Hello Fellow Adventure Racers,
There has been a long silence from us at ARequip & MadAthlete because we've been
busy adding a TON of new products to both our websites to better meet your
adventure needs.  Keep us in mind for all your sports nutrition refills of
Hammer products, Power Bar, GU and more.  We've also added a growing selection
of trail running shoes from Salomon,  Montrail & Vasque, cycling apparel from
Pearl & Canari, and other technical gear.  As always, all orders over $25 are
eligible for free shipping!  And, most items ship same day, so you'll have them
in time for your next race!  Good luck this racing season.  Tom & Mike

If anyone is up for a bike ride this evening let me know. I'm flexible as to
location. Give me a call at 865-9895 and we can discuss. Cheers!

Volunteer Memorial Day weekend & race for FREE at your next event

Odyssey Wild, Wonderful 24hr Adventure Race
May 22-24, 2009
New River Gorge, WV

Volunteers Wanted - May 22-24 - for the grand terrain of the New River Gorge.
Take a front row seat & support teams as they navigate their way through Wild,
Wonderful West Virginia.

Come out to help for any length of time...

Double Volunteer Credit means you can earn your next Free race in just one
weekend. You are welcome to gift your credit to anyone, anytime.

Sign me up! https://www.raceit.com/register/?formid=469&event=195
Read about the WW24AR http://www.oarevents.com/events/2009/WildWonderful.shtml

What could I do as a volunteer?

     * interview racers pre- and post- race
     * registration set-up & post-race pack-up; finish line food
     * greet/check in racers at registration
     * blog about race stories & updates during live coverage
     * check in/out racers at checkpoints on the race course
     * help update race times on live leaderboard
     * run shout outs from friends & family out to racers on the course
     * cheer on racers firsthand!
     * learn lots about adventure racing and observe racer secrets
     * have a lot of fun w/like-minded folks! - really!
     * while car camping on the course or at sheltered headquarters

Experience Adventure!

Odyssey Adventure Racing
www.OARevents.com
email: volunteer@...
phone: 540.444.4422
web: http://www.OARevents.com

[cross-post]

Just a Reminder...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Registration for the Odyssey Wild, Wonderful 24hr Adventure Race closes this
upcoming Monday, 5/11, at midnight EST.

Whitewater raft, mountain bike, hike and navigate your way through West
Virginia.

Join the 50 soloists & teams from 21 states on Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-24)
for this new favorite!

Read more about the WWAR here:
http://www.oarevents.com/events/2009/WildWonderful.shtml

Register for the WWAR now:
https://www.raceit.com/register/?event=245

or sign up to Volunteer:
https://www.raceit.com/register/?formid=469&event=195

View racer map & roster/leaderboard here:
http://checkpointtracker.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.showCompetitorMap&eventID=\
163

The WWAR is part of the national Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Race Points
Series:
http://checkpointtracker.com/


Experience Adventure!
Odyssey Adventure Racing
www.OARevents.com

Adventure Race Training Day - Hardwick, Vermont

Saturday May 30, 2009

The next Hardwick Adventure Race Training Day is coming soon.   I’m 

finishing up the planning the course, and will be out running the sections 

in the next couple of weeks.  Most of the snow is gone, and although a few 

of the lakes up here still have ice on them, I expect everything to be clear by 

the 30th.  As usual, the course  has lots of remote areas, but never far from 

civilization.  The course is designed to take 6-8 hours, with a short course 

option for a 2-3 hour race.  Both courses will include hiking, orienteering, 

canoeing, biking, and lots of fun.

This training day is for anyone interested in Adventure Racing – whether 

you consider yourself experienced or this is your first race.  I encourage 

experienced racers to pair up with someone knew.  If you don’t have a 

partner, I will try to match you up with someone.  There are no excuses for 

not coming.

Gear Check is at 8:30 at Hazen Union School in Hardwick.  Race starts at 

9:00 am.  Meal to follow the race at 5:00pm.  A great deal for a $30 

donation – the money benefits the students of the Hazen Union Outing Club.  

I hope to have some canoes available for an additional $10 per canoe.  I also 

have some bikes available.  The rest of the gear list will be minimal.

