7 Must See Gear Items - Adventure World Magazine

Key to Effective Training2008 Abu Dhabi AdventureChallengeHeart Rate Monitor Training& Watches7 Must See Gear ItemsMarch 2009Plus• North Idaho• Knee Deep In Columbia• Navigation ChallengeAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 1

Maybe you snowshoe. Explore the narrows. Or chance the rapids. However you define your love of theoutdoors, we define ours by supporting grassroots conservation efforts to protect North America’s wildestplaces. Hunter Shotwell dedicated his life to Castleton Tower. Surely, you can dedicate an hour to yours.Adventure World Magazine March 2009 www.conservationalliance.com2

contentsFeatures1518Goal Setting Key To EffectiveTrainingBy Cynthia Engel2008 Abu Dhabi AdventureChallengeBy Rob Howard354357DepartmentsTrainingHeart Rate Monitor Training And 4Tools For Any BudgetGear ClosetAdventure DestinationNorth Idaho4 Editor’s Note5 Contributors7 News From the Field25 Athlete Profile45 Kid’s Zone48 It Happened To MeCover Photo:Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge 2008Photo by Monica DalmassoThis Page:Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge 2008Photo by Monica Dalmasso

editor’s noteAdventure WorldmagazineEditor-in-ChiefClay AbneyManaging EditorDave PoletoContributing WritersJacob Thompson • Rob HowardCynthia Engel • David PerezTroy Farrar • Craig SteinMark Manning • Ty StevensTim HolmstromContributing PhotographersTy Stevens • Monica DalmassoMark Miller • Tim HolmstromJacob Thompson • Dave PoletoCraig SteinBig Sky, MTA New Year...A New AdventureDiscussions about the economy continue to dominate our media outlets across theUS and around the world. With that in mind...we have made it our mission in 2009to be ever mindful of that in each issue. We will spotlight and review gear withmultiple price points for every budget.We also strongly believe in the future of adventure sports for our next generation ofoutdoor enthusiasts. Therefore, in each issue, we will also be providing a kid’s activityalong with gear for these little adventurer seekers.Stay tuned for exciting changes to AWM and its website in 2009.We are constantly striving to provide the best information and feature stories toour readers. If you have ideas or suggestions...we urge you to email us and let usknow how to better serve you.info@adventureworldmagazine.comWe wish you all a Happy and Prosperous 2009.Clay AbneyEditor-in-chiefAdventure World Magazine is dedicatedto the preservation our natural resourcesby producing a GreenZine. “Of theapproximately 12 billion magazinesprinted annually in the U.S., over 95percent are printed on 100 percent virginpaper. That results in more than 35 milliontrees being cut down each year.” (statisticcourtesy of Socialfunds.com)Adventure World Magazine is publishedeight times a year by No BoundariesMedia, LLC, Pittsburgh, PA. AWMis only available online at www.adventureworldmagazine.com.The opinions and the advice expressedherein are exclusively those of the authorsand are not representative of the publishingcompany or its members.Copyright © 2008 by No Boundaries Media,LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction inwhole or part without written permissionis expressly prohibited.Adventure Sports are inherently riskyand can cause injury and death. Consultyour physician prior to beginning anyfitness program or activity and wherepossible, seek out a qualified instructor.No Boundaries Media, LLC will not beheld responsible for your decision to liveadventurously.Adventure World Magazine March 2009 4

contributorsSHEER SPEEDAlex and Thomas Huber race up theNose of El Capitan, California during theworld speed climbing record attemptJacob Thompson is a freelance writer.He and his friends, Sean and Goat(along with some guest riders), are outto ride the spine of the Western Hemispherefrom Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.They are currently in Ecuadorwhere they just competed in their firstadventure race. For more informationabout thier journey, visit their site at:www.ridingthespine.com.Cynthia Engel lives and works in Bend,Oregon. An avid multi-sport athlete,you’ll find her out xc skiing almost everyday in the winter and spring andexploring the epic mountain bike andrunning trails in the region throughoutthe summer and fall (sprinkled withsome rollerski sessions, of course!).She considers herself to be a map geekand feeds her quest for exploring thenatural world and passion for pushingher boundaries with long training dayscomplemented by xc ski and multisportracing. When she’s not out playing,she’s sending university studentsin the western US on internationalinternship experiences throughout Europe,Australia and New Zealand (andchecking them out herself in the process!).Altimeter, Barometer, Compass–The new Suunto Core is yourgenuine guide for real outdooradventures.Adventure World Magazine is a GreenZinesuunto.com5

GreatSwag!”Ten Days, 24 Races, 1 Big Party!”June 5—14, 2009Farragut State ParkCoeur d’ Alene, IdahoCoolAwards!Hi-techshirts forall racers!ExpoArea!~ XTERRA Northwest Cup—Farragut off-road triathlon& “X” Relay(34 spots to Maui up for grabs, + $10,000 Pro purse!)~ The DUAL-X Duathlon & Relay~ The “Gauntlet” short course triathlon and relay~ The “Crux and the Crucible” 8-12 hour & 2 daystage Adventure Races (Big Prize Money!)~ The “Crux and Crucible” Sprint Adventure Races~ The “Mad Dash” 4 & 8 hour mountain bike races~ The Adventure Kids Challenge!~ “Beaches to Boulders” 6k, 12k and 10 mile trail runs~ The “Deepwater” marathon, 1/2 marathon,50k & 50 mile trail runs~ “It’s Only a Flesh Wound” 4 race orienteering meet~ “Paddle the Pond” canoe/kayak race~ The “ANTI-Freeze” 1.2 & 2 mile distance swims~ Free Instructional Clinics with top pros!~ “June Moon” Celebration Parties!~ Family activities!Celebrity Racers includingMike Kloser and Team Nike!Ian Adamson!Robyn Benincasa!Rebecca Rusch!~ Corporate Charity Divisions, with proceeds goingto the Lance Armstrong “Livestrong” Foundation and“Karno Kids” No Child left behind!Over 2000 racers… join us forone of the top outdoor sports festivals in the USA!Mid-weekActivities!Early birddiscounts!www.adventuresportsweek.comAdventure World Magazine March 2009 6

news from the fieldOuray Ice Park – “Drop in sometime…”Adventure World Magazine is a GreenZineDropping in for my first ascent Ididn’t realize I had control issues…letting go became a life anddeath decision. Once at the bottomof the canyon, I awkwardlymuscled (not the recommendedtechnique, of course!) my way tothe top of my 1st pitch ‘expedition’(at least it felt like an expedition).Hanging on a pick and a prayer…Iclenched my fists until my handsfell numb. Imagine my relief uponactually barreling my way throughand reaching the top. We’ll call itmy first successful ice climb. Well,I was hooked. I dropped back infor a second attempt. Learningto loosen my mind, and lengthenmy muscle I actually came to discoverI could enjoy myself – evenwith my body fully extended, andcompletely exhausted. I pleasantlyrealized the learning curve wasrapid, and rewarding. It became amatter of trusting in my tools, andthe ability to listen to my body asI chiseled through rock, and theunpredictability of ice outcroppings.Soon enough, I was shimmyingup the ice as if I had justcome off Everest (okay, that’s anexaggeration). I even found a momentto indulge in my surroundingsand breathe in the beautyof this wonderous place, Ouray.Tucked away in the San Juan Mountains…Ouray has the rare distinctionof being one of the few locationsin the US where ice climbingis nearly guaranteed throughoutthe winter months. With morethan 285 sunny days annually, andan abundance of easily accessibleroutes, it’s no mistake that Ourayhas been branded the “Ice Climbingcapital of North America”. It’scanyons, offering dynamic displaysof ice and rock revealing a diverseand wide array of terrain to satisfythe temptation of climbers ofany experience and expertise. Theuniqueness of this region eventuallygave birth to the first park inthe world devoted entirely to thesport of ice climbing. There’s noquestion as to why climbers travelfrom all corners of the countryto ‘play’ on its plentitude of rock,and ice spilling over amidst thissweet, and subtle mountain town.“Ouray is the most unique andaccessible place to climb ice inNorth America. No other placerivals Ouray for accessibilityand amount of good ice climbingconsidering all levels of difficulty”claims World Alpinistand Ice climber, Jack Tackle.Every January, ice climbers bythe thousands make the trip to attendthe annual Ouray Ice Festival.Experienced and novice climbers(me) travel across the globeto catch up with climbing cronies,host interactive clinics, offer geardemos, and present slideshows unveilingtheir epic ascents from theprevious year. The festival provedto me to be an ideal setting for thatoften imagined Colorado adventuremarried with a genuine learningof the sport of ice climbing andintroduction to such a prestigious,and well-respected of athletic endeavors.The festival is a celebra-7

news from the fieldtion, an invitation to any newcomer tocome learn from the best in their field. Toexperience the true art of braving the element- that authentic climbing journey, atruly uninhibited symbiosis with nature.The highlight of the festival is the competition.This event challenges skilled,and qualified climbers on varied skill,strategic route selection, and speed ofclimb. They are challenged to reach thepeak on mixed rock, and ice faces acrossmultiple pitches and angles. Literally,attempting spider-like crawls while horizontaland dangling from carabiner andclasped fists well over 100 feet aboveground. I stand in awe, amazed at thestamina, strength, and style required to besuccessful in this sport well beyond justbraving the unknown elements of weatherand unpredictability of rock and ice.In the evening, climbers trickle into townto unwind the downtown streets lit bymoonlight reflecting off snow coveredcanyons. Athletes and friends gather inpubs, and restaurants sharing stories oftravel, and reaching ascents on the highestpeaks in the world. Climbing is also community,sharing in a language of their ownand embracing in the unequivocal natureof their desire. Bringing the world intofocus if only for that moment and havinga gathering place in the town of Ouray.Story and photos by Ty Stevens.Adventure World Magazine March 2009 8

