Aventure Racing Beginner

“My sister-in-law is all excited because she found out about Buff Betty. She called me up and wants me to do it with her since she says I'm the only one she knows who would be interested in something like that. And I admit that the idea of doing it is very appealing to me.

But here's the problem...I am not even close to being ready physically for something like that. I also would like to attend some clinics to get familiar with the whole thing.

So my question is what kind of advice would you impart to me? And I'd love to know your recommended web sites, etc. I have already done a search of old threads on AR and have been reading those as well. I'd especially be interested in hearing from anyone who is familiar with this particular race series. Could I handle it?”

“Joy and I did a buff betty in 2004. Mostly be able to read a map, be able to paddle a couple of miles, bike 10 miles of single track and run/hike 10 miles. They had a nice afternoon prior to the race to familiarize newbies to the requirements and to coach rappeling when we were there. Most of all have a great time.

Which one are you doing?”

“Oh and Ruby, UPlover and I may be doing some training more towards your area. We'll keep you posted in case you want to join in. Orienteering?”

“Yes, please!!!

That sister-in-law, Kary, is the one who may join us on Friday night. I wanted her to meet you guys.

We are thinking about the one in Illinois in July (I think it is). We also talked about possibly going up to the Detroit one in April for the clinic and to familiarize ourselves with the race.”

“Congrats Ruby, I'm running my first adventure race March 11 in Ohio. It's a six-hour duathlon. I'll post some info and report after the race.”

“Ruby if you chicks make it to the detroit one you're very welcome to crash here. I'd love to head to the park w/ you and cheer for you, help in your transitions, etc.

It's so much fun. You really should give it a try. You're in plenty good enough shape to do it. The only thing I ever had real trouble with was some climbing (40 ft cargo net). If you have a place to rock climb (our rec center has a rock wall), it's good practice.

I was so lucky to have Diane to lead me through a few races. I look forward to getting back into them!”

“Any time you want girl. I'll be there.”

“and i'll try to be there too ruby !!!”

“I have really been wanting to get into adventure racing, but, I'm like you Ruby....no experience. And I really dont know where to start. All you midwest ladies wanna come out to CO for one??? ;)”

“Hey I wanna play too ;) how about co-ed lol”

“John, if you promise to dress like a lady during the race, we might allow you to join......”

“hmmm, does it count if I wear a kilt?”

“Heya Rubes and D....(and anyone else that's interested)
You guys wanna go to Yankee Springs and do some training?????
We could make a weekend out of it,camping at the campground, and get in some trail running, mtn. biking and orienteering, all at the same place!”

“I would love to get into this sport”

“All the encouragement is so, well, encouraging!

Upluver, when you go, let me know. We just might be interested in joining you. I told Kary today that if we were going to do this, she had to commit to doing some backpacking and dayhiking with me. She has never done anything like that before. So we decided to get together out at the Dunes on Sunday afternoons. Childcare issues are taken care of then.

While I can hike, I certainly cannot run. I have been working very hard on weight loss and exercising consistently lately. So this proposal is another kick in the pants for me. Hopefully by this spring I can kick it up to a jog on the trail.

We have some questions. On bikes--she has a Trek bike. I have a mountain-bike-shaped Costco special. We are both wondering if they will work. Neither of us have any off-pavement biking experience.

Paddling--canoe or kayak? Do we provide our own?

Cargo nets? Rappelling? Sounds like fun but also very daunting. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yowzer! You will love Kary.


And Sass, thanks for the invite. We just might take you up on it.”

“I'll definitely let ya know, Ruby.....I thought about the dunes too.....that would be about halfway between me and dhutch.”

“I did an urban adv. race last summer.

The big hint that the pro gave us at our 'clinic' last year was this: spend at least a portion of your training days doing multiple disciplines. Like, run AND bike on the same days, back to back. You need to get your muscles used to starting an activity when they are tired from some other discipline.”

“spalpeen, IJ - South Kettle Moraine Challenge in May. First come first teammate.

embear - you find a race, I'll check the calendar. Still a pretty good deal to take the train out there for me and my bike.”

“I did an adventure race a few years ago. Our co-ed team consisted of three ladies (including myself) and one fella. The guy dropped out halfway through!! Sheesh!
I think I'll stick to hiking and backpacking myself, but have a good time!”

“UPlover -- you got it! Yankee Springs training weekend. Late March, early April so we can be more assured of a bike??

IJ, Ruby, spalpeen - game?

PS - I have at Yankee, woohoo! Who's got nav?”

“I am in”

“if ruby goes.... i'm in too!!! lets get gem there also and let opie make her go crazy!!”

“http://www.gravityplay.com/expedition/

There yall go. Check that site out for races coming up. Several of them have 'scaled back versions' that are a lot more manageable for beginners.”

“Sounds good to me...Early April would probably work best for me but I'm easy :D

D, remind me this weekend I need to talk to you about the Kettle Moraine race!”

“Yankee Springs sounds good. I know nothing about it. When you schedule it, I'll let you know if we can make it happen.



Thanks, Roam!”

“Hollar at us (please) when you head to Yankee springs. It's not too far and Birch has a mtn bike race there sometime in April anyways, give hima chance to meet the course.
Ruby,
Regarding the bikes: The trek is a bonefide mtn bike most likely, (they do make street bikes but they're less common), and there are racers who ride single speed bikes still and win. If your bike's frame is sturdy enough to take a few bumps and your brakes work well it'll probably do. If you weren't so tall you could borrow mine (for the detroit area race). Chances are that costco actually made that bike to ride trails.”

“Dhutch thanks for the invite sounds like spalpeen had already nabbed the spot?”

“IJ - No that was an "I'm in" for Yankee Springs I think.

Sass, we'll keep you posted.

South Kettle Moraine Challenge 18 hour race also allows 4 person coed teams :-)”

“dhutch that is for Kettle Moraine if the date fits”

“Cool spalpeen I hope it works. Would you be opposed to a coed 4 person team if we have more interest?”

“That would be great,more the merrier”

“saweeet!”

“Well I'm betting I know where you can pick up one more person :)
As long as there's no low tree branches!! lol”