Adrenaline adventure

American Fitness, July-August, 2004 by D.K. Howe

Registration for the BALANCE BAR Adventure Race Series opened in February, but it's not too late to secure your place in a serious test of physical and mental endurance in one of the adventure sprints or 24-Hour Adventures.

The adventure sprints are a great introduction to adventure racing. Mountain biking, trail running, kayaking and special obstacle tests cover a course approximately 20 miles long and span three to six hours. The 24-Hour Adventure is designed for the adventure racer looking for the ultimate challenge in physical endurance and mental tenacity. Participants mountain bike, trek, kayak and rappel a course approximately 100 miles long, spanning 13 to 24 hours. Coed, elite teams will vie for $170,000 in prize money.

Free clinics are offered at participating outdoor retailers prior to each race. These clinics are intended for racers of all experience levels, taught by knowledgeable adventure racers and are helpful for all aspects of racing, including teamwork, nutrition, training, gear and more.

To register for the 2004 BALANCE BAR Adventure Series, call (203) 352-5216 or visit www.balaneebaradventure.com.

Adventure Sprints

July 24 to 25--Portland, Oregon

August 14 to 15--Sacramento, California

September 18 to 19--Hartford, Connecticut

October 2 to 3--Richmond, Virginia

October 16--Los Angeles, California

24-Hour Adventures

July 17 to 18--Beaver Creek, Colorado

October 9 to 10--New York, New York

November 20 to 21--Los Angeles, California