news from the fieldThe Coastal ChallengePanama Island RunScouting Report...continued!By Tim HolmstromDAY 2 - BOCAS DEL DRAGOUp early and nursing our collectiveembarrassment at nodding off likefeeble old men on a Saturday nightin Bocas Town. We decide never tospeak of it again and take some oddcomfort in heading back to the nowfamiliar surroundings of the GermanBakery. Quick breakfast andwe’re finally off to scout.We enter a trailhead that leads intoan indigenous village called El Tigre(The Tiger). Within 20 minuteswe come upon some indigenouspeople and pass by some simplewooden homes raised up on stiltsor blocks. The women and childrensmile shyly and the men look a bitpuzzled.The trail is single-track, nothingbut mud and jungle and amazing.It rises and falls and crosses the entireisland. As we come out of thejungle on the western side I canhear the waves crashing along theshore before I even get to a clearingand see the beach. We comeacross a group of young men playingbaseball, the national pastime inPanama. Surprisingly, soccer (football)comes in a distant second.After a section of jeep tracks alongthe coast we end up back on a single-tracktrail that takes us throughan incredible area that we never expected:a network of old and enormousreefs that form caves andcliffs and loom 40-60 feet above us.The trail winds between the cliffsand the waters edge. It’s clear thatthis trail is hardly ever used but it’sa great trail for running and absolutelyideal for The Island Run.As we get back out to the beach wecome across a young boy who livesin a nearby house. Obviously weappear well off course or outrightlost because he immediately offersto be our guide. His name is Rafaeland he is a most excellent guide forabout 30 minutes. The last leg ofour run puts us on an access roadand leads us to the most beautifulplace we’ve seen so far: Bocas delDrago. After a long day under thehot sun the balmy offshore breezeshere are a welcome change fromwhere we’ve been. Feeling a senseof accomplishment we finally relaxand enjoy this piece of paradise.We eat in a beautiful beachsiderestaurant, refuel and then Sergioand I explore Star Fish Beach beforedusk. We head back to BocasTown by local taxi/pick-up truck,gathering up locals along the way.Hopping in the truck’s bed to makemore room, we’re once again refreshedby the cooler evening airmoving around us.It’s dark by the time we reachtown. A crowd has gathered inthe main town square and there islively music coming from a stage.Beneath the light stands we watchan incredible cultural performanceby a group of dancers and musi-Adventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 9Photos by Tim Holmstrom/Sidelight Images

news from the fieldoffshore. Beneath the strong sunthey are at times lit like green jewelsset against the crystalline-bluewaters.Along a remote stretch of beach wesuddenly come across somethingthat clearly doesn’t belong here. It’sgot a set of colorful flags attachedto the end of a group of large leversthat can be raised or lowered. It’spuzzling but then it hits… at leastone episode of Survivor was filmedin Panama. Was this a remnant justleft to rot or be washed out to sea inthe next big storm? What were theythinking?cians. They are from El Salvadorand perform a mix of traditionalAfrican dances along with Africanfolk music. The lead singer, a strikinglybeautiful woman, sways tothe steady drumbeat and glares atthe crowd.Her name is Ashanti. She is mesmerizing.Her songs, mostly inSpanish, are a haunting blend ofrhythmic narrative and percussioninstruments. Some are social cautionarytales while others a celebrationof being black.Later we do finally visit a few ofthe local saloons and sample thelocal beer, Balboa. It’s a good firstday of scouting.DAY 3 - BASTIMENTOSUp with the sun. We intend to crossIsle Bastimentos and find a trailback to Bastimentos Town. Our aimis also to visit Red Frog Beach andLong Beach. But most important ofall is to reach “Sergio’s surprise”,a place he came across during hisinitial scout.We hop a water taxi and travelabout 40 minutes to the Easternside of Bastimentos. We de-boardat a small pier just the width of twoplanks and enter a National Parkon a larger boardwalk that takes usthrough a vast mangrove forest.Within minutes of walking awayfrom the coast I’m again struckby how quickly the canopy closesin around us and it feels like dark,forbidding and remote jungle. Itsmells suddenly of damp forestand organic decay (oh wait, I realizethat’s just us).The sounds of the forest come aliveas we head deeper. It’s grows loudbut remains altogether peaceful.No one is here. We might as wellbe in Borneo or Madagascar or theCongo.We walk and jog at intervals fora few hours. It’s still early but alreadygetting noticeably hotter.We stop frequently to take picturesof the clusters of small islands justWe continue on and finally reach“Sergio’s surprise”, a tranquilaquamarine lagoon protected by alarge crescent-shaped reef.It juts 10-20 feet out of the waterand lies 50 feet off shore.We’ve seen no one all morning. Wehave lunch and swim and climb thereef. It’s a breathtaking place andwe decide then and there, in a halfseriouspact, to keep its exact locationto ourselves.We are quite alone here. It’s asclose to a treasure as we are likelyto have in this world and we reasonit’s perhaps good policy to guardits whereabouts for a while. Wemay not be castaways yet but whenthat eventually happens we now allknow what shores we will drift inupon.It is truly a highlight of our scout.It is a moment that seems to stretchout its hand and beckon us to stay awhile longer until, drawn in by itssiren-song, we would each be lostonce again, this time to leave theworld behind and live carefree toAdventure World Magazine March 2009 10

news from the fielddream our elusive dreams.But today is not the day. It’s timeto leave this place, to perhaps buryour dreams here on this tranquilshore. With any luck maybe oneday we’ll find our way back here toretrieve them, untouched by timeor fate. Perhaps that will prove tobe our real treasure.We make our way back towardBastimentos Town. 2 hours laterwe come across another painfullyugly reminder that Survivor hadbeen here. An enormous Styrofoamball towers over us on a beach. It’seasily 12 feet tall with scores ofmetal spray paint cans sticking outof it from every angle. It’s paintedmetallic bronze to give it the appearanceof oversized mine. I don’tknow what the half-life of Styrofoamis these days but it appearssimply another piece of Survivorflotsam left behind for someoneelse to deal with or left to rot. Eitherway, Survivor sucks !We reach town and then take onemore boat that day out to the oppositeside of Bastimentos Islandto look for a potential lodging pointfor the race. Not far from this shorewe also see what appears to be aslightly raised sandbar glowing inthe late afternoon sun.It’s actually Zapatillo Island andthe beginning of Bastimentos NationalMarine Park. No time to visiton this trip but it’s a must-see nexttime.We depart Bastimentos and headback to Bocas. Ominous skies layahead as heavy clouds gather on themainland and to the northeast. Theyare backlit by the settingsun and stackedin layers of brilliantcolor that cast the seawith streaks of violets,pinks and blues. Asthe boat lurches forwardwe sit, silentlytaking in the changingpanorama of sea, skyand islands. It is sucha dramatic backdrop,captivating and timelessand life affirming.Looking at our boatdriver, I wonder howmany days he’s seenclouds and light andweather just likethis... does it ever fillhim with wonder orsimply a mariner’srespect for shifts inthe wind and swells...or is he simply indifferentto the beauty itholds for visitors?I glance over at myfriend’s faces in thesoft light and wonderwhat they may bethinking. It strikes meonce again just how remarkablethis archipelago truly is and howfortunate we are to have woveninto our lives the opportunity to behere at this exact moment, in thisexact time and place.Once more that day we find ourselvesmoving like wayward soulsthrough Panama, lost in thoughtswe keep to ourselves but that shapeus nonetheless.Adventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 11

The First Adaptive Athletes Have Conquered Bridal Veil FallsA Celebration of this Newly Reopened Ice Climbing ClassicFebruary 12, 2009 - Telluride, ColoradoStory and Photos By Craig Stein - cstein@photoexpress-it.comAt over 360 feet Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest freefalling waterfall in Colorado and arguably one of themost majestic and difficult ice climbs in the UnitedStates.On a clear crisp February morning blind climberErik Weihenmayer and climbing partner Chad Jukes,a below-the-knee amputee, geared-up in Telluride,Colorado to begin a snowshoe hike to the base of thisclassic landmark. Guided by veteran climber MikeGibbs of Ouray, Colorado and accompanied by a hostof cameramen, the team approached the falls whichcould still be heard from a distance as water cascadedover portions of the precipice.“I could hear that big face moving in front of me.It was massively impressive,” said Weihenmayer.“Then getting on the ice was very cool. It had character.There was a lot of weaving and bobbing, which Ilove.”Despite the loss of his vision at age thirteen, ErikWeihenmayer has become an accomplished athlete.While better recognized for his 2001 ascent of Mt.Everest, Erik has since climbed the remaining six ofthe tallest peaks on the world’s seven continents. Hehas scaled the 3,300-foot El Capitan and ice climbedthe 3,000-foot Himalayan waterfall, Lhosar. Besideshis extensive climbing resume, Erik has raced inexpedition length multi-sport adventure races such asPrimal Quest and most recently has been instrumentalin the creation of the first adaptive/able bodied adventurerace, The Real Deal.Chad Jukes (above) and Erik Weihenmayer (below) makingtheir way up the blue ice wall of Bridal Veil Falls.PHOTO BY: CRAIG STEINPHOTO BY: CRAIG STEIN(left) Chad Jukes places his specialized ice climbing prosthesissecurely as he traverses a gap on Bridal Veil Falls.(right) This time lapse image shows the route the team usedto top-out after almost six hours of climbing.“As a child there was no chance of playing baseballwith the other kids,” said Erik Weihenmayer.“Until climbing I had no outlet. After climbing, thehorizon was unlimited for me.” Erik continued, “Mostpeople assume my favorite peak to be Everest but itis actually a mountain behind my house in Golden,Colorado where I first took my daughter and then myson whom we adopted from Tibet.Iraq war veteran, Chad Jukes, was wounded whenhe encountered an improvised explosive device in2007. Staff Sergeant Jukes was commanding an Armysupply truck convoy. He had to make the difficult decisionto eitherhave his damagedfoot andleg reconstructedor amputated.He chosebelow-the-kneeamputationwhich enabledhim to havemore freedomto pursue hispassion for rockand ice climbing,PHOTO BY: CRAIG STEINPHOTO BY: CRAIG STEINErik Weihenmayer sticking his axe intothe peanut-buttery ice of Bridal Veil Falls.Adventure World Magazine March 2009 12

