It is with a heavy heart that we are forced to cancel the Arizona Challenge scheduled for 10/18/09. It has been a dream of ours for the last few years to put on a solo off-road stage race in the southwest. Unfortunately, registration levels are simply too low to sustain it. We've speculated on why registration is so low, though none of our theories seem to answer the question entirely. Could it be too close to the Ironman? Poor Economy? Just too challenging? We have personally heard from people who are not registered citing these very reasons.
Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience this may have caused you. : (
We do however want to make mention of something else you might be interested in. On 12/5 we are holding a very similar event at the exact same place. There are some differences however. The AZ challenge would have had a lightly marked course and you would have received the map a week prior. The Desert Rage Adventure Race on 12/5 is unmarked save for the Orienteering flags you will find at each checkpoint, and you would receive your maps just moments before the race starts which may also require you to plot checkpoints. The distances are similar, the disciplines are the same, and it's open to participation as a soloist and in teams which some feel is even more fun.
It also happens that the first hour of the Desert Rage Adventure Race will take place before dawn thus adding to the challenge.
We've held this race every December since 2004 and our participants think it's alot of fun.
A race like nothing you've ever done before.
You will Mountain Bike, Kayak, and Trail Run in 3 stages totalling nearly 30 miles.
Stages
Stage 1: Mountain Biking - You will bike 15 miles of dirt roads in The Rolls OHV area beginning at 8am.
Stage 2: Kayaking - You will paddle 8 miles of beautiful Saguaro Lake skirting the northern shoreline
Stage 3: Trail Running - You will trail run 6 miles on some of the gnarliest paths and hill climbs in the area.
This can be done as a soloist or as a team relay.
Where: Butcher Jones Beach, Saguaro Lake Whether you're racing, volunteering, or spectating, bring lots of water, food, lawn chairs, blankets, and whatever else you might need. The closest hotels are in Fountain Hills, AZ east of Phoenix. Primitive camping is available throughout Tonto National Forest and within two miles of the Start. Check out http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/tp/index.shtml for camping info or call (480) 610-3300.
When: We'll begin check-in at 6:30am. Pre-race meeting at 7:45 which is mandatory for all participants, Race start 8am. In order to speed the check-in process, please fill out and sign the waiver here: WAIVER and bring it with you and bring it with you. Relay teams we need one from each member.
Registration fees for the long course are:$95 per person or $240 per relay team.. Add $15 per person if registering after September 26th. Registration is closed on Wednesday prior to race.
Refunds will not be given for any reason unless cancelled by us, however, in extreme circumstances the entry fee is transferable to a future race hosted by Sierra Adventure Sports. Please understand this rule is in effect as arrangements for medical staff, insurance, etc., must be made in advance.
Everyone registered by 9/26 will receive an inaugural Arizona Challenge shirt. Later entries receive non event specific premiums.
The course map will be posted here on the website one week prior, and distributed to you at the event during the pre-race meeting at 7:45am the morning of the race. The race organization will provide contour maps covering the entire course on 8.5 x 11 sheets of non-waterproof paper.
The course is not heavily marked, though has orienteering flags hung from trees at points along the route that you can reference to the map. Map reading skills are helpful, though all map reading will be quite simple, and most of the course takes place along established paths and roads.
Helping other participants is NOT ALLOWED except in the case of assistance for reasons of safety.
Boat rentals available from Ted at Salt River Canoe and Kayak: 480-345-7258.
Medals will be awarded to the top three in each division. Male, Female, Co-ed relay, all male relay, and all female relay.
This is a fully self supported race where you supply your own food, water, kayak/canoe, paddle/oar and type III Life Vest, along with all other gear.
Required Personal Gear (Every person must have & carry their own at all times). We may have a gear check on the course where you could be penalized if you don't have this with you. You do not have to carry paddle, pfd or kayak on sections other than water, helmets and bike gear only on bike section.
Whistle
Knife (not a plastic one)
Emergency space blanket
Suitable clothes & shoes for all activities
Hydration pack or bottles with total capacity of at least 100 ounces to be carried at all times
Survival mirror
Race bib number to be worn at all times (provided by race staff)
First Aid Kit
Watch
5' of standard useable duct tape
One bike pump or inflation kit
Mini repair wrench/tool
Tire repair kit
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kayak/canoe, paddle or oar & PFD (Type III) for the paddling section only
Any combination of boats may be used for your team, however, capacity requirements may not be exceeded, and may be checked.
No sails, pedals or motors.
Mountain bike & helmet
1 spare inner tube for the biking section only
One waterproof map case (Ziploc's allowed though something heavier preferred as maps aren't waterproof)
At least two pencils that write
FRS two-way radio with minimum 12 mile range to be used for emergencies |
Every vehicle, including volunteers, must pick up and display a "Tonto National Forest" users pass. You can get them at Big5 Sporting goods, and many other places. It is HIGHLY recommended that you get this before you leave as most places up there won't be open should you decide to arrive the morning of the race. Here is more info: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/tp/index.shtml.
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