As a young man I often wished I could make a difference in the world. I wondered what it would be like to be an advocate for preserving great outdoor places and to spend my days outside in nature’s beauty making change happen. Today’s youth need not wonder; the 2012 Outdoor Nation Summits provide a fantastic opportunity to get outside and be a part of something big.

Sponsored by Merrell, the Outdoor Nation movement has a serious backer willing to chip in and make its projects a reality. “Outdoor Nation is a unique, game changing program that we are proud and excited to support,” said Stephanie Ofili, marketing manager at Merrell. “Together we can inspire a new generation to unplug and re-connect with friends and families in the best and biggest playground – the outdoors. We hope our continued support and work with delegates will inspire more people to get outside with the long term goal of increased outdoor participation.”

The 2012 Summits will be held in Boston, New York, Washington DC, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Austin, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Each two-day Summit will bring together the next generation of outdoor activists, ages 16 to 28, to identify pressing outdoor issues, discuss and develop strategies to address these barriers and commit to taking action together. In addition to tackling the issues that are keeping their generation indoors, participants will receive training from top experts, covering such topics as community organizing, media relations and fundraising.

This year, Merrell will sponsor up to 35 delegates who will not only attend the Summits but will serve as outreach ambassadors. If you know someone who might be interested in applying please share this registration link with them.

www.outdoornation.org/2012merrellregistration

This week, Sierra Designs will be debuting their new DriDown technology at the Outdoor Retailer Conference in Salt Lake City. The technology is being touted as “groundbreaking” and promises it will revolutionize down sleeping bag performance. Just what is this new technology and how will it affect our gear going forward? According to the gear gurus at Sierra Designs:

Zissou 15 – featuring DriDown

“DriDown features a molecular level polymer applied to individual down plumes during the down finishing process.  A proprietary application method developed by Sierra Designs ensures a hydrophobic finish.  As a result, DriDown stays dry 7 times longer in the presence of rain, melting snow, or spills, maintains 98% loft after a night in a high humidity environment, and dries 33% faster when it does get wet for a dryer, warmer, more comfortable night’s sleep.”

The first gear to have this tech…

Sierra Designs’ DriDown sleeping bags include the Zissou 0 HI (3 lb, 1 oz; $299), Zissou 15 (2 lb, 11 oz; $259), Zissou 30 LITE (2 lb, 1 oz; $199), Eleanor 20 HI women’s (3 lb, 0 oz; $299) and Eleanor 30 LITE women’s (2 lb, 9 oz; $259).  All five bags feature 600 fill DriDown™, polyester ripstop shells, and polyester liners for an outstanding blend of performance, warmth, compressibility, and light weight.

When and where can we get our hands on it?

DriDown sleeping bag retail availability is scheduled for June 1 exclusively through REI stores and on REI.com, Sierra Designs’ first-to-market partner.  Look for Sierra Designs DriDown sleeping bags at other specialty outdoor retailers mid-July with DriDown apparel debuting in August 2012.

What do we think?

New gear innovations are always exciting. They bring us technology that pushes the industry forward and makes our lives outdoors just a little more comfortable – allowing us to go farther and see more. We haven’t seen the technology first-hand yet, and we can’t wait to test it out. But if the claims are true about DriDown, Sierra Designs may have just taken a giant step forward. The competition will no doubt be scrambling to develop technology to go head-to-head with DriDown but those things take time. For now, you’ll have to wait until June to get your hands on this tech – the wait may be well worth it.

2011 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Teva Mountain Games (TMG). What began as a regional, grassroots whitewater competition has transformed into the largest adventure sports festival in the country and serves as the unofficial kickoff to summer in the Rockies. This year’s festival promises to be the biggest and best yet, with a blockbuster four-day schedule that includes new and improved events, concerts and nightlife.