If you are interested, please register by May 25th by emailing me at 

marc_considine@....  Please feel free to email if you have 

any questions or concerns.  I will try to create a course that meets your needs 

and experience levels.

We've rolled out a brand new website at http://www.gmara.org. Take a look and
let me know what you think.

Secondly, we'll be offering a free nav clinic at the South Burlington EMS store
on May 5th. Full details can be found here: http://www.gmara.org/events.html

Also - it's really nice out today! If you happen to be free this afternoon, give
me a call. I want to get out for a bike ride. 865-9895.

All -

Spring is springing, and Club Day is just about here!  This year's
event is all day Friday and Saturday April 17th and 18th.  Due to
more and more brands putting restrictions on advertised sales Club
Day will be the only opportunity to get 20% off anything that EMS
sells - all other sales this spring and summer season will have
restrictions on certain brands or categories...but not good old Club
Day!

In addition to that money raised directly for the clubs attending,
EMS is donating 1% of the proceeds of every sale to The Conservation
Alliance.

As usual, we'll have a table set up with info on our races and the
club in general - stop by, say hi, and grab your gear while the
getting's good!

Race on,
-Tim

---
GMARA: Bringing Adventure to the Great Outdoors!      tim@...
(GMARA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization)

Just a reminder...

FIX Soloist & Team Registration closes tonight (Monday), March 30th @midnight,
EST.
Registration: https://www.raceit.com/Register/?event=195

Read more about the FIX, incl. team roster here
http://oarevents.com/events/2008/endorphin_fix.html

3.5 Days, 300 Miles, 103% Pure West Virginia Adventure

**Other upcoming deadline:

April 6 - discounted rate ends for Wild, Wonderful 24hr AR (save $25 each by
registering now) http://oarevents.com/events/2009/WildWonderful.html

Join us & Experience Adventure!

Odyssey Adventure Racing
www.OARevents.com

3.5 Days, 300 Miles,
103% Pure West Virginia Adventure

The recent competitor newsletter revealed that the epic proportions of the
upcoming 18th edition of the FIX will likely be compared to those of past Beast
of the East race courses.

***Registration closes next Monday, March 30th. Join us & Experience Adventure!
(Register @ https://www.raceit.com/Register/?event=195)***

The full course offering of almost 300 miles will serve up 80,000' of elevation
over the 3 and ½ days - a significant sampling of southern West Virginia's most
rugged, beautiful terrain. Course designer Joy Marr and race director Ronny
Angell are working hard to see that racers are richly rewarded for their efforts
by showcasing the best the area has to offer.

Multiple trekking marathons will be juxtaposed with paddling legs covering over
50 miles of West Virginia water. Some careful preparation will be merited as the
letter also revealed that racers will be navigating Class I-III rapids with
their bikes strapped into the 16' canoes. It's unlikely the recently removed
riverboarding sections will be missed as racers soak in the full vista during
their 200' foot rappel. Fair warning was given about an 80+ mile mountain biking
leg that will encompass 21,000' of elevation gain and loss - and most certainly
breathtaking views and fast descents.

Need an endorphin fix to kick off your adventure racing season? Odyssey can and
will deliver.

From the FIX athletes themselves:

"I am still not sure if you, guys, are still on my Christmas cards list, but I
am really grateful for the experience. It was TRULY OUTSTANDING." - Alexandra,
FIX08

" I cannot say how much our team enjoyed the course, great scenery, pain and
sense of accomplishment. This was a true adventure race and the extended day was
a great addition." - Bryce, FIX08


Read more about the FIX @ http://oarevents.com/events/2008/endorphin_fix.html

Register for the FIX by March 30 @ https://www.raceit.com/Register/?event=195

Volunteer Registration is open @
https://www.raceit.com/register/?formid=469&event=195

What could I do as a volunteer?

     * interview racers pre- and post- race
     * registration set-up & post-race pack-up; finish line food, certificates
     * check in racers & their gear at registration
     * blog about race stories & updates during live coverage
     * take & post photographs, video clips
     * check in/out racers at checkpoints on the race course
     * assist in whitewater safety on the river(s)
     * assist ropes crew at climb site(s)
     * help update race times on live leaderboard
     * run shout outs from friends & family out to racers on the course
     * cheer on racers firsthand!
     * learn lots about adventure racing and observe racer secrets
     * have a lot of fun w/like-minded folks! - really!
     * while car camping on the course or at sheltered headquarters

Feel free to contact volunteer@... w/any questions.