mountaineering, river rafting, and surfing.Until recently Bridal Veil Falls was a climb thatrequired special permission or a stealthy poachingapproach to get on the classic ice wall. The first ascentby Jeff Lowe and Mike Weiss in 1974 was coveredby ABC’s Wide World of Sports which ushered in themodern ice climbing era. Since the late 1980’s the sitewas closed to the public until the recent efforts of theTrust for Public Lands (www.tpl.org) among others.In 2004 TPL purchased 2,400 acres of miningclaims from the Idarado Mining Company beginning along process of regaining public access to Bridal VeilFalls. The final license was obtained in September of2008 and the last few arrangements, for public accessto the base of the falls, were completed in December.“I have worked with many organizations but TheTrust for Public Lands is especially good at gettingit done,” proclaimed Erik. “They bring back magicalplaces to the public! We are the most unique team toever climb these falls and our ascent is a celebrationof TPL’s vision in attainment of this new public accessagreement.”The full “in your face” nature of Bridal Veil Fallsis what makes it such an icon. Traversing under roofs,through caves, and up vertical columns of ice is morelike rock climbing.Chad and Erik, climbing simultaneously, seemedto move steadily up the face. Picking their way skyward,they adapted to the ice with Chad above andErik following making sure he was not directly below.A wider big ice climbwould have allowed forside-by-side climbing andan even faster ascent.Erik later describedthe interaction, “Chadwas telling me, OK we’regoing to traverse rightnow. He goes out first thenaround a corner and I follow,continually listeningto him, finding that path ofleast resistance to conserveenergy and increase climbingefficiency.”The ice conditions andweather were ideal for thefour pitch climb whichPHOTO BY: CRAIG STEINtook Erik and Chad justunder six hours to complete.The team, finding theless impeding route, wouldhave made a much quickerascent if not for the cameracrew filming the climb.Talking to camera peoplewas the largest delay alongwith a few rope issues andsome small difficultieswith Chad’s prosthesis andhis stump getting cold.“I always want to experiencethe aesthetic qualityof a climbs’ flow, whichfilming seems to impede,”related Weihenmayer. “Butat the same time It’s funto be part of a project thathas a broader meaning.”Erik continued, “You feellike your doing somethingimportant by letting peopleknow about such a precedentsetting climb.”About The Trust forPublic Lands: TPL is a nationalnonprofit land conservationorganization thatconserves land for peopleto enjoy as parks, gardens,and natural areas, ensuringlivable communities forgenerations to come. Sinceits founding in 1972, TPLhas helped protect morethan two million acres ofland in forty five states.A complete photoslide show of this historicadaptive ascent of BridalVeil Falls can be found at:www.drivehq.com/web/photoexpressit/BVIce-ClimbSlideshow/index.htmlAt the base, Erik Weihenmayer entertaining climb team members and crew with comedictales as he and Chad Jukes await their turn to ascend the Bridal Veil Falls blue ice wall.PHOTO BY: CRAIG STEINAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 13

Eco-Lonestar • March 7Willis, TX • www.terrafirmapromo.comThe Frigid Infliction • March 7Bolton Valley Resort, VT • www.gmara.orgNatchez Trace AR • March 21Wildersville, TN • www.s2fevents.comLBL Challenge • April 4Golden Pond, KY • www.bonkhardracing.comAmphibious Warrior • April 4Alexander City, AL • www.auburnmarines.orgBlue Ridge Mountain AR • April 4Blue Ridge, GA • www.adventureracega.comGrizzly Man Race • April 18Greenough, MT • www.grizzlymanrace.comPangea Atlantic Coast Conquest • April 18Orlando, FL • pangeaadventureracing.comNature Cure Yough X-treme • April 25Ohiopyle, PA • americanadventuresports.comDesert Winds II AR • May 2 • Lake Mead, NVwww.desertwindsadventureseries.comUSARA Collegiate National ChampionshipMay 9 • Burnet, TX • www.usara.comUSARA Sprint National ChampionshipMay 9 • Burnet, TX • www.usara.comFlorida Coast to Coast • May 14Central, FL • www.adventurousconcepts.comNew England Adventure Weekend • May 16Nottingham, NH • www.racingahead.comMission AR • May 16 • Carrollton, KYwww.dinoseries.com/missionCentral Coast Adventure Challenge • May 16Central Coast, CA • www.ccadventure.comLongest Day and Night AR • June 6S.Catskills, NY • www.nyara.comOzark Challenge AR • June 27Ozark, AR • www.ozarkchallenge.comThe Crux • June 13 • Athol, IDwww.adventuresportsweek.comThe Crucible • June 14 • Athol, IDwww.adventuresportsweek.comRun, Row & Roll AR • June 20Fairbury, NE • www.nsc.comKrista Griesacker Memorial RaceAugust 1 • Hamburg, PA • goalsara.orgThe Bitter Pill • August 1Bolton Valley, VT • gmara.org/bitterpillNature Cure Lionheart 24 HR • Aug 7Ohiopyle, PA • americanadventuresports.comThe Thunder Rolls AR • September 5Oquawaka, IL • www.thethunderrolls.orgBushwak This! • September 5Alaska • alaskaadventureracing.comSheltowee Extreme • September 11Daniel Boone NF, KY • sheltoweeextreme.comRaid the Rock Urban AR • SeptemberLittle Rock, AR • www.raidtherock.comWild Adventure Race • September 18Baiwabik, MN • www.wildadventurerace.comSan Juan Island Quest AR • September 18Bellingham, WA • islandathleticevents.comTahoe Big Blue AR • September 19Lake Tahoe, NV • bigblueadventure.comTerra Firma Adventure RaceSeptember 19 • Smithville, TXwww.terrafirmapromo.comOvermountain Extreme • September 18Pisgah NF, NCovermountainextremear.comCozad 100th Meridian AR • September 26Cozad, NE • www.nsc.comBerryman Adventure Race • September 26Van Buren, MO • www.berrymanadventure.comThe Shag • September 26NJ • www.NYARA.orgHowl at the Moon • October • Floridawww.adventurousconcepts.comLewis and Clark Ozark Adventure RaceNovember 7 • Springdale, ARurbanadventurerace.com • 2010 QualifierHuntsville Hammer • November 14Huntsville, TX • texasadventureracing.com2010 QualifierTexas Dare • December 12 • Texaswww.texasdare.com • 2010 QualifierAdventure World Magazine March 2009 14

Goal Setting Is The Key To EffectiveTrainingby Cynthia EngelAs we settle into the New Year, itis a perfect time to start training forthe upcoming racing season. Thekey to creating an effective trainingplan and then to staying motivatedand excited about what we’ve createdfor ourselves is a clear set ofrealistic and measurable goals notonly for race outcomes, but alsofor personal fitness, technique andmental development as well.To get started, take some time inthe next week to think about whereyou want to be with your sport ina couple years. What is your ultimategoal? I mean the one you arealmost hesitant to share with anyonebecause it seems a bit outrageous,but it is secretly in the backof your mind as you plod alongon an easy over-distance run orwhen you are registering for yournext event thinking maybe it couldhappen this time? Write it down!Intention is 100% of what it takesto achieve a goal. So set that intentionby clearly and specificallyarticulating in writing where it isyou want to be – no matter how farbeyond reality it may seem today.Congratulations! You have nowset the stage to get there if you reallywant it. From this point, it issimply a matter of breaking downthe path toward your ultimate goal.I choose to break my path towardsexcellence into four different aspectsof training and racing: fitness,technique and mental developmentand then race performance.When writing your goals, focus onthe positive – what you want – andphrase them that way. Avoid statingthings you don’t want. For example,instead of saying “don’t getsick” say “stay healthy”. There is alot of power simply in stating positiveintentions.For fitness, think about how manyhours per week you want to betraining. What is realistic giventhe reality of your life, keeping inmind that part of fitness includesnutrition, maintaining a work/ family/social balance, and REST! Forexample:• Follow through on mytraining plan every day – 85% followthrough apart from illness.• Eat a healthy snack of protein,carbs and fat within 30 minutesof the end of each workout.• Get at least 7 ½ hours ofsleep at least 6 days/ week.Regarding technique, think abouteach aspect of your chosen sportand your strengths and challengeswithin that sport. Break them downand create some technique goalsfor yourself. (Note: If your sporthappens to be Adventure Racing,the list could get pretty long). Rememberthat it is important to keepyour list realistic and achievable.So start with the long list and thennarrow the focus. For example:• Learn how to do an effortlessrunning mount and dismounton the mountain bike.• Focus on rotating and en-Photo courtesy of Monica DalmassoAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 15

Photo courtesy of Mark Millermonth and definitely before everyrace. As you find yourself achievingyour technique goals, crossthem off and add more, rememberingto celebrate those successes inthe process!Setting a primary stretch goal andthen some measureable intermediategoals to get you there are thefoundation to building a successfultraining program and an inspiringseason. Train and race smart andhave fun!gaging the core muscles when paddling.• Use only terrain features tonavigate 75% of the time I’m outnav training.Mental development is a criticalfactor to succeeding in any sportand if you are anything like me,that takes as much training as anythingelse to keep that positive selftalkflowing naturally and authentically.Some examples of thesegoals could include:• Love it! Finish each workoutevery day with a positivethought/ image.• Breathe deep with the diaphragmafter race warm up and duringeach race when feeling tense.• Repeat key performance ortechnique words and phrases foreach workout and race (ie, “powerfuland smooth” for steep climbson my bike).Finally set some goals for race performance.Be sure to keep thesepersonal. Setting goals that arerelative to others (placing in thetop 3rd, etc), ties your success tofactors you cannot control – otherpeople’s training and motivation.You can only control yourself, soset goals that reflect that reality.Some examples include:• Reduce the % of time differentialbetween the winning teamand my team throughout the 2009racing season as compared to theprevious year’s races.• In each race, give 100%of appropriate power and mentalgame throughout entire race (onlyyou will honestly know if therewas a point where you chose tohold yourself back or not).• Finish each race with an authenticsmile.Once you’ve put your goals downon paper, set them aside and thencome back to them one or twodays later to re-read them with afresh perspective. Now is the timeto edit them if it feels appropriate.The key is to be truly honestwith yourself about what you reallywant and make sure they arestated using positive language.Once you’ve made your final edits,commit yourself to them! Tostay motivated, I review my listof goals at least a couple times aCynthia Engel lives and works inBend, Oregon. An avid multi-sportathlete, you’ll find her out xc skiingalmost every day in the winterand spring and exploring the epicmountain bike and running trailsin the region throughout the summerand fall (sprinkled with somerollerski sessions, of course!). Sheconsiders herself to be a map geekand feeds her quest for exploringthe natural world and passion forpushing her boundaries with longtraining days complemented by xcski and multisport racing. Whenshe’s not out playing, she’s sendinguniversity students in the westernUS on international internshipexperiences throughout Europe,Australia and New Zealand (andchecking them out herself in theprocess!).Adventure World Magazine March 2009 16

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2008 Abu DhabiAdventure ChallengeStory by Rob Howard • Photos by Monica DalmassoAdventure World Magazine March 2009 18

