SINGAPORE (Team Geared Up) - This race is an introduction to adventure racing and will give the Mizen teenagers a feel for what is involved when the World Series Adventure Race, a gruelling five day challenge for the world’s top adventure racing teams, comes to Schull, Ireland on June 17th.

In conjunction with the Turas and in order to promote adventure racing and sports in Ireland among kids…Dierdre Nic Challanain has organized a mini adventure race in Schull this Friday.

This Friday 1st & 2nd year pupils and staff of Schull Community College will compete in the first ever Schull Adventure Race. Participating in teams of three or four, the teenagers will be physically and mentally challenged in four different activities.

The race starts with first team members running from the pier to the sailing centre before embarking on a kayaking loop in Schull harbour. On completion, the second team member will have to navigate their way around Schull park with the aid of a specialist orienteering map in search of a series of checkpoints. Following on from this is a tough cycle ride around the back lanes of Schull culminating in a cross country run around the school.

It’s great to see people from local communities rallying and gearing up for the Turas.

-Robin.

(Image Credit: Mafikeng Ventures try an Adventure Race practice in Howth.)

SINGAPORE (Team Geared Up) - The Rat Race (I took part in the London Rat Race last year) is coming to Ireland. Great news.

The much-loved event, having experienced runaway success in Britain, is now set to reach the shores of the Emerald Isle with 2 new and exciting events planned for Galway and Belfast this summer.

Why foreign events call our island the ‘emerald isle’ when advertising to the Irish, I don’t know. We invented that term to increase American tourism, we don’t actually call ourselves that.

Belfast has an event base at City Hall. On the 9th August, the Rat Race sees competitors running, biking, kayaking, abseiling, climbing and navigating their way around the city in a course that is only revealed hours before they begin.

Here’s our transformation in 2007 from Rat Racers to TGUers!

Rat Race Creator Jim Mee gives a preview:

“Belfast offers a really eclectic mix of adventure opportunities for the Rat Race. From the obvious natural facets such as Cave Hill and the river, to more overtly urban features such as the re-generated city centre and the wealth of landmarks scattered around the city, the Rat Race in Belfast will reveal so many different layers of adventure within the city in a manner never really experienced before. Whether it’s zipping around the Cathedral Quarter on a bike or getting to grips with some aquatic pursuits, or simply revelling in the hustle and bustle of the city whilst hunting for quirky checkpoints we have set up with local venues and businesses, this event is really going to entertain. We aim to showcase Belfast’s industrial past alongside the fast-paced urban development of the present day and this quirky event gives us the opportunity to really shine a different sort of light on the city, to residents and visitors alike. We think there is a superb mixture of sights and sounds on and off the beaten track that we can feature in the event. This is an exciting event to plan, which means it will be even more exciting to take part in!”

Galway is on the 6th of September.

With the success of the Gael Force West multi-sport races in Mayo and Galway, the Rat Race organisers know this area well and with their office just up the road in Westport, this event is sure to uncover the very best of this superb fun-loving city.

My video from 2007 in London:

Unfortunately, both events will operate on the Rat Race’s new 1 day “Nine 2 Five” format and not the 2 day (night & day) event like London.

I’d quite like to do at least one of these… might be a good opportunity to see Belfast.

Full entry details, training tips and full event information can be found at www.ratraceadventure.com or telephone the Rat Race Ireland office on 098 28324/ 098 28316.

Email Siobhan at the Rat Race Westport office at info@ratraceadventure.com for particular questions on either of these new and exciting events.

-Robin-

KERRY, IRELAND (Team Geared Up) - Last weekend Nathan Kingerlee ran an Adventure Racing training weekend in Killarney with his business OutdoorsIreland.com. In this 2-part TGU guest post series, Nathan covers his 8 top tips for adventure racers.

–

Continued from Part I (tips 1-4).

5. Plan your transitions carefully
Time is often lost due to a lackadaisical approach to transitions. It is not difficult to ensure that what you need for the next stage is where you want it but people still seem to get it wrong. For those really competing or chasing fast times transitions can be where seconds and minutes are won and lost. A few minutes checking or preparing a boat, bike or even just a helmet in advance can save time in a race. If a backup team is preparing your transition area make sure they know what you want. Lastly, for major transitions, say boat to bike for example, practising in advance is really helpful in identifying the most efficient strategy.

6. Clothing and footwear
During the event you want to minimise the number of changes you have to make to your clothes and footwear. There is a vast array of styles and fabrics to choose from.
Look for advice from people who have more experience, and experiment as much as you can in advance of racing. The more knowledge you have of the course and terrain, the easier it will be to decide on what you need. Pay a lot of attention to your shoes and socks. One blister and your day will be hell.

7. Skills Practice
More and more adventure races are including stages requiring technical skills such as abseiling, jumaring, technical mountain biking, navigation etc. The only way to become proficient is to practice. Tuition from a qualified professional instructor is often the best approach for learning and also for advice about equipment selection etc.

