jacques Marais and Lisa de Speville.  Even more glossy images from all over the world.

c.  Adventure Racing, The Ultimate Guide, 2001, Liz Caldwell and Barry Siff.  More text than pictures, great history and chapter on the future of AR.

d.  Runner’s World Guide to Adventure Racing, 2004, Ian Adamson. Witty insights into his successful approach to ARs.

e.  A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to the Carolinas, 8^th edition, 2002, Bob & David Brenner.  An invaluable local guide for training and when guessing local race routes.

Enough words-  get out there and start training!!

2008 REGISTRATION: 

Pre-registration is required and limited.  All registrations must be received at least 7 days prior to the race date.  Pre-registration is necessary at all events so that we can schedule specific activities and email you pre-race details.  Minimum age is 16.

Make online registrations and payments at:

For NCARS #1

For NCARS #2

For NCARS #3

For NCARS #4

For NCARS #5

NCARS# 2,3,4,5

US National Whitewater Center Waiver

     For your information, these registrations are counted first.

OR, download the registration form and mail to:     

            NCARS 2008

                                                            USNWC

                                                            820 Hawfield Rd

                                                            Charlotte, NC  28214

Your registration must have:

            1.  Completed registration form (including team name and race length)

2.  Payment

            2.  Signed USNWC waivers for each racer

For NCARS #1

For NCARS #2

For NCARS #3

For NCARS #4

For NCARS #5

NCARS# 2,3,4,5

US National Whitewater Center Waiver

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