If you haven't yet, take a couple minutes to respond to the survey found here:
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/gmara/message/404

Thanks to those of you who have already responded!

Cheers,
Chris

Our Canadian friends, Endurance Aventure, are hosting two races on May 9th. One
is an 1.5 to 3 hour course and the other is a challenging 5-10 hour race.

The gear lists for both are fairly minimal and you can rent a kayak directly
from them.

At least two teams from our area are already headed up. It would be great to get
a few more and really have a strong showing as an organization. Let me know if
you're thinking about it.

http://www.enduranceaventure.com/en/printemps.htm

Hopefully this email finds you all well on this beautiful sunny day! I managed
to get out for a bike ride at lunch today and it was great. I'm sure most of you
are as excited for the warm weather as I am, although I know a few of our winter
fans will lament the disappearance of the snow.

The purpose of this email is to enlist your help in making our organization even
better. There are two sections below - the first gives an overview of the areas
we'd love people to become more involved in, and the second is a brief survey to
get a feel for the vibe of the club. Please take a moment to respond to the
survey if possible.

Thanks for taking the time. I hope to see you at some events this summer!

Cheers,
Chris

ps Keep your eyes open for a redesigned website in the next few weeks!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GETTING INVOLVED

There are several places where we could use some help. Please let me know if
you'd be interested in doing any of them or if you have any other ideas. We're
certainly open to suggestions!

* Membership coordinator - We need someone who would be willing to keep track of
when memberships are going to expire and to send gentle reminders. (We'll give
you the brass knuckles.) Tim has been doing this job since inception and could
use a hand/break. It's not super time-intensive and would really help us out.

* Pick-up event organizers - We'd like to have people organizing group hikes,
rides, snowshoes, etc.. At least one person (thanks Graham!) has already
volunteered to run a twice-a-month group mtb ride. If we can get a few other
people doing things like that, it would be great! We are looking into setting up
a group calendar to run this sort of thing - if anyone has a strong opinion on
that, let me know.

* Night race planners - Colin is working on putting together a short,
beginner-friendly, super-fun nighttime race for this summer. He could use some
help to pull this off. We think there's lots of folks that would like to try a
race in the dark without doing a 24 hour event or just want to try something
different. Hopefully we're right!

* Sponsorship recruitment / maintenance - We could use some assistance in both
finding new sponsors and keeping strong relationships with our existing
sponsors. We're getting to the point where we have a good number and a few extra
hands would help us out here.

* Video creation - One area we are really strong in is photo-taking. (We posted
over 1200 from this year's Frigid.) However, one area we're currently really
weak in is video. We have one DVD from the first Frigid, but apart from that,
nothing. We did take some at last year's Bitter Pill and would love for someone
to piece it together with a soundtrack and make something rocktastic like what
you'll find here: http://www.enduranceaventure.tv/  (If you watch the Raid
Automne video you'll eventually see Jim, Geoff, Marc, and myself in there.)

* Odds & ends - Maybe none of that appeals but you want to help somehow still! I
have several little side projects that need exploring and could use someone to
test them out and/or explore options. Let me know if you want some work from the
random grab-bag.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEMBER SURVEY

* What are some events you'd like to see the club put on? Clinics, races,
training, get-togethers, etc..

* What sponsorship benefits to you currently take advantage of? Are there any
sponsor benefits you'd like to see?

* What are your suggestions for making the organization better/bigger?

* What races do you plan on attending this year? Are you considering attending a
24hr or longer race? Do you want help getting ready for an event like that?

* Would you be more/less likely to sign up for a summer race that had a
fantastic trek/bike/swim/ropes section but no paddle?

* What are some new race disciplines you would like to see?

[to view this e-mail online, go to http://preview.tinyurl.com/viewe-mailonline]

SUPPORT, LEARN & EARN - online volunteer registration is now open for the '09
Odyssey AR season

up next: Odyssey Endorphin FIX 3.5 Day Adventure Race April 15-19, 2009
Pipestem, WV

VOLUNTEERS WANTED - April 15-19 - for the wilds of southern West Virginia. Take
a front row seat & support teams as they navigate their way through 250+ miles
of West Virginia's most beautiful, rugged terrain.