This year, two of the most spectator-friendly events at TMG, the Teva Slopestyle presented by Chipotle big air bike and the Bouldering World Cup presented by Goal Zero competitions have moved to the twilight hour. Slopestyle will take place on Friday at 6 p.m. in Golden Peak, and will feature some of the world’s best freeriders defying the laws of gravity for a panel of judges, followed by a Best Trick bonus round for more cash prizes. Friday evening will now also include food, concessions and a DJ spinning tunes – the perfect way to get things started before a night on the town.

The fourth installment of the IFSC Bouldering World Cup presented by Goal Zero also moves to the twilight hour; 5 p.m. on Saturday on the Vista Bahn Lawn in Mountain Plaza. TMG’s Great Wall of climbing is home to the only World Cup bouldering event in the United States and the crowd’s only opportunity to see the highest ranked international climbers from 25 countries compete side by side. The champion male and female will be awarded their medals just minutes before the start of the free Bud Light Mountains of Music concert with Xavier Rudd at Checkpoint Charlie in the heart of Vail Village. Showtime is 7 p.m.

Dog competitions have always been a favorite at TMG and the Eukanuba Rocky Dog Trail Run presented by Ruff Wear is sure to attract a crowd. The inaugural 5k run and 1-mile run/walk will start and finish in Golden Peak and kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. All sizes and breeds (of dogs and their owners) are welcome.

For athletes looking to push the envelope, the Maui Jim SUP Surf Sprint presented by C4 Waterman is now part of the Ultimate Mountain Challenge. Individual athletes or teams can now choose to kayak or SUP down Gore Creek as part of the four-event, two-day competition.

And last, but not least it wouldn’t be a mountain festival without some parties! In addition to the Bud Light Mountains of Music free concerts at Checkpoint Charlie on Thursday night with The Dirty Heads and Saturday night with Xavier Rudd, the new Aloha Happy Hour presented by C4 Waterman, Maui Jim and Korbel California Champagne will take place at the SUP Demo Pool on Meadow Drive on Saturday afternoon. It’s a free block party, TMG style. And the social highlight of the Games, the Teva Mountain Ball, has moved west to bōl at the Solaris and will go down on Saturday at 10pm. Don your favorite Tevas and get ready to party like a raft guide.

Visit, www.tevamountaingames.com.

Teva Mountain Games at Vail Announces Free Concert Lineup

The Dirty Heads kick off the festival on Thursday, June 2 and Xavier Rudd plays on Saturday, June 4.

The Vail Valley Foundation’s Teva Mountain Games (TMG) will kick off with a free concert as part of the Bud Light Mountains of Music series on Thursday, June 2 at Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village. California rockers, The Dirty Heads are set to take the stage at 7 p.m., immediately following the TMG Opening Ceremonies. Then on Saturday, June 4, at 7 p.m. best-selling Australian world music sensation Xavier Rudd will perform as part of the 10th annual Teva Mountain Games, the nation’s largest mountain sports, art and lifestyle festival.

Named one of the “Best New Bands of 2010″ by Rolling Stone Magazine, The Dirty Heads emerged onto the music scene with their signature blend of acoustic infused hip-hop and classic Reggae, creating the perfect soundtrack to an upbeat, sun-soaked California. Inspired by Bob Marley, Sublime, 311 and The Beastie Boys, The Dirty Heads’ music has evolved into a unique rockin’ ska sound that has been used on Fuel TV, in Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam game, movies and many surf/skate videos. Their newest album, “Any Port in a Storm-Special Edition” includes the hit, “Lay Me Down” featuring Rome of Sublime.
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Ex Drinks, LLC Adds Pro Skateboarder Andy Macdonald to its Team of Athletes

Ex Drinks, LLC, a beneficial beverage company that specializes in the manufacturing, marketing and sales of a growing family of natural, great tasting drinks recently announced the signing of Andy Macdonald to its 2011 professional team of athletes. Andy Macdonald is one of skateboarding’s best ambassadors and most skilled professionals, known to millions all over the world as Andy Mac. He has competed in every Summer X Games since its inception in 1995 and owns 21 medals – more than any other skater in history. He has won Asian X Games four times and has been the runner up on the overall Dew Tour Standings for the last three consecutive years. Macdonald has been crowned as skateboarding’s World Champion eight years in a row in the World Cup Skateboard Series. Macdonald is on the Board of Directors for Grind for Life, a charity that raises money to help people dealing with cancer. He started Grind for Life’s annual “Clash at Clairemont” fundraising event which features some of the top athletes in action sports. Macdonald also recently began working with the Level Field Fund which raises money to bridge the gap for underfunded athletes.