The Abu Dhabi Adventure Challengefirst appeared on the racecalendar in 2007 and made suchan impact that its second runningin December 2008 had the mostinternational entries ever for anadventure race - 36 teams and racersfrom 21 nations!The appeal is easy enough to understandand starts with an impressiveprize purse. There wasa total of US$236,000 with cashprizes running down to $1000 for30th place. What’s more, the raceprovides all the kayaks and bikes,some top class accommodationswithin the entry fee, logistics andfood for much of the week – so thehigh cost of competing in a weeklongrace is kept to a minimum.In these cash strapped times, withsponsors and prize money hard tofind, it’s a financial oasis in thedesert of a recession-hit sport!Not surprisingly all the top teamsand racers were there, attracted bythe cash of the oil-rich state, butalso by its hospitality and slickorganization, the scenery of AbuDhabi, and by the race format.The race was a mix of expeditionand stage racing (with two longerovernight stages during the week),on a course designed to show offthe best of the emirate includingit scenery and attractions in an upand-comingadventure sports destination.The race is organized for theAbu Dhabi Tourism Authorityby Commu’nity, the Frenchrace organisers (formerly Sagad’aventures) who have previouslystaged the MountainX Race, X-adventure Series and Raid Gauloises.It’s their expertise andcontacts plus the enthusiasm andfunding of the hosts that drewsuch an impressive internationalresponse, despite the awkwarddate just before Christmas.Arrival at the Armed Forces OfficersClub (the West Wing) gavethose new to the race a taste ofthe way in which they would betreated by their hosts. This officersclub is a 5 star hotel, similarin size to a small airport and theirfirst navigational challenge wasnot to get lost between their roomsand breakfast! The race briefingwas in the hotel’s own cinema andthose who wanted a swim coulduse the Olympic size pool in thebasement.The thorough kit checks were carriedout in the doorway of the entranceby the huge indoor watergardens, and it was here the teamswere familiarized with their kayaksand bikes. The kayaks are Frenchbuilt with especially designed doublesails and the consensus on theCannondale bikes was that theywere ‘serviceable’ and any loss ofspeed or time spent setting themAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 19

up was preferable to the cost andhassle of flying bikes in. (Thougha couple of teams chose to do this.)For the more novice teams the facteveryone had the same boats andbikes was seen as ‘leveller’ to helpthem compete with the establishedglobal stars of AR.There were several novice teamsracing, including local teams tryingto put the hard won experiencefrom last year to good effect,and also 5 teams who had won anADTA Award gaining them a paidfortrip to the race. The awardswere given out to aspiring teamsfrom the United States, UnitedKingdom, South Africa, Sloveniaand Sweden who had not previouslyraced at an internationalevent with the aim of helping newblood break into the highest levelof adventure racing.with Australian Jarad Kohlar andAmerican racer Jay Henry, whiletheir former team mates AaronPrince and Gordon Walker were onWilsa Helly Hansen and Team NZrespectively. Any of these teamscould be challenged by the likesof OrionHealth.com, Sport 2000Vibram Outdry, Salomon CrestedButte, SOLE, Lundhags or Nike.Just how close the racing waslikely to be was illustrated on theopening days racing – the prologuein downtown Abu Dhabi. Thiswas a fast and furious openingstage, starting with a road cyclealong the seafront on the Cornicheroad, which was specially closedoff for the race. This was probablythe fastest opening stage of anyadventure race ever and all theleading teams were in the tightlypacked peleton which swept upand down the Corniche road beforeteams raced for their kayaksand set off to paddle aroundLulu island, stopping off for a runacross the island before returningto the beach to finish.Team Desert Islands lead the way,followed by Team NZ with Nikeout of the top 5, and althoughthere was only a few minutes betweenthem this set the pattern forthe rest of the week. When teamsgot back to the beach to finish theyfound the first of many sumptuousoutdoor buffets waiting for them… there was even a suited waiteroffering them water bottles on asilver tray when they crossed theline!With that swift stage under theirbelts, teams were now transferredto Sir Bani Yas island in the Ara-There was no doubt this was thehighest level of racing and beforethe race there was little consensuson who would come out ontop. Last year’s winners werenow divided into three separateteams. Richard and Elina Ussherwere back as Team Desert IslandsAdventure World Magazine March 2009 20

Day two began with a 45.5km circuitaround the island on the bikes,partly on tarmac, partly on sandytrack, and included a ride up intothe red-rock hills of the interior.There was a mad rush for the firstcheckpoint, which separated someteams briefly, and then the fieldgradually spread out with the leaderssetting a furious pace – DesertIslands appropriately in the frontonce again, but tracked by Nike,with the two teams eventually finishingtogether after exchangingthe lead several times. There werefew chances to see the animals onthe island, with the one exceptionof the Sand Gazelles. They werethe biggest hazard of the stage asthey frequently ran across the roadin front of the riders.bian Gulf for the first overnightcamp. This is the centre of theDesert Islands development andwas until recently the privategame reserve of the founder of theUAE. The small island is home tothousands of Arabian and Africananimals and is now an internationallyimportant game reserve thatis only now being opened to tourism.After the bus and ferry journey,teams set up camp on the beachusing their own tents, but theyhad portable toilets and showers,and a camp kitchen from the armywhich served up another amazingbuffet meal and breakfast. Thishappened at every camp and therewas also a fleet of camouflagedarmy vehicles moving the kayaksand bikes around.In the afternoon the long paddlingstage along the length of the DesertIslands chain began, starting with apaddle southwards along the coastof Sir Bani Yas to enter a lagoonand paddle back north to camp,before heading out into the opensea to reach the deserted Kurkumisland, the site of the first bivouac.This was a shortened route, due tothe stronger than expected windsand choppy sea conditions, but theovernight camp on the island wasstill one of the highlights of therace – what could be better than anovernight stop on an uninhabitedisland, on a crescent beach undera full moon?On the third morning of the racethe paddling stage resumed witha further 80km to Mirfa on themainland. This was to be a severetest for all the teams, eventhe most experienced. Stu Lynchof OrionHealth.com collapsed onthe finish line, and Jarad Kohlarof Desert Islands was pushed toAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 21

his limit as his team gave their allto try and keep their overall lead.This they managed to do but somepower paddling by stage winnersTeam NZ reduced their lead to just2 minutes with ADCO AROC ofAustralia moving into third overalland only 19 minutes separatingthe top five. (Nike were back in10th and looked to be out of contentionfor the top places.)Another bus ride now took teamsinto the interior to camp at MoreebDune, the start of the 107km deserttrekking stage which spanneddays 4 and 5. The teams who wereslower paddling caught the lastbus to camp, arriving after dark atcamp to set up their tents and getwhat sleep they could before therestart in the morning.There was a surprise when thecamp awoke just before dawn toprepare for the trek – thick fog obscuredany view of the surroundingdunes – the moisture coatingthe tents the last thing anyone expectedon the edge of The EmptyQuarter of the Arabian Desertbut apparently its not uncommonin the cool season. It took sometime for the fog to lift, but when itdid the temperature was constantaround 26C-28C, which may becool for Abu Dhabi, but it’s hotenough for racing – especiallyacross more then 100km of dunes,with no shade and with every twosteps forward slipping inexorablyone step backward.This stage was one of attrition, butit was also very tactical. The leadteams stuck together fairly closely,regrouping at each checkpointstop then playing a waiting gameto see who would set off and breaktrail first. As the stage developed,Chris Forne of Nike became theleader, navigating and leading thetop teams, who were quite happyto follow. Team NZ even waitedfor Nike, deciding it was quickerto let them navigate! The end resultwas that the top 5 teams finishedat the next camp in the earlyhours of the morning, all just secondsapart after a 20-hour stage.This left the top rankings almostunchanged, with the exceptionthat Nike was back up to 5th andADCO AROC dropped right downthe rankings. The Australians hadnot been able to keep up with thepace of the leaders, which is notsurprising as they were movingmuch quicker than the winners didon this stage last year.For the other teams, there weredifferent tactical choices as thereAdventure World Magazine March 2009 22

whole course.Team Desert IslandsThe British squad Saab Salomonhad entered a young team of mountainrunners, relatively untried inlong adventure races, and theycame into their own on the steepground, winning the stage ahead ofSport 2000 Vibram Outdry. DesertIslands were 3rd but crucially afew steps ahead of Team NZ, whowere their only real concern asthe final stage was road ride backinto the city which was unlikely tochange the race positions.was a mandatory 6-hour sleep requirement,and those moving moreslowly could miss out on some ofthe optional CP’s, but at the costof a 3-hour penalty. Some of theslower teams knew their onlyhope was to take a direct and takethe penalties so they could stay inthe race, but those in the middlerank had harder choices to makethough most made all the CP’s, includingall but one of the ADTAAward teams.The final transfer was to the cityof Al Ain – the Garden city of AbuDhabi set beneath the mountain ofJebel Hafeet, the venue for the finalstage which would decide therace. Camp was at Green Mubazzarahat the foot of the mountain,beneath broken slabs of rockwhich gave an indication of howdemanding the sharp, unweatheredrocks above would be on thefinal days trek. First however theteams had to ride 12km up theswitchback road to the mountaintop and this 12km was to do moreto decide the result than the previous107km of desert trekking.Desert Islands struck out to ensurea race win and lead the way to thesummit, just ahead of Nike, whiletheir closest challengers, TeamNZ were pushed back to 4th onthe stage leaving them 5 minutesto make up on the leaders on thefinal stages. Third to finish wereSport 2000 Vibram Outdry. TheFrench team were finishing therace strongly and began the dayjust 2 seconds ahead of WilsaHelly Hansen, but their compatriotssuffered a crucial puncture andCraig Stevens rode the last 3kmon a bare rim.From the car park at the top ofthe road teams continued acrossthe rugged mountain top, racingto reach the ropes stage, a doubleabseil on the biggest rock face onJebel Hafeet totalling over 200m.This was followed by a steep andloose canyon descent with moreroped sections, and the wholesection was timed out. This wasfortunate as the queues were considerable– but not so lucky forthe later teams who waited almost2 hours and were then ordered totake a short cut at the foot of themountain, cutting short the stageso they could not complete theIn the event Team NZ got a flat asthey rode into town, and that finallydecided their fate, to finishas second behind Desert Islands– the deserving winners who hadlead throughout and claimed thetop prize and an impressive trophyat the prize later that night.Sport 2000 Vibram Outdry weredelighted with their 3rd place andthe novice international teamswho won their places all acquittedthemselves well with Dart Nuun ofthe USA taking a thirteenth placefinish.Full results and race info are onwww.abudhabi-adventure.comRob Howard is the managing editorof SleepMonsters.Adventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 23

