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2008 events - Please scroll down to find the event your looking for.

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10-11 Extreme Heat Night Race at McDowell Mt. Regional Park


You asked for it, and here it comes.  A beginners night adventure race. 
This won't happen often, so get on board.  This race will be big on adventure, under a nearly full moon, and tons of fun. 

Trekking and Mountain biking
2.5 to 4 hours long.  (Limited to first 50 registered teams) 
W
hat is adventure racing?  Trying to get to the finish line, having completed all the tasks along the way. 

How do you do it?  Using all available resources including the map you're given, written directions, problem solving, route choice, etc.

Nearly anyone can do it, and you'll have these events explained thoroughly either by race staff or in your race guide you receive just prior to the start.  We get LOTS of questions from athletes who are used to sports like running or triathlon where the entire race is clearly laid out with little thought necessary.  In Adventure racing, you may have to read directions, strategize, come up with new ideas, and generally speaking: If the race director didn't say "you can't" then "You can".

If you have questions, please read this thoroughly, then ask: Info@SierraAdventureSports.com.  WARNING: Try this sport and you'll be hooked!

Who: Two person teams. Male, Female or Coed
What:
Mountain Biking & Trekking (hiking) over a 18-20K course.  You will use an easy to read, pre-marked map to find your way to checkpoints scattered about the Park area on foot and by mountain bike.  In addition, you will have to complete a few "Mystery Events" (more below) along the way.  If your worried about the navigation aspect, worry no further.  We promise that you'll be done no later than 10pm and that you will spend the majority of your time in the dark!  We'll even hang light sticks from the checkpoint flags!

The biking is some of the best in AZ consisting almost entirely of gorgeous singletrack.  For those unfamiliar, you can always go check out the trails before hand as this is a popular park for riders.  "Will the biking be technical or challenging?"; Most of the riding is rideable by nearly anyone and I've taken tourists out on rented bikes over many of these trails.  Some parts of it are technical and challenging, and even the best mountain bikers sometimes get off and walk if it's too difficult.  That said, if you encounter an area where your not sure of your ability to complete it, just get off, walk past that area, and get back on. 

Registration $120 per team of two.  Add $30 if registering after September 27th.  Registration will be limited to the first 100 people registered.  We are allowing minors 14 & over who are traveling with a responsible adult, however please email us and let us know in advance of your age if you are under 18 as we have a special waiver for you.
Click here to register by mail and save 5%: Manual Registration Form or here: to register electronically. 

Refunds will not be given for any reason unless cancelled by us, however, in extreme circumstances the entry fee is transferable to a future (2008) 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.  Help us speed things up at check in, each member of your team please print and sign this WAIVER and bring it with you. 

Where: McDowell Mt Regional Park, just north of Fountain Hills.  More info on "exactly" where yet to come. 


When
: 5:30pm mandatory pre-event meeting, 6pm start time. 10pm, Race officially over. Sunset 6pm, race officially over at 10pm.

Mandatory Gear: Every racer must have with them:
A hydration bladder or bottles capable of carrying at least 100 ounces of water
A pen or pencil (bring a few and a highlighter for your map)

Bike & bike helmet
Bike headlight and taillight. 
A flashlight or headlamp for trekking with

First aid kit for whatever you may encounter while mountain biking & Hiking...be generous to yourself.

Recommended gear: 
Cell phone (in the "off" position during the race)
A two way walkie talkie type radio. We'll be monitoring channel 7. Any non-emergency use of radios will be grounds for disqualification.
Tire repair kit and pump for inflating flats
gels, bars, E-caps, snacks, etc


What is a "Mystery Event" you ask?
  They are team-challenge events in which you'll often have to work together to strategize on how to best complete the event.  Examples of past "Mystery Event's" have included: blindfolded puzzles, plank walks, climbing walls, Crisco covered walls, balance beams, padlocked chests, etc.  They're designed so that almost anyone can complete them.  We realize you put a lot of trust in us when you enter into an event where you don't know exactly what you'll be doing, and we carefully consider that in regard to every event.  

11-1 Desert Rage Las Vegas at Blue Diamond

Some of the best cross country mountain biking you've ever seen in the desert. Trails are awesome and low on sand.

Volunteers, we need your help, and, we are also in need of an EMT/Medic/WFR.  Volunteers for the day receive an $85 race credit!!!    

Parking: We'll put more info here on the Sunday prior to the race, though camping is available abundantly not far from the TA and of course, hotels aren't a problem in Vegas.  The closest hotel/casino is the Silverton which contains a Bass Pro Shop.

Long Course is for series points, 30+ miles, 6-10 hours 
Recreational course of approximately 15-20 miles
3-6 hour finish time. 
Cutoffs will be enforced
for both courses.
Maximum 75 racers. 

Who: Solo, 2, 3 or 4 person teams of mixed or same gender.  3 or 4 person coed teams are the premier division and those who are eligible to accumulate points for the Desert Rage series.  Awards will be presented when 75% of the teams have finished.  All race participants can look forward to an official SAS running hat, t-shirt or DeFeet Aerator socks, as well as picnic type food at the end of the race.  