Macdonald will be joining an all-star lineup of athletes returning for another year with Ex Drinks including big wave surfers Shane Desmond and Kohl Christensen, progressive surfer Zoltan Torkos, downhill gravity mountain bikers Mitch Ropelato and Christian Wright. Ex Drinks has also added young skateboarding phenom Colby Franz to its 2011 roster. The impressive lineup of athletes will act as spokespeople for the company and conduct appearances in addition to being featured in marketing materials and branded equipment. Ex Drinks is proud to support active, healthy lifestyles, which is why the company is making a commitment towards human-powered sports, particularly those deeply rooted in nature where athletes are able to challenge their environments. For more information, visit Team Ex Drinks.

 
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New Energy Blend (Acai & Guarana) flavor offers consumers the authentic Brazilian blend from Rio de Janeiro

Acai Roots™, a lifestyle brand, supplier of natural and organic Brazilian Style super food acai products, announced today the newest addition of its popular frozen smoothie pouch line: Brazilian Style (Acai + Guarana) Energy Blend, the second Acai Roots smoothie pouch flavor, joins the company’s previous Pure (unsweetened) Acai.

“This new product takes us back to our roots, since it literally recreates the experience people have with acai in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where acai is normally blended with guarana,” stated Marco Rega, Acai Roots co-founder and Director of Sales.

As with all Acai Roots products, the Energy Blend (Acai+Guarana) smoothie pouch is made with natural acai fruit pulp and is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients, omegas; and guarana seed extract for a natural and sustained energy boost. The new product is ideal for healthy-conscious/active consumers and is perfect for making acai bowls and smoothies, or ready to eat as a delicious premium fruit bar.

“The timing was just right to expand this line and introduce the Brazilian Style Energy Blend. Acai and Guarana were first mixed in Rio de Janeiro back in the early 80′s to create a delicious, nutritious and energetic combination, providing athletes of all kinds: antioxidants, sustained energy, and great recovery after intense workouts. Our Brazilian Style Energy Blend takes you to Rio, without the 10+ hour flight,” said Igor Pereira, Acai Roots co-founder and CEO. “It is definitely the most authentic and freshest acai experience in the market,” added Pereira.

Acai Roots’ Brazilian Style (Energy Blend) smoothie pouches are available nationwide through www.acairoots.com and will hit retail stores in May with SRP of $5.99.

About Acai Roots

Have you ever missed something from your childhood? Something that was phenomenally good for you, and you knew it? That was the feeling that gripped several Brazilian expatriates one day in 2005. They had just finished playing soccer in San Diego.

“We had all grown up with acai, and we started talking about how great it was in Rio with that active lifestyle – the Cariocas of Rio are famous for having an active lifestyle and a balanced diet, and acai is a big part of that. That was the missing piece: the acai. There were companies bringing it to the U.S., but it just wasn’t what we grew up with – it wasn’t fresh. So we decided to start Acai Roots™, and do it right.”

Today Acai Roots™ offers a full line of delicious and healthy acai berry products including organic acai sorbet, organic juices, smoothies and supplements. All formulated to exacting standards by Brazilians who were born and raised on a healthy diet of acai.

For more information, please visit www.acairoots.com. You can also Like Acai Roots™ on Facebook or follow us via Twitter @acairoots.