FULL CUSTOMSEMI CUSTOM$55.25 US$50.99 USUNLIMITED COLOURSMINIMUM ORDER OF 6 JERSEYSMADE FROM US KNIT FABRIC & SEWN IN CANADAAdventure World Magazine March 2009 24

athlete profileRickey GatesLocation: Transient…but most often in Boulder and Aspen,CO.Sports: Mountain RunnerAge: 28Occupation: Waiter/bartender/barista (the coffee man),inventor.Athletic Background: At 15, I didn’t like the soccer coach anda friend informed me that the cross-country team was co-ed.I’ve stuck with it even though I’ve since realized that womenmuch prefer soccer players over runners.Athletic Goals: Race in Europe for the next three months –doing at least well enough to survive on my winnings.Athletic Highlights: 2007 US mountain running champion,US trail running champion and mountain runner of the year.Favorite Workout: 2006 running of the bulls – Pamplona,Spain.What Inspires or Motivates You? The Super Sizing of AmericaFavorite Fuel: Cookie doughFavorite Indulgence: Post-race beerTypical Workout: I put my running shoes on every day; that isthe only training that I absolutely require of myself. My lovefor the sport takes care of the rest.Adventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 25

adventure destinationChoose Your Own Adventure: Coeur d’ AleneNorth Idaho is one of the America’sbest-kept vacation andoutdoor adventure secrets!When people think of Idaho, oftenthe first thing that comes to mind is“potatoes,” but centered around thecharming resort city of Coeur d’Alene (pronounced CORE d lane),the “Panhandle” area of the GemState is a natural treasure, withouta potato in sight. This was my secondvisit inside of a year, and whileI liked it the first trip, I loved it thistime, as I got to know even moreabout this little piece of heaven…Situated just off I-90, only thirty-fiveminutes east of SpokaneWashington, Coeur d’ Alene israpidly gaining a reputation asone of the top vacation destinationsin the country for thoselooking for a little less “themepark,” and a little more nature.As a result of an error by Federalsurveyors more than 150 yeas ago(who ended up about 100 mileswest of where they thought theywere while supposedly mapping theGreat Divide for the Idaho-Montanaborder), Idaho’s strange lookinggeography resulted in a narrow(just over 75 miles wide) strip ofmagnificently forested mountainsand clear alpine lakes extending 90miles north to the Canadian border.The local economy, once based primarilyon mining and forestry, hasdiversified into a well-balancedblend of service and tourism, education,medical, high-tech and retail,while still maintaining a strongmining and agricultural presence.Coeur d’ Alene itself, with a populationof just over 50,000 is thecounty seat, as well as being thecultural center of the area. It sits onthe northern shore of Lake Coeurd’ Alene, voted one of the World’s10 Most Beautiful Lakes, by CondeNaste Traveler magazine, and offersa destination of almost unmatchedbeauty with world-class amenities.Coeur d’ Alene, or “CDA,” has growninto a true year-round destination,with activities for the whole family,no matter what season you visit.The thriving downtown area hasundergone a massive upgrade andrestoration over the past decade, resultingin a clean, quaint and eclecticmix of unique shops, excellentdining and a wide range of accommodations,all with a local touch.(Look for the moose and bear statuesand numerous fountains along ShermanAvenue, the town’s main drag.The downtown area is anchoredby the world-famous Coeur d’Alene Resort (www.cdaresort.com); a sensational five star resortliterally perched on the lake.“The Resort,” as the locals call it,features three restaurants, 2 bars,Photos by Scott FredricksonAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 27

shopping, first class amenitiesand 338 rooms of amazing luxury.The newly redesigned spa wasjust voted “Most Romantic Spain the World,” by Spa Magazine,and is a must for anyone wantinga little (or a lot!) of pampering!They also hosted the regionalshowing of the Banff MountainFilm Festival this year.www.banffmountainfestivals.caAn Outdoor Adventure MeccaFor the outdoor enthusiast, this is asgood a place to visit as anywhere inthe west… or the east.If there’s an outdoor activity you like,north Idaho has got it. Coeur d’ Aleneand the surrounding area is home toa large array of activities, and is fastbecominga Mecca for outdoor racesof all types. The “Race Coeur d’Alene” project through the Chamberof Commerce is a new cooperativeamong the various races to promotenorth Idaho as a racing destination.Check out www.coeurdalene.org/calendarmonth.asp for more information.For the 6th year in a row, the FordIronman (www.ironmancda.com)takes over the city the third week ofJune, as over 3000 volunteers welcome2100 athletes for 140.6 milesof swimming, biking and running, asthey attempt to qualify for the WorldChampionships in Kona. IronmanCDA is widely regarded as the bestorganized and most hospitable of themajor Ironmans as well as the mostchallenging. June 21, 2009 is the bigday.New this year, but already makinga huge splash is Adventure SportsWeek (www.adventuresportsweek.com). This is a 10 day, 24 race festivalheld at Farragut State Park, just30 minutes north of downtown, June5 - 14. With something for almost everyone,they will be hosting one ofthe eight official XTERRA Cup racesin the USA (www.xterraplanet.com),as well as a short course off-road triathlon,a relay and several corporateraces. Some of the other offerings includeseven trails runs (6k, 12k, 10mile, ½ marathon, marathon, 50k and50 mile), two mountain bike races (4& 8 hours), a kayak/canoe race, a distanceswim, an orienteering meet andfive different Adventure Races (includingone just for kids!), highlightedby the “Crux and the Crucible,” agreat test over some of Idaho’s mostchallenging terrain. There are severalsocial events planned as well.Several world champions and othercelebrity racers will be in attendanceamong the 2000 expected participants,including Ian Adamson, RebeccaRusch, Robyn Benincasa, andeven possibly Mike Kloser and TeamNike. (We’re not in THAT league,but our team is planning on racingtoo.)The 32nd annual Coeur d’ AleneMarathon at Riverstone has grownsteadily, capping at 2500 runners thisyear, and is a scenic test through theRiverstone development, along theSpokane River and through downtownand back, following the CentennialTrail. The Centennial Trail isa 24 mile stretch of biking and runningtrails beginning at the Washington-Idahoborder, and continuinguninterrupted through to the east endof Coeur d’ Alene. (It connects withthe Spokane River Centennial trailon the Washington side, and goesanother 37 miles.) www.northidahocentennialtrail.org.The 2009 dateis May 24, and this year, it will bethe USATF Inland Empire RegionalChampionship. www.cdamarathon.Adventure World Magazine March 2009 28

com. www.riverstonecda.comThe Coeur d’ Alene Scenic ViewTriathlon sponsored by Toyota is thelargest Olympic distance triathlon inthe area, with over 1500 triathletesracing through downtown. This willbe the 26th consecutive year, makingit one of the oldest triathlons in theregion. The 2009 date is August 8.www.cdatriathlon.com.On August 1, the Hayden View Triathlontakes place in the sleepy hamletof Hayden, just minutes northof CDA, in the warm(er) waters ofHayden Lake. This sprint distance triis in its second year, and has 350 entriesfor 2009. www.haydenviewtri.org. The organizers have done a terrificjob with the course, and are attractinga pretty high class field.“Race the River” is a sprint triathlontaking place entirely within Riverstoneon July 26, and will have 500racers. www.racetheriver.com.A new event just hit my calendar today:“The Urban-X” will be a 4 – 6hour “Urban” Adventure Race takingplace entirely in downtown Coeur d’Alene and Riverstone, May 30. Thispromises to be a wild, wooly andfun event; kind of a cross between a“normal” Adventure Race and a giantscavenger hunt, complete with funchallenges and clues. Biking, runningand mystery water sports willbe included. Look for more detailson www.urbanxcda.com soon.“Run America Run” (www.usaproductions.com)is a 5k, 10k, and ½marathon on July 17 at the new SalvationArmy Kroc Center.All other races aside, without questionthe biggest event in the area is theLilac Festival Bloomsday run, a 12krun through downtown Spokane. Inits 32nd year, it features over 50,000runners and walkers, including a stellarinternational field, wheelchair divisionand more. This is an event thatcaptivates an entire region. Checkout www.bloomsday.org on how youcan become a “Bloomie!”For those of you just wanting to getoutside but not wanting a race, you’rein luck! Biking, hiking and runningtrails abound, and kayaking, sailingand even parasailing are at your fingertips! For those wanting to go abit faster, there are also miles of ATVand dirt bike trails.Canfield Mountain, just north ofdowntown is the highest point inCDA proper. It’s crisscrossed withtrails of all types, and has easy access.The views from the top arebreathtaking. www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=BGW053-067Just a little bit further north, FarragutState Park (www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov) is an amazing naturalwonder. It sits along the south shoreof mighty Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced“Pond er ray”), one of theAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 29