Support athletes and the AR community, Learn as you observe athletes & ask
questions of those around you & Earn volunteer credit to cash in for your own
events or to give as a gift to others.

Come out to help for any length of time. You'll accrue vol. credit usable
towards any OAR event. 4 days of vol = free event day

What could I do as a volunteer?

     * interview racers pre- and post- race
     * registration set-up & post-race pack-up; finish line food, certificates
     * check in racers & their gear at registration
     * blog about race stories & updates during live coverage
     * take & post photographs, video clips
     * check in/out racers at checkpoints on the race course
     * assist in whitewater safety on the river(s)
     * assist ropes crew at climb site(s)
     * help update race times on live leaderboard
     * run shout outs from friends & family out to racers on the course
     * cheer on racers firsthand!
     * learn lots about adventure racing and observe racer secrets
     * have a lot of fun w/like-minded folks! - really!
     * while car camping on the course or at sheltered headquarters

Sign me up! https://www.raceit.com/register/?formid=469&event=195

Read about the 18th edition of the EFIX AR
http://oarevents.com/events/2008/endorphin_fix.html

Questions? contact Susanna via volunteer@...

Experience Adventure!
w/Odyssey Adventure Racing
email: info@...
phone: 540.444.4422
web: http://www.OARevents.com

Hello all!  Just a quick reminder that this year's Frigid Infliction
is fast approaching.  We still have rooms for a few teams, but we'd
like to close registration by this coming Tuesday.  If you're
interested but have been putting off signing up, please do so ASAP so
we know what to expect, have the right number of everything printed
up, etc.

If it helps your decision at all, Bolton Valley's gotten 6 FEET (yes,
you read that right) of snow in the last week, and there's more in
the forecast.  If you're looking for some outdoor winter fun this
year, the Frigid's your ticket.

Here's the full blurb:
The Green Mountain Adventure Racing Association and MVP Health Care
want to get your adventure racing year started early with The Frigid
Infliction - the largest winter adventure race in the US! Get away
from the average winter crowds and put your cold-weather skills to a
true test in some of the gnarliest terrain Vermont has to offer.

What: Navigation, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, postholing,
ropes work
Where: In and around Bolton Valley, VT
When: Saturday, March 7th 2009
Who: Teams of 2 or 3, coed or single-sex. Limited to first 35 paid
teams.
Cost: $300 for 2, $390 for 3 - $20 discount per GMARA member.

This race is USARA sanctioned - start earning points early.  Prizes
this year include discounted entries to nationals, the Untamed New
England, and a free entry to an Endurance Aventure event.  (Along
with the usual terrific gear we don't want to give up.)

As always, we'll be holding a navigation clinic at registration the
night before and don't forget our famous post-race party: food,
drink, massages, and prizes prizes prizes! We'll be having dinner at
The Cider House again - anyone who raced the last Bitter Pill will
tell you their food is amazing. Try to save room for key lime pie!

More info: http://www.gmara.org/frigid
Testimonials: http://www.gmara.org/testimonials.html
Previous results and photos: http://www.gmara.org/races.html


Old Man Winter thinks you're a wuss... prove him wrong!


-Tim Curtin, Race Director, The Frigid Infliction 2009
---
GMARA: Bringing Adventure to the Great Outdoors!      tim@...
(GMARA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization)

On a separate note, I'm headed out tomorrow morning to enjoy the snow.
Feel free to give me a call if you're interested in going. 865-9895.

Remember you get free snowshoe rentals at the So Burlington EMS if you
are a club member!

-Chris

There is both a 4k and 8k (plus a half k kids race) at Smuggs this
Sunday. You can read the details here:
http://www.smuggs.com/pages/winter/skiride/winter-events.php

Cheers!

Adventure Race Training Day - Hardwick, Vermont
February 14, 2008

The Hardwick Adventure Race is one coming soon.  I don't really know
how much snow we've got up in in beautiful, snowy Hardwick.  I
usually look out to see how much of my above-ground pool is visible,
but I can't see it anymore.   I'm finishing up the details on the
course, and will be out running the final sections in the next few
days.  The course looks nice – lots of remote areas, but never far
from civilization.  The skiing sections of the course are on trails,
but don't count on them being groomed.  Snowshoeing will cover a wide
variety of terrain.  There will also be a little hiking thrown in, as
well as few other surprises.  The course is designed to take 4-6
hours, with a short course option for a 2-3 hour race.