What: Trekking, orienteering, mountain biking on singletrack trails, roads and a small bit of pavement, & mystery events looping in & out of a single transition area.  You will have to plot checkpoints on 1:24,000 maps (possible different scale for the long course) using provided UTM coordinates (NAD83 datum).  The race organization will provide contour maps covering the entire course on 8.5 x 11 or 8.5x14 sheets of non-waterproof paper, however, you are encouraged to bring your own maps should you desire. 

Where: The transition area will be located in the are of the town of Blue Diamond, though the exact spot will be kept secret until the Sunday night prior to the race.  Whether you're racing, volunteering, or spectating, bring lots of water, food, lawn chairs, blankets, and whatever else you might need. 

When:
Pre-race meeting at 6:30am which is mandatory for all participants, Race start 7am.  Please be there no later than 1 hour prior to race start. In order to speed the check-in process, please have each of your teammates fill out and sign the waiver here: WAIVER and bring it with you. 

        Begin civil twilight       6:37 a.m.                 
        Sunrise                    7:04 a.m.                 
        Sun transit               12:24 p.m.                 
        Sunset                     5:44 p.m.                 
        End civil twilight         6:11 p.m.  

Registration fees for the long course are:$95 per person, recreational course $85 per person.  Add $15 per person if registering after 10/18.   Click here to register by mail and save 5% on Active.com's user fees: Manual Registration Form
or register now by clicking here


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.

Medals will be awarded to the top finishing Co-ed, all male, all female, and over 40 years (average age of team members) masters division for 3/4 person teams.  Masters teams must declare their status at Check-in; ID may be requested.

This is a fully self supported race where you supply your own food, water, bike and 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.

Whistle
Knife (not a plastic one)
Emergency space blanket
Suitable clothes & shoes for all disciplines
Survival mirror
Race bib number to be worn at all times provided by race organization
Mountain bike & helmet
1 spare inner tube for the biking section only
Hydration pack or bottles with total capacity of at least 100 ounces to be carried at all times

Required Team Gear

-A team first aid kit suitable for all activities
-1 Small shovel (a broad scoop or wide blade, no spoons)
-Two compasses, each carried by separate individuals 
-5' of standard useable duct tape 
-One waterproof map case (Ziploc's allowed though something heavier preferred as maps aren't waterproof)
-One bike pump or inflation kit - Bike Leg 
-Mini repair/wrench tool - Bike Leg 
-Tire repair kit  - Bike Leg  
-At least two pencils or pens that write
-FRS two-way radio to be used for emergencies only. 15+mile range.
-Water purification tablets, liquid or a water filter. Enough for 6 gallons of water in case of emergency.

* Racers may carry a cell phone, though they may not use it.  It is for Emergency purposes only and must be kept in the “Off” position for the duration of the race.  Penalties will result if anyone is caught using a phone.

...and a big thanks to our sponsors that make it possible:
www.REI.com
www.Zanfel.com
www.HammerNutrition.com
www.BootcampChicks.com
www.Racelab.com
www.MtnRacingSports.com
www.ARbuddies.com
www.RoadID.com


Questions to Info@SierraAdventureSports.com

11-22 Phoenix Mad Mud Run II at Old MacDonalds Ranch in North Scottsdale.
 

12-6 Desert Rage Finale - Tonto National Forest

 

Past Events

More local events

Gilmore Adventure Race: http://www.GilmoreAdventureRace.com

Flagstaff Adventure Series http://www.MtnRacingSports.com

Tucson: Monsoon Adventures

Orienteering clubs: http://www.phoenixorienteering.org/ & http://www.tucsonorienteering.org/  This is a great way to brush up on your navigating!


A Note about the Desert Rage Points Series:  All of the Desert Rage points races will be approximately 25-30 miles with the exception of the finale which will be substantially longer (possibly a 24hr race) and worth double points.  While we hope that people are inclined to race in all of them, we understand not everyone will be able to.  Because of that, the series points calculations will be as follows.  The best 4 races will be used to calculate your total.  Because the finale is worth double points, it would behoove any team to include the finale in their races.  Ties will be broken with the best, most recent finish which includes the finale. 

We will be holding recreational courses of approximately 12-17 miles (at most DR races) simultaneously with the points races for folks who just want to give adventure racing a try or just want to take a more leisurely approach.  This is still a race that we'll post results for, though just not quite as long.  Mystery events will be the same, navigation may be simpler, distances will be shorter.  Don't let the idea of mileage get in your way of trying this incredible sport...you can do it!

The Desert Rage series should be considered for fun and pride, and in exchange, we'll keep the prices reasonable and do our best to deliver a fun, challenging, and fair race.  We don't give cash prizes as we think it takes the fun out of it and the simple fact is, we don't have the stomach for sniveling.  We have however given away a kayak to the series winners for the past five years and we'll try and do something similar in 2008.  We also give away sponsor provided prizes such as backpacks, Jugs of Hammer gel, socks, and stuff like that.  For reviews of our races, check out Adventure-Race-Reports.com. 

We hope you'll join us in 2008!  Beginning in 2009, all races will be independent of one another with no points accruals.

Thanks
Rick Eastman


Manual Registration Form

Copyright 2003-2008 Sierra Adventure Sports LLC