Natural Calming Drink from Ex Drinks Unveiled with New Taste Profile Using Same Natural Calming Ingredients

Kick back, put your feet up and unwind… Ex Chill, America’s First Relaxer Beverage has been released under a new name Ex Chillout. Using the same natural calming ingredients Chamomile, Valerian and Lemon Balm extracts, Ex Chillout features a delicious new taste profile and eye-catching packaging with stronger branding to stand out better on store shelves. Newly designed Ex Chillout trays feature post-consumer recycled cardboard and eco-friendly soy based ink.

Ex Chillout is sweetened with Fruit Up, a natural fruit sweetener extracted entirely from fruits without using chemicals or additives. The Glycemic Index is a low 34. Ex Chillout is a high source of Vitamin C and a good source of B Vitamins.  Ex Chillout is lightly carbonated and contains no high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors or preservatives, making Ex Chillout The Natural Alternative in a growing relaxation beverage category.

Introduced in Switzerland in 2003, and the United States in early 2004, Ex Chillout is currently available in select natural food stores, high-end specialty stores, grocery stores and convenience stores. For a complete list of retailers, or to purchase Ex Chillout from the Ex Drinks online store, visit www.ExDrinks.com

Ex Drinks, LLC is a beneficial beverage company specializing in the manufacturing, marketing and sales of a growing family of natural, great-tasting drinks – with a passion for providing consumers with the best products to support healthier choices and active lifestyles. Ex Drinks is a long-term, strategic U.S. licensee of the Extreme Drinks Company, a subsidiary of the Extreme Sports Company, a pioneering brand management and licensing company that owns the Extreme brand. Extreme is the brand behind The Extreme Sports Channel which broadcasts into 60 countries and 48 million homes. While creating natural functional drinks, the mission of Ex Drinks is “To Create Positive Change… One , One Person, One Community at a time.” Ex Drinks is committed to operating in the new business paradigm based on the triple bottom line:  People, Planet, Profit. For more information please visit www.ExDrinks.com or call (702) 949-6555.EX CHILLOUT-NEW NAME, NEW FORMULA, NEW PACKAGING

Via press release

Since we are a digital only publication and understand the importance of reducing our impact on our environment, I wanted to share a press release that I received today about Kokatat and its recent installation of a solar electric system!

Manufacturing water sports apparel and gear in Arcata, Calif. for 40 years, Kokatat has always set a benchmark for green business practices in the northern California region. Kokatat continues to raise the standards with their investment in a 26-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system. The project is expected to provide approximately 35,000kW hours of electricity per year, equal to 16 percent of the company’s total electric demand.

The rack system was designed, manufactured and installed by local companies and contractors. The solar installation is one of the largest in Humboldt County.

“To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest solar photovoltaic system installed by a private business in the county,” said Kit Mann, project manager for Kokatat. “There are two schools and a health clinic with larger systems.”

Mann explained that the amount of electricity generated by the system will be enough to run the more than 40 sewing machines on Kokatat’s production floor. “We can honestly say that our sewing machines run on the sun,” said Mann.
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AKALI Project Athena Racing Series Comes to Va Beach Nov 20.

The AKALI® Project Athena Racing Series offers three different events for all levels of family fitness. All participants receive Merrell Tech shirts, AKALI water and a unique medal with detachable Athena charm.

15K God/Goddess Race. 8:00 a.m. Men and women can run or walk 9.32 miles. This timed event is open to individuals and teams (2-6 people). One time will be posted when all members of team cross the finish line.

6K Athena Team Trek. 9:30 a.m. This is a non-competitive, two-hour FUN hike of approximately 3.75 miles, for all-female teams with 2-6 members. Teams encounter fun challenge along the route, like the Electric Slide station and Human Scrabble.

Merrell Mini Athena & Mini Zeus Kidz Challenge. 10:30 a.m. Children 12 and under can showcase their skills on a ¼-mile obstacle course. Ozzie of the Nashville Sounds will be on hand to cheer on the kids from start to finish!