USA’s deepest lakes, which stretches35 miles north to Sandpoint.Farragut, venue of this year’s AdventureSports Week, has 4000 acresof trails, beaches, parks, camping,biking, DISC golf and lots more. Itborders the idyllic town of Bay View,which with its houseboats, smalltown markets and quirky “boat-in”restaurants, gives you a glimpse intothe peaceful, “off the beaten track”world of yesteryear.Heading east from Coeur d’ Alene,you can bike the 72 mile “Trail of theCoeur d’ Alenes,” a converted “railsto-trails”project that winds its wayslowly upward into the mountains,through the old mining towns thatmade the “Silver Valley” famous.With several trail heads, you can attemptthe whole trip, or just do someof the shorter portions, dependingon your fitness and interest. www.friendsofcdatrails.orgOne of the highlights of the Rails toTrails system is the Hiawatha Trail,located at Lookout Pass on the Montanaborder. It’s an amazing 14 milebike trail down a 2 -4% grade through10 railroad tunnels (the longest is 1.7miles, and you’ll need a headlampfor the ride) and 8 spanning trestlebridges over the river far below. Atthe bottom, you can choose to takethe bus shuttle back to the trailhead,or attempt the bike ride back up thehill (it’s a bit more difficult on theway back up, BTW, but is doable…).Either way, it’s an awesome familyday! (www.skilookout.com/hiawathaFor biking, there are three great bikeshops in town, all of whom haveworld-class service and sales in themajor brands.Vertical Earth (www.verticalearth.com),Two Wheeler Dealer (www.twowheelerskidealer.com)andMountain View Cyclery (www.mountainviewcyclery.com) can helpyou with all your biking needs.Kayak Coeur d’ Alene (www.kayakcoeurdalene.com)is the region’snumber one kayak shop, and theyhave great rentals, lessons and toursas well.Floating the Coeur d’ Alene River isa big family hit in the summer, andyou’ll often see giant flotillas of raftsand inner tubes joined together for alazy float, complete with radios andcoolers. If you’re looking for a bitmore adventure on the river, you canget some great whitewater rafting inless than two hours from town.There are several fishing outfitters,and you can catch fish anytime ofyear, including ice fishing. Theyeven have several species of inlandsalmon to go with the various speciesof trout and Northern Pike.Adventure WorldWhere to Stay:After the Resort, there are several other very nice hotel choices to suit every budget.The Coeur d’ Alene Inn is owned by the same group as the Resort, and is in the Best Western family. Clean,remodeled and with a great pool, it’s a nice family property. www.cdainn.comThe Shilo inn is another mid-range choice. They have a nice pool, good breakfast, and are a great value choice.Adventure World Magazine is a GreenZine30

www.shiloinns.comSlightly west is the Red Lion Inn – Templin’s in PostFalls. This nice property is on the Spokane River, and isvery attractive. http://redlion.rdln.com/HotelLocator/HotelOverview.aspx?metaID=64There are two Holiday Inn Express properties, one nearRiverstone, the other in Hayden, about 13 minutes north.The Hayden property has the great “Triple Play” familyfun park attached, including an indoor water park, bowling,laser tag, games, go karts etc. Great for the family!www.3play.comThe newest property in town is the Fairfield Inn andsuites in Riverstone. Top notch, and nicely situated.The Guest House is located close to the interstate and hadsome of the best rates in town. Newly remodeled, andwith a nice breakfast, their prices can’t be beat. www.guesthouseintl.com/location-ID-Coeur-d-Alene.htmThere are several good RV parks around town, as wellas many good camping spots. Farragut has plenty oftent spots, RV spots and even “rustic” cabins for rent. Ifyou want to get out of town a bit, there are “real” campingsites up the Coeur d’ Alene river… no amenities, nohookups, nuthin’ except nature.Magazine is a GreenZineDining:North Idaho has a surprising number of great eatingchoices, ranging from cozy breakfast placesto five-star fine dining, and everything in between.Here are some of the unique local favorites:Breakfast: The best breakfast in town, MichaelD’s eatery is located a mile or so down Sherman fromthe Resort, and is the reigning king of breakfast. Theirwaffles, their omelets (try the “Aspiring) and theircorned beef hash are to die for. They also do a greatlunch. They close at 2:00. www.michaeldseatery.comLunch: For the best deli sandwiches you’ve evertasted, head a few minutes north to Daanen’s Deli, onGovernment and Prairie. This German deli has great Germanspecials, live music and terrific beer, but the star of

the show is their sandwiches; yourchoice of meat, cheese, fixings andcondiments piled high on the softest,freshest bread ever! Try turkeywith provolone, Düsseldorfmustard, lettuce, tomato and cranberryon the fresh rye for an ultimatelunch treat. The strudel is alsoworld class! www.daanens.comHudson’s hamburgers: Locatedacross the street from the Resort,this 100 year old restaurant is aCDA landmark. At Huddies’ smalllunch counter, you can order asingle burger or a double burger.You can add cheese, a pickle sliceor onion. That’s it. No fries, no“funny stuff,” no chicken, no website…just the best beef, fresh slicesof pickle, fresh buns, all cookedright there in front of you. Thereisn’t a better burger to be found.They do have pie, if you’re lucky.Dinner: Your choices abound,with a multitude of choices tosuit every taste and budget…Quick and Easy: Even though weare trying to stay away from “chains”for this article, Noodles Express istoo good to ignore (and it’s onlya small chain). With fresh noodleand rice based dishes with greatsauces you can’t go wrong. Try theGreen Bean side order… awesome!Italian: Angelo’s Ristorante, locatedon 4th street in “Midtown” offers100% healthy, organic, naturalItalian food, and their Italian winelist is great! The Cioppino is amazing!www.angelosristorante.netSushi: Also in Midtown, Syringa isthe hottest sushi place in town, withoriginal “fusion” sushi. Great Sakemenu too. www.syringasushi.comTavern: Moon Time, located on15th and Sherman is a great littleplace with terrific microbrews andtavern style food. The lamb burgeris great. www.wedonthaveone.comInsider’s NotesAs I investigated my way around town, I found some potential jewelsthat may have a bright future, though neither was fully up andrunning as of this writing.One of the newest services I heard about is called “The AdventurousLife,” and while their website is still under construction(www.theadventurouslife.com coming soon, they promised), I didspeak with the owner, who is an active adventure athlete himself.They’re offering an interesting variation on the normal tour idea: Basically,they are a complete provider for you, and I mean complete.Want to bike? How far, how high? Want to camp with that? Fish? Wantto do a ½ day “training camp” and then do a “sprint” adventure racefor the family? How about a kayak trip? Want to rock climb or evenclimb a mountain? How about put it all together in a week long getaway?Basically if it has to do with the outdoors, they’ll arrange it for you. Equipment,training, expert guides, your meals (including gourmet dinners if youwant), camping gear… whatever you need, they’ll set you up with a custompackage and take care of you. I like the concept. We’ll see how it turns out.ROW adventures has an office right down town, and they specialize inkayak and canoe tours, and I think they’re expanding to hiking and maybeeven biking this summer. Their office wasn’t open when I went by,but is apparently opening for the season soon. www.rowadventures.comAdventure World Magazine March 2009 32

Getting ThereCoeur d’ Alene and north Idaho areserved by Spokane International Airport,which has flights from almost everymajor carrier. Southwest and Alaskan/Horizonhave the biggest presence.The drive from Seattle is about 4.5hours, and you can be there from Portlandin about 6. Missoula is 3, Boise isabout 8 and even Salt Lake City is only10.www.arworldseries.comthe pinnacle of adventure racingCalgary Canada is about 8 hours, andthe drive through Radium and Banff isone of the prettiest in the world.Ecomotion ‘08 ARWCXPD AustraliaPortugal XPD RaceBergson Winter ChallengeUntamed New EnglandRaid in FranceBimbache Extrem Castilla y LeónExplore SwedenHuairasinchiMark R. is an adventure racer, winecollector, chef, traveler and free-lancewriter who is considering a move tonorth Idaho soon.ARWORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ‘09Portugal XPDwww.arworldseries.comAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 33

Adventure World Magazine March 2009 34

trainingHeart Rate MonitorTrainingby David PerezWith increasing interest into theoutdoor world and fitness in general,there is a drive to track progressand make sure you’re workingout at the rite intensity. Aheart rate monitor can help youaccomplish this if used correctly.This article will review the basicsof using a heart rate monitorand how it can be implemented totrack you progress during workoutsand throughout the season.There are a few terms that youneed to be familiar before delvinginto training zones. When exerciseintensity increases to the pointwhere your muscles are accumulatinglactic acid, this is the zone inwhich your body is operating anaerobicallyand is called anaerobicthreshold (AT) or lactate threshold(LT). You will feel like you areworking out “hard” in this zone oftraining. Aerobic threshold (AeT)is the zone prior to this in which thebody is still clearing lactic acid andthe majority of training is beingdone aerobically (with oxygen).There will be various numbersyour need to calculate to determinethe correct training zone foryourself including resting HR,maximum HR, aerobic thresholdand anaerobic threshold. Maximumheart rate is dictated by yourage as well as your genes. Lactatethreshold can vary depending onyour level of fitness. Thereforedesigning training zones based offof this number would be the bestand most accurate value to use.Determining resting heart rate(RHR). Measure your heart rate assoon as you wake up in the morning.Take your resting heart rate fora minute. Do this for 3-5 days andaverage the numbers. Record thisnumber when you have rested welland not after a hard day of training.Determining Max Heart Rate(MHR). The most accurate methodto determine maximum heartrate is to perform a sports specificmax HR test. Sports such as runningthat involve more overall bodyuse and are gravity dependent willgenerate a higher max heart rate.This is the basis for performing asport specific test. Then again thismethod will only give you an accuratenumber if you’ve been trainingand can go “hard” for an extendedperiod of time. You must also bemedically cleared to do so. Pleasekeep this in mind before gettingout there and exhausting yourself.If you are serious about finding outyour exact max heart rate, performa good warm up of 10-15 minutesthen ramp the intensity up and go ashard as you can for at least 2 minutes.Record your maximum heartrate. If you are unclear about whatto do please seek out a local coachor university specializing in exercisephysiology to help guide you.For the rest of us, consider usingone of the many formulas availableto help determine your maximumheart rate. The most wellknown is: 220-age which theoreticallygives you your MHR. Unfortunatelythis formula has beenfound not to be very accurate at all.An alternative method I use andfound to be accurate is: Max HR= 205.8 – (0.685 x age). Thismethod has also been peer reviewedwithin the Journal of ExercisePhysiology. This gives youyour max HR, which will helpyou develop your training zones.Determining Aerobic threshold(AeT). Typically AeT is thought tobe around 65% of your maximumHR. Multiply 65% x your MHRto determine this number. You willmost often stay within this zone ofAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 35