8. Look after yourself
As in any sport where the body is pushed to it’s limits, the importance of looking after yourself beyond training and racing cannot be stressed too highly. Nutrition during racing and training is important but equally so is your general diet and lifestyle. Properly warming up and down, stretching etc before and after training is vital. As is eating and drinking in the hour after a race or training session. If you are training and racing hard over several months then you body will need several weeks rest at some point.

-Nathan.

—

Catch tips 1 to 4 in part I yesterday (Thursday).

Learn more about these skills at Adventure Race Training with Nathan Kingerlee of Outdoors Ireland at info@outdoorsireland.com or +353 (0) 86 860 45 63.

KERRY, IRELAND (Team Geared Up) - Last weekend Nathan Kingerlee ran an Adventure Racing training weekend in Killarney with his business OutdoorsIreland.com. In this 2-part TGU guest post series, Nathan covers his 8 top tips for adventure racers.

—

1. Lightweight Equipment
Even the shortest of adventure races will take several hours. Throughout this time any weight you can save yourself from carrying will reduce your energy expenditure, reduce stress on your joints and muscles and reduce your time on the course! All of the gear used in adventure racing , bikes, boats, helmets, harnesses etc is available in various designs and models, some light, some not so light. In general lightweight materials are more expensive and less durable but the payback comes on race day.

2. Pace yourself
You must think about the length and duration of the races you intend to take part in. The longer the race the slower you go if you want to avoid burning out half way through. Put this into practice in training also. Try to do some training over similar distances and durations to the races you plan to take part in. Running 10 miles in an hour is very different from covering 50 miles in 10 hours!

3. Nutrition
During a race you must keep energy and fluid levels in your body topped up. There are hundreds of products out there, from the humble mars bar to high tech energy gels and electrolyte drinks. We all have slightly different metabolisms and tastes. You need to find what works best for you. Experiment with different products, vary the intervals you eat and drink at during training, ask others what they use. It’s not uncommon for people to try new products/approaches on a race day only to find that their stomach can’t handle it.

4. Learn about the course
If you have done loads of hill running in the Wicklow mountains you might be surprised when you arrive in the Kerry or Connemara Hills at how different the terrain is. If you know the course, or even just the region, there is no excuse for having the wrong shoes, or tyres, or boat etc. Also you should try to do some training on terrain that is similar to race conditions just to ‘get the feel of it’.

-Nathan.

—

Catch tips 5 to 8 in part II tomorrow (Friday).

Learn more about these skills at Adventure Race Training with Nathan Kingerlee of Outdoors Ireland at info@outdoorsireland.com or +353 (0) 86 860 45 63.

SINGAPORE (Team Geared Up) - We broke the news in January that an AR World Series race to be held in Ireland next summer. Valerie O’S just mailed in a press release to me.

The first ever World Series Adventure Race taking place in the South West in June 14-21 2008, as part of three major races taking place here along the western seaboard aimed at establishing Ireland as a premier adventure sports and tourism destination.

It looks fantastic.

The Turas Mór is a five day race which will trace a 650 kms course over the peninsulas and bays of West Cork and Kerry, encompassing trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, horse riding, traditional boat rowing, ropes, orienteering megalithic sites of the region.

The location for the first ever AR World Series event in Ireland is in the south western corner of the island, in regions of counties Cork and Kerry characterised by five great peninsulas and separating Atlantic bays.

Teams from 19 Countries have signed up for this exciting Race,these include, USA, England,Canada,Norway and Ireland,France,Mexico.Teams of Four must be able to traverse mountains, cycling over 150km a day, kayak over 45km, Row over 11km, sometimes without sleep for the five days.

Ireland’s arrival on the world stage of adventure racing seeks to honour athletic endeavor with a spectacular course that reflects the incredible natural and cultural landscapes of this place in a manner that promises a Turas unmatched anywhere in the World! .
Turas: a Special Journey,a pilgrimage,a sacred journey over land and seascapes,involving body,spirit and soul
For Further Information:

Daragh O’Suilleabhain
087-7842848

Looks great, for more see www.turasmor.com.

-Robin.

The Zipline crossing the Gap of Dunloe sounds unreal! Pictured below.

Killarney, Ireland - For immediate release
14th January, 2008

Ireland launches new ARWorld Series Adventure Race

On behalf of adventure racers in Ireland and our community in the South West of Ireland, we are delighted to announce the first ever ARWorld Series Adventure Race in Ireland, An Turas Mor.

This race will take place from June 15-22, 2008.

Organised by a passionate team of local adventurers who are experienced at delivering high quality adventure races, this race is different from all others as it is being run with its roots deep in the community by those who know and love the area.

Course Director Con Moriarty describes the event, “This race allows teams to explore the most rugged mountain and ocean scenery in Ireland – the wild passes and deep valleys of our five southernmost peninsulas. The entire route is rich in archaeology and passes through areas of spiritual importance to ancient Ireland. I was born and raised roaming these landscapes, and I’m very excited to be part of a team that may redefine adventure racing.”