I need to get an idea on how many teams (and number of team members)
are planning to come.  As of today (Wednesday, I have 4 teams
registered, with room for a few more.  Skis and snowshoes are
available if you need them, but I need to know ahead.  Registration
deadline is this weekend, but all you have to do to register is
contact me at marc_considine@....

Gear Check is at 8:30.  Race starts at 9:00 am.  Meal to follow the
race at 3:00pm.  A great deal for a $25 donation.

Hello all!  This year's MVP Health Care Frigid Infliction is coming
up soon.  If you're considering it, you should sign up ASAP.  Why?
We've got a cap of 35 teams this year, and we're at 19 already.
Prices increase on the 26th.  And, if you want a shirt (you do), the
deadline for signup is Feb 8th.

If your "winter" adventure plans involve canoeing or biking... you
need to come to a *real* winter race.  See what Old Man Winter can do!

What: 10 hours of navigation, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing,
postholing, and ropes work in the largest Winter Adventure Race in
the US
Where: In and around Bolton Valley, VT
When: Saturday, March 7th 2009
Who: Teams of 2 or 3, coed or single-sex. Limited to first 35 paid
teams.
Cost: $260 for 2, $360 for 3 - $20 discount per GMARA member. Price
increases Jan 26, and registration after Feb 8th doesn't guarantee a
shirt, so register soon!

This race is USARA sanctioned - start earning points early.  We'll
also be giving away free or discounted entries to Untamed New
England, the USARA Nationals, and an Endurance Aventure event along
with our normal bevy of gear.

We'll have a navigation clinic at registration the night before, and
don't forget our famous post-race party: food, drink, massages, and
prizes prizes prizes! We'll be having dinner at The Cider House again
- anyone who raced the last Bitter Pill will tell you their food is
amazing. Just try to save room for key lime pie!

More info: http://www.gmara.org/frigid
Testimonials: http://www.gmara.org/testimonials.html
Previous results and photos: http://www.gmara.org/races.html


Old Man Winter thinks you're a wuss... come prove him wrong!
-Tim Curtin, Race Director

---
GMARA: Bringing Adventure to the Great Outdoors!      tim@...
(GMARA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization)

I am looking to see if anyone needs a teammate for this event.  I have
only competed in one of Marc's events so far but am hooked and would
like to hook up with a team that has more orienteering skill than I.
If anyone is interested, I can be reached at mccarthyej@....
Thanks.  See you there!


--- In gmara@yahoogroups.com, Marc Considine <marc_considine@...>
wrote:
>
>
> Hardwick Area Winter Adventure Race Training Day
>
> Saturday February 14th, 2009
>
> Whether you are in training for the Frigid Infliction, want to try
adventure racing for the first, or just want to get lost in the snow,
this is the day for you.  Join the Hazen Union Outing Club in snowy
Hardwick as we host a winter adventure race training day on
Valentine's day, February 14th.  This race will include skiing,
snowshoeing, and a few other surprises, and should last about 6 hours,
with an optional shorter course if you're not up to racing for six
hours.  Skiing will be partially on groomed trails.  Snowshoeing could
be anywhere... and will be.
>
> We have skis and snowshoes available to rent for $5 if you need
them.
> A $25 donation to the Hazen Union Outing Club due by February 7th
reserves your space.
>
> Keep on eye out for our spring 10-hour race training tentatively
scheduled for May 31st.
>
> For more information, contact marc_considine@...
>
>
> To: gmara@yahoogroups.com
> From: chris@...
> Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:11:38 -0500
> Subject: Re: [gmara] Winter Training Race
>
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>             Marc,
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>
> that's a great idea! If you definitely decide to do it, let me know,
and
>
> I'll get the details out on the website.
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Chris Yager
>
> President, Green Mountain Adventure Racing Association
>
> http://www.GMARA.org
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> _________________________________________________________________
> Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync.
> http://windowslive.com/howitworks?
ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_allup_howitworks_012009
>