training to reap the rewards of increasingyour aerobic base, layinga foundation to perform effectiveanaerobic work, and weight loss.Determining anaerobic threshold(AT). This is probably themost important number to determine.There are multiple ways todetermine a good approximationof anaerobic threshold. The easiestwould be recording your HRdata during a race. Take runningfor example, if you could record a10K or half marathon, this wouldgive you a good estimation of youranaerobic threshold. Typicallymost races that we compete in aredone so at this threshold intensity.Another method involves performingan individual time trial in yourrespective sport(s). The time/distancewill need to be long enoughto get true anaerobic thresholddata. There are shorter optionsavailable such as a 5K run TT, 10Kbike TT, etc to get yourself a prettygood estimation of AT. Thereare clearly too many to list forthe purposes of this article, thereare various sources to consult.If you are really motivated tofind out your true anaerobicthreshold, you will need to performa lactate test. Again, consulta local university or coachthat specializes in sports science.Training ZonesOnce you have these numbers establishedyou can then set trainingzones appropriately. There are numerousmethods and charts detailingtraining zones. Clearly you need toset zones appropriate to your levelof experience, goals and knowledgeof the bodies physiology. Youcan be very detailed in devisingyour training zones but if you reallydon’t know the purpose of them,it won’t serve you well and the truebenefits may be lost in the end.Zone 1 (50-60% of MHR) Thiszone is typically used for beginnersor as a recovery workout.Theoretically the lowest levelof max HR you could workoutin and still increase your fitnessZone 2 (60-70% of MHR) Long,slow workouts are performed inthis zone for the majority of thetime. Those looking to really increasetheir mileage would spendthe majority of their early seasontime here. This zone helps yourbody build and distribute capillariesthroughout, thereby makingyou more aerobically structured.It also stimulates the body toburn more fat than carbohydrates.Zone 3 (70-80% of MHR) AerobicThreshold (AeT). This zonehelps increase your aerobic capacitygreater than zone 2. This zonehas been found to be the ideal toimprove your body’s aerobic capacity,more so than zone 2. Youneed zone 2 to increase your distanceand to train your body to usemore fat during workouts; but youneed zone 3 to improve your HRduring workouts which in the endallow you to go harder and faster.This zone continues to workaerobically and relies a little moreon carbohydrates than zone 2.Zone 4 (80-90% of MHR) AnaerobicThreshold (AT). You wouldspend time in this zone if you aretraining your body to tolerate andbecome more effective at dealingwith the build up of lactic acid. Ifyou’re training for an event or are seriousabout your sport, you’re mostlikely performing intervals, whichplace you into this zone of training.Zone 5 (90-100% of MHR) VO2Max. A very hard zone and onethat you will only be able to sustainfor a very short period oftime. Lactic acid is accumulatingvery quickly. This zone is primarilyused for more explosivesports or for those athletes thatcompete in their respective sport.Most of your training will bedone in the aerobic zone with periodswithin a training programor workout into which we maygo anaerobic. Heart rate data isgreat at allowing us to stay at certainintensities yet there are somelimitations worth mentioning. Youheart rate data can be affected byclimate (usually extremes in thetemperature), your recent activitylevel, physiological state andnutrition. Keep this in mind.Because of these factors, rating ofperceived exertion (RPE) is usedto help refine heart rate data. RPEis a subjective assessment of intensity.It is scaled from 6 to 20.Each number represents 10 beatsper measure (example: an RPEof 10 equals roughly a 100 bpm).6 no exertion at all7 extremely light89 very light1011 light1213 somewhat hard1415 hard (heavy)1617 very hard1819 extremely hard20 maximum exertionThe reason you would use thisalong with your HR data, is thatsometimes your HR data can bewrong. An example is working outright after having a cup of coffee.When you workout, your HR monitorwill probably be giving youhigher than normal HR readingsbecause of the effects of caffeine.Your RPE should still match your“real” intensity and will help youmodify your HR readings. Overtime, using this scale and becomingaccustomed to your HR zones, youwill be able to rely more heavilyon RPE instead of following yourwatch throughout a workout or race.Establishing your training zonesand using a HR monitor consistentlycan allow you to train moreeffectively. Make sure to look atyour HR data after the workoutto ensure that you have stayedwithin the respective training zonethroughout the entire time. Look atany patterns that you notice, for exampleseeing your HR sky rocketduring a certain portion of a raceor workout. If you intended to gohard then goal accomplished but ifyou intended to stay within a certainHR take note of your tendenciesduring these times and aim tochange them. Simply looking atyour watch during the workout casuallymay not be as effective. Alsoconsider wearing your watch duringraces to continue to record andrefine your lactate threshold. Effectivetraining comes from targetingspecific stress to the body, usinga heart rate monitor is a valuabletool to help you accomplish this.David Perez, PT, DPT, CSCS is aDoctor of Physical Therapy specializingin meeting the demandsof athletes and specialty patients.He is a USA Cycling and USATriathlon Certified Coach as wellas an NSCA Certified Strengthand Conditioning Specialist. Hespends much of his own time recoveringfrom injuries and helpinghimself return to sports.Adventure World Magazine March 2009 36

training - Heart Rate Monitor SpotlightSuunto t6cMSRP: $429Features:• Altimeter for hill and altitude performance• Dual time, date and alarm• Stopwatch with lap times, interval and countdowntimers• Real-time heart rate and calories• Speed, distance and cycling cadence with optionalPODs• Comprehensive physiological analysis on PC• Comfort Belt for improved fit• Available in red or blackwww.suunto.comTech4o TraiLeader ProMSRP: $199.99Features:• PC interface• 10-day memory• Ventilated polymer strap• Altimeter/barometer• Time, date and alarm• Digital compass• Measures calories, pace, speed, distance, temperature,and heart ratewww.tech4o.comAdventure World Magazine March 2009 37

training - Heart Rate Monitor SpotlightSportline Solo 960MSRP: $99.99Features:• Patented one-touch reading without a chest belt• ECG accurate heart rate measurement• Measures speed, steps taken, distance traveled,exercise time, calories burned• Hi and Lo target zone alarm• Time, dual time, date and 5 daily alarms• Water resistant 50m• Backlight system• Chronographwww.sportline.comNew Balance N5MSRP: $89.99Features:• Dual time and dual alarm• Measures resting heart rate, % of Max HR, averageHR, maximum HR (workout and age-based),exercise time, time in target zone• Stopwatch• Low battery indicator• Backlight system• Water resistant 30m• Available in graphite and frostwww.nbmonitors.comAdventure World Magazine March 2009 38

Two Great Events at One VenueMay 9, 2009 Burnet, TexasUSARA Sprint Adventure Race National ChampionshipThe USARA is proud to present the 2009 Sprint Adventure Race National Championship. Teams fromaround the country will battle it out for bragging rights in Burnet, Texas. Two member teams will mountainbike, trail run and paddle their way to victory. Categories will include male, female, coed, coedmasters, male masters and Clydesdale.USARA Collegiate Adventure Race National ChampionshipThe USARA Collegiate Adventure Race National Championship will be held in conjunction with Sprint Nationals.Collegiate competitors will compete for the title of Sprint Collegiate National Champions. Teams of twowill mountain bike, trail run and paddle. Categories will include coed & male.For the second year in a row, the AIX Group will offer an amazing $3000 sponsorship to the winning collegiatecoed team. This sponsorship package will include AIX Team Racing Gear, funds for race fees and travelexpenses, and armfulls of gear!! The sponsorship includes equipment from Merrell, Suunto, Sole and Zanfel.The team will also receive free entry into the 2009 USARA 24 Hour Adventure Race National Championship, a$900 value, and will be crowned the USARA Collegiate Sprint Adventure Race National Champions!Visit www.usaranationals.com for more details and to get registered today.www.usaranationals.comAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 39

AWM Navigation Challenge Round 6

Adventure World Magazine Navigation Challenge: Round 6Try your navigation skills from the comfort of our own home with this online navigation contest. Answer allthe CP questions in order by following the instructions below. E-Mail your answers to info@adventureworldmagazine.comTrue North and Grid North are assumed to be identical on this 1:24K map.This month your team is in Stanislaus National Forest, CA for the Sixth round of the Adventure World MagazineNavigation Challenge, brought to you by www.ARNavSupplies.com and the Basic Roamer AR.Checkpoint InstructionQuestionStartCP 1CP 2CP 3CP 4North end of Fire Road in UTM Square0748 4245From the start follow a bearing of 320 degreesfrom grid north for 0.3 of a mile.Follow the ridgeline to the highest point inUTM grid 0749 4246Travel via the shortest path to Whittles UpperCamp.From Whittles Upper Camp travel directly tothe benchmark at 6578 in UTM grid 0749 4248What is the elevation at the end of this trail?What is the elevation at this location?How many contour lines were crossed onthe flattest route to this point?How many streams were crossed?What is the distance in meters betweenCP3 and CP4?CP 5 Travel to UTM 0748200 4248690 How many trails intersect at this location?CP 6CP 7From CP 5 travel on the road NNE 1.05 milesto the seasonal creek crossing. Follow theseasonal creek down to its junction withBig Rattlesnake Creek.Follow Big Rattlesnake Creek downstreamuntil it meets the road.What is the elevation at this point?How far downstream have you traveledin miles?CP 8 Take the easiest route to Benchmark 6524. What is the UTM of this location?CP 9Travel by the easiest route possible toUTM 0747140 4249450How many contour lines are crossed onthe flattest route from CP 8 to CP 9?CP 10 Find Ramsey (Site) What is the grid north bearing from CP 9to the Ramsey (Site)FinishEmail your answers to:info@adventureworldmagazine.comAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 41

The Basic Roamer© ARAs the Official Navigation Tool of the USARA, thedesign of the Basic Roamer© AR has been carefullyconsidered for US Adventure Racing and hasover 20 major features. Originally developed forrallying in Europe this tool is now customized andavailable for the US Adventure Racer. Rally navigatorsmust make split second navigation decisions atvery high speed and any errors can be very costlyto crew, car and team. With these challenges in indit is easy to see how the Adventure racing navigatorcan benefit from the Basic Roamer© AR. www.BasicRoamerAR.com.Adventure Racing Rotating Map HolderA lightweight, rotating design with a quick releasemounting bracket the rotating map holder isdesigned to fit almost any bike, it is built strongenough to withstand the rigors of any adventurerace or bicycle orienteering event. The solidconstruction will not flex or flap on rough roads andwill hold most flexible map covers or just the mapitself http://www.arnavsupplies.com/products.htmlPositioned for easy reading it will make bikenavigation much easier. Proven in many races andsuccessfully used in 2006 USARA NationalChampionships.The Adventure Racing Waterproof PedometerNow you don’t have to guess or time your travel to the nextCP, you can know exactly how far you’ve gone. Mostpedometers fail completely when they get near water. We’vedeveloped one that actually works when wet. It even survivedthe full course at Primal Quest.Check out the full line of navigation products fromAR Navigation Supplies including: Waterproof MapCases, Racing Compasses, Waterproof Pens,MYTopo Maps, Nav Practice Guides & More!www.ARNavSupplies.comAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 42