Making the Turas the richest ARWorld Series race ever, significant prize money of US$150,000 will be distributed amongst the top five classified teams. First prize also includes a guaranteed spot for the winning team at the ARWorld Championship taking place in Brazil ‘08.

Significant worldwide media coverage is guaranteed for the race with print, online, and global television production packages being finalised.

Geoff Hunt, ARWS Director, “I am delighted to have Ireland join the ARWS in 2008. Working with the team over the past 9 months, I’ve experienced first hand the amazing landscape and passion there for the sport. I am excited about the race in 2008 and the ambitious plans for future years, and
believe the race, the terrain and organisation will create a memorable and challenging experience not to be missed.”

Registration opens Feb 1, 2008. The cost is €4000 per team with an early entry special available until March 1st. The registration fee includes the race entry, all transfers to and from the international airport in Cork and Kerry, hotel accommodation before and after the race, and VIP entry to the post-race festival and prize-giving ceremony.

Disciplines include: Mountain biking, sea-kayaking, mountaineering/trekking, swimming, horse riding, orienteering/micro navigation, traditional boat rowing, and ropes – including the longest zip wire ever in an ARWorld Series event, spanning the famous Gap of Dunloe pass. One or two unique mystery events will also be included.

The Details:
- This race is a non-stop adventure race for mixed-sex teams of four people, which will take competitors between 4 and 5 days to complete.

- The race is unsupported. Teams may not receive any outside assistance during the race. Support will be provided by the organisation.

- The exact race location will be announced soon. It will cover much of the South West of Ireland through some very special places.

More information will be available soon on the website www.anturasmor.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Athletes Contact: Vanessa Lawrenson
Email: Vanessa@outsider.ie
tel: +353 86 8351722
fax: +353 1 4151267

Press Contact:
Email: info@anturasmor.com

www.anturasmor.com for more details

GEOFF HUNT
ARWorld Series Director +64 3 4418215
Email: admin@arworldseries.com
The Adventure Racing World Series is an international circuit of premier adventure races representing 10 countries creating, a 12-month calendar of professional events around the world and acting as qualifiers for the Adventure Race World Championship.
www.arworldseries.com

Casio ‘Official Watch of the AR World Series’ www.casio-watches.com
Sleepmonsters ‘Official web site of the ARWorld Series’ www.sleepmonsters.com

– end –

-Robin-

(Image Credit: Wikipedia)

—

Here’s some more of these flying maniacs in wingsuits, this guy is known as “The Dude” (full post coming tomorrow on landing without a parachute (thanks to reader tipoff). These videos are incredible. Absolutely incredible.

—

Follow Tango & Cash the NI MTB Boys in their latest adventure, To Err-igal is Human.

The mighty Mount Errigal, County Donegal. Basically a big 750-metre-high wobbly peat trifle with granite crushed nuts on top. We always wanted to have a crack at it on/with the bikes, so we departed Antrim at 5:40am on Saturday 15 December 2007, to climb the mountain.

We knew it was a carry to the top, so we padded the top- and down-tubes with pipe lagging from B&Q. It’s a good idea if you are going to be carrying for a long period.

—

MS “Beluga SkySails” is the worlds first tanker to be towed by kite. The kite is 160m sq.

Ship christening of the worldwide first cargo ship with SkySails-System took place at the Hamburger Landungsbrücken/Überseebrücke on December 15th, 2007 – Milestone regarding the use of environmentally sound propulsion technologies at sea.

—

The Kandersteg Ice Climbing Festival starts tonight in Switzerland. Love that event. Above is one of my photos from 2004 when I watched Ines Papart win first place.

—

How not to launch an RNLI lifeboat from the beach. The on-shore wind blew this English crew back onto the beach, for a minute it looks like they weren’t going to get away. Massive seas. Watch this video. (Thanks diverman).

—

All climbing have a great video of Will Gadd ice climbing icebergs from waterlevel. Massive icebergs too! Iceberg-oldering anyone?

—

Adventure Race World Series has been announced in Ireland for June 14-21 2008. Location is South West and more details are available from Jan 11th.

—

-Robin-

LONDON, UK (Team Geared Up) - Resusi Annie is the most kissed woman in the world, albeit rubber - but little did I know she’s modelled on a real French woman. The Guardian report the following quotes and I’ve “dredged up” (oops no pun intended!) some photos:

He based Anne’s face on that of a young unnamed woman who drowned in Paris’s river Seine in the 19th century.

The story goes that when the woman’s body was fished out of the water at the Quai du Louvre, the Paris pathologist found her so mesmerisingly beautiful that he ordered a moulder to take a death mask of her face. No one ever identified the perfect, blemish-free body.

Amazing! In the Laerdal company’s history of Resusci Anne, the mystery is referred to as all-important. “This seems to be the key to her lasting fascination”. It certainly is a good story - not sure I’ll be too pleased knowing the next time I practice CPR I’m doing it on the death-mask of a real 16yr old girl.

-Robin-

(Credit: Thanks to Matt G for sending me the story)