gear closetGear You May Have Never Heard Of-Volume 2 !We reviewed some of the unique & hot, new must have gear we spotted at the annual outdoor trade show.Niteize Figure 9 CarabinerMSRP: $3.99-$5.99 (Small & Large)A super cool little device that eliminates the need for knots. Tieanything down in just a few seconds, untie in the same amount oftime!www.niteize.comBrooks-Range Ultralite Guide TarpMSRP: $145-$179 (10X10 model)8 x 10 and less than 10 oz make this is a great tarp for 2-3people. The tarp has 16 loops sewn in at 2 foot intervalswhich provide for endless possibilities. The tarps can besuspended with trekking poles making it a functional, lightweightpiece of gear for most trips.www.brooks-range.comFeedback Sports Expedition Digital ScaleMSRP: $65.99Awesome scale and easy to use, even for non techies like me. Weigh your pack, your bike, luggage,even the household pet. There are several models to choose from with thousands of uses.www.feedbacksports.comAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 43

gear closet... Gear You May Have Never Heard Of! (continued)Zero GooMSRP: $39.95Say so long to those old moldy hydration bladders & your friends laughing atyour black crusty bladder. Pop your mouth piece off and turn on Zero Goo,a few hours later you have a dry hydration bladder & tube. You can use it todry shoes too!www.zerogoo.comMalone HandirackMSRP: $99.95The Handirack is an inflatable roof rack that will work on justabout any vehicle out there. The Handirack is bomber, sets up injust a few minutes, and stores in a very small carry bag. This is theperfect roof rack for a car or that second vehicle.www.maloneautoracks.comHennessy Hammock Ultralite BackpackerMSRP: $189.95Checking in at 1lb. 15 oz this lightweight functional hammock has all thebells & whistles. Includes a rain fly and bug netting, basically the Ritz in thetrees!www.hennessyhammock.comGlacier Glove Boonie Hat with ShadeMSRP: $24.99Offers 30UPF, has a removable sun shade and is light weight and packable. Theyalso carry gloves & a hood for maximum sun protection.www.glacieroutdoor.comAdventure World Magazine March 2009 44

Kid’s ZoneWhat You Need:1 piece of paper1 pen1 clipboard or something to write onSound MapHow To Get Started:This is a really fun activity even if it is done in your backyard or a totally new area that you have never been tobefore. Find a spot outside where you can comfortably sitdown. On your piece of paper, put a mark in the center ofthe paper for you. Then close your eyes and listen for aleast a minute if not more. Pay attention to what you arelistening to; birds, people, wind, planes..etc. When youare finished listening, open your eyes and write on thepaper what types of sound you heard and where theycame from. See how many things you can get on yoursound map! Try a different area or with a friend to seehow many different maps you can make.The Go Outside mission is to promote an appreciation of the outdoors andhealthy lifestyles in children through positive outdoor experiences, physicalactivity and education.Adventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 45

Kid’s ZoneNomad Kid’s Travel CotMSRP: $156.95 (polyester)-$169.50 (cotton)A must have for parents that travel with kids. Weighing in around 3pounds, the travel cot packs down really small and erects in about 2minutes. The shelter has a sleeve for an inflatable pad and they alsomake a sleeping bag & travel sheet to fit the shelter. The Travel Cotalso doubles as play tent for the little ones.www.nomad.infoBuff Junior & BabyMSRP: $18-$25Same great Buff with a thousand uses from warmth to keeping thehair out of your face. Now in junior and baby sizes. They are superfunctional and cute!www.buff.usAdventure World Magazine March 2009 46

Adventure WorldAdventure WorldmagazineInterested in Advertising with AWM,email us atON THE HORIZONComing up in future issues:Feature Articles:• Producing Your First Event• ‘Green’ Gearinfo@adventureworldmagazine.comand we will send you ourmedia kit.Please specify whether you are arace director/promotor or acompany seeking to reach aspecific market of readers.• Training and Pregnancy• Creating Your Own Expedition• Trail Running Special Issue• Cross Training Options Gear Reviews:• Trail Running Shoes• Rain Jackets• Socks • And More!If you have anything that you wouldlike to read about or just havesuggestions or comments...email us atinfo@adventureworldmagazine.comDual-action Zanfel.The only product clinically shownto remove urushiol, the toxin found in poison ivy,oak and sumac, from the skin anytime after breakoutwhile relieving itching within 30 seconds.Call 800-401-4002 or visit www.zanfel.comZanfel is a product of Zanfel Laboratories, Inc. ©2008 All rights reserved. U.S. pat.#6,423,746, #7,008,963. Additional U.S. and foreign patents pending. Zanfel and the Zanfel logo are trademarks of Zanfel Laboratories, Inc., Clive, IA.Adventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 47

it happened to me!Knee Deep in ColombiaPhotos and story by Jacob ThompsonThe pavement ended sometimeago and we began passing throughsmaller and smaller towns. Theroads got progressively more challenging,particularly as the rainfailed to ease up. Police motorcyclesescorted us out of Sonson,and helped us find the entrance toa trocha (dirt road) that would takeus to the mountain village of Aguadas.This road does not exist onany maps.It began with a lengthy drop to theriver below where a sizeable mudslidebroke away just before thebridge. The sounds of distant thundercame from the flooding river asboulders got pushed down the watercourse.A tired sounding motorcyclecrossed the bridge and its driverpleaded with us not to continue.Apparently, he had tried to take theroad and finally gave up after gettingstuck in a derrumbe peligroso(dangerous landslide) crossing.Cars had long ago given up on thethought of passing this road, eventhe Chivo Bus (colorful publictransit so named for their ability tocarry goods from farmers way outin the country) turned around half aday´s ride back. Our path becametwo rutted out channels that soonflooded with water and mud.We took refuge for the night in theabandoned shell of a Chivo Bus.Anything of any value or use hadalready been scavenged from it andlocal farmers used it to store sacksof harvested chayotes. The raincontinued all night.Early in the day we could still finddry channels to ride in, but as thewater increased and the roads deteriorated,we were left to search fora line with the shallowest water.Xtracycles put all the weight towardsthe rear which gave us prettygood traction, even in streams ofmud. But, as the trail got steeper, itwasn´t traction we were concernedabout.What were normally mere technicalrock obstacles, had becomeraging rapids, and our trail was inevery way a small flooding river.Waterfalls of mud brought hugerocks crashing down from the cliffsabove, across our path and fallinginto what used to be part of the trocha;now abandoned to the valleybelow. Some stretches threatenedto sweep us away with the currentand forced me to step off my bikeand drag it through the current.During one such section, I steppedback on my bike, and felt the alarmingsensation of the chain poppingand my feet spinning wildly. Itossed down my bike and grabbedonto my chain hoping to salvage thePowerlink and make a quick repairwhile stopped at a section wherea landslide was not just possible,but inevitable. Unfortunately, thePowerlink was swept away in thecurrent. I started cranking on theAdventure World Magazine March 2009 48

chain tool reconnecting the linksuntil I discovered another free sectionof chain in my hand, anotherfailed Powerlink. My rear cassettestarted winding back taking the restof the chain back through the derailleur.I grabbed onto the end ofit before it dropped into the floodedtrail.I looked over at Goat who had witnessedwhat just happened. “Thatwas sketch, man. We don´t havethat much extra chain,” he said tome.“No kidding.” I replied and lookedup towards the cliff ahead, “thatcascade of mud looks ready to go.I wish there was somewhere saferwe could go. Tough working on abike in these conditions.”“We´re at the bottom of this mountain,we have a ways to go.” Hesaid, while looking over my shoulderat the deluge ahead.It was an intimidating scene watchingthe water charge its way downthe hill. A few kilometers furtherup the hill we came upon a few isolatedhouses. We observed some ofthe local women building up embankmentsto divert the water awayfrom flooding their homes.“No pueden pasar por alla (Youcan´t travel over there).” One ofthe women said with an edge to hervoice, tinted in fear. They explainedto us that just three hours ago, theroad fell out along a drainage.“Por favor. Por Favor. No pasearpor alla. (Please. Please. Don´ttravel over there)” Another beseeched.JJ greeted me at the beginning ofthe mudslide, “Let me help youcross this one. Sean got swept upand pinned under his bike. It´spretty gnarly.”A cascade had crumpled and takenwith it the narrow corner of road.Large rocks were lifted up by themuddy current and shifting thepattern of rapids while other partswere deceptively deep with mud.Dragging the bike through it wasambitious and dangerous, even forthe two of us.For the next few hours we foughtthe flood and landslides. Knee deepmud and waist deep puddles madeit a messy enterprise covering anyground. Our bikes suffered fromthe exposure and soon my smallAdventure World Magazine is a GreenZine 49

his horse.He fed the horse some neon greengalletas (cookies) and looked downat our bikes, then looked over at usand said, “¿Son buenas trochas,no? Nice roads out here, no?”I couldn´t agree more.chain ring was inoperable. A fewspins later, it was sucking into theframe and compelling me to stepoff. Only my big front ring wasreliable, demanding me to powerthrough the steep, technical sectionswhich often enough provedtoo much.We reached the granddaddy of allmudslides heading into the evening.A 150-foot chunk of the mountainjust dropped away, the apparent resultof a recent slash and burn thatstill charred the surrounding land.A 20-foot drop broke the road andopened up to a steep muddy pit ofearth.We removed our bags and carriedthem up and over the top ridge ofthe slide. This proved a huge detouralong cracks in the landscapethat threatened to fall below. Weopted to slide into the mud pit anddrag our bikes across.Some kids stood at the edge of theroad, warning us not to continuecrossing. “Estan loco. Ahora esdemasiado peligroso (You guysare crazy. It is too dangerous rightnow).” There is no doubt that livingalong a road so frequented bymudslides has familiarized themwith their dangers.The dangers were obvious. Butsoon enough, we found ourselveson the other side and were stokedto be back on our bikes.After a long day, we reached a forkin the road and a small little tienda(store) called “Cuatro Esquinas(Four Corners)”. For the life of us,we couldn´t see the fourth corner,but it didn´t matter because the sunmade a brief appearance and wehad made it to the top of the pass.We all ordered cold beers and saton a bench in front of the storerelishing our recent adventure andwatching the locals ride by on theirhorses. One rode his horse ontothe porch, dismounted and ordereda beer. He began a game of poolwith the bartender and would comeout every few minutes to check onJacob Thompson is a freelancewriter. He and his friends, Seanand Goat (along with some guestriders), are out to ride the spine ofthe Western Hemisphere from Alaskato Tierra del Fuego. They havecurrently paddled from Panama toColumbia and have resumed theirbike journey and are now in Ecuador.For more information aboutthier journey, visit their site at:www.ridingthespine.com.Adventure World Magazine March 2009 50