From now until November 1, registration is $35 per adult (God/Goddess Race or Team Trek) and $15 per child (Merrell Mini Kidz Challenge). From November 2-18, registration will be $45 per adult and $25 per child. On race day, registration will be $55/$35. Survivors (those recovering from serious medical setback) are encouraged to apply online for an “Athenaship” and receive FREE registration.

www.projectathena.org

For almost twenty years, the International Polartec® Challenge Grant has supported expeditions and adventures to every corner of the Earth. Applications for the $10,000 grant are now available for 2011 expeditions.

“Since 1991, Polartec has assisted over 100 expeditions around the world,” states Global Director of Marketing, Nate Simmons. “Polartec builds fabrics to withstand every kind of climate and we’re proud to support adventures that put our products to the test.”

The Polartec® Challenge Grant seeks to assist frugal, low impact teams who respect the local culture and environment and serve as role models to outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Applications are evaluated on the basis of vision, commitment, educational and cultural value. Polartec® Challenge Grants have supported winners as they kayaked the waters of Antarctica, skied across Siberia, trekked across deserts and forged first ascents on the world’s most difficult peaks.

Past recipients of the Polartec® Challenge Grant include outdoor pioneers and adventurers such as Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, Steve House, Marko Prezelj, Andrew McLean and John Shipton. In addition to grant money, winners are fully outfitted with Polartec® garments to keep expedition members warm, dry and comfortable wherever their adventures lead them.

The Polartec® Challenge is not the appropriate venue for projects that involve competition or fund raising. To apply for the 2011 International Polartec® Challenge Grant, visit Polartec.com. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2010.

Via press release

Organizers of Raid the North Extreme, the internationally acclaimed expedition race, have finalized dates for the 2011 edition to be hosted in the West Kootenays. The 6 day non-stop multisport race will run through the week of July 23 to 31, 2011.

Frontier first hosted Raid the North Extreme (“RTNX”) in 1999, and it is now one of the world’s longest-running andmost recognized expedition-length adventure races. Renowned for its focus on real wilderness, real navigation, and real adventure, RTNX is a traditional wilderness adventure race.

Over 6 days non-stop, day & night, adventure athletes in co-ed teams of four will navigate a 500km+ expedition over an unmarked route through the rugged and historic West Kootenays by canoe, kayak, mountain bike, fixed ropes, and on foot.

“It’s hard to imagine a better place for a wilderness expedition race than the West Kootenays,” said Geoff Langford, RTNX Race Director. “A pristine region of rivers, lakes and waterfalls; alpine meadows and jagged snow-capped mountains; beaches and hot springs, the West Kootenays grabs at the adventurer’s soul”.

For Langford, the last week of July is as near to perfect as he could hope. The height of summer in the West Kootenays, with temperatures averaging in the high 20s and long days with over 14 hours of sunshine, ensures teams will be able to soak in the beauty of the area. But the nights, with no moon on July 30, will still be challenging. Continue Reading

The competition at Checkpoint Tracker‘s inaugural Adventure Racing National Championship just got a lot hotter.

WEDALI, currently ranked 1st in Checkpoint Tracker’s Coed Elite division, will be competing in Moab. This team is fast, smart, experienced and perhaps most important of all…consistent. They are currently the only team with a perfect 500 points in Checkpoint Tracker’s National Rankings, having accumulated seven 1st place finishes so far this year.

Can they make it eight against the likes of DART-nuun-SportMulti, Trakkers, Tecnu Extreme/StaphAseptic, Checkpoint Zero and IMONPoint.org/Odyssey Adventure Racing?

We’ll find out on October 29th.

Final preparations are in the works the Atmosphere Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race (MOMAR), set to take place in Cumberland, BC, this coming Saturday, September 25th.

Over 400 athletes and volunteers will be descending on Cumberland for the race weekend, beginning with Friday night registration at the Riding Fool Hostel. The post-race festivities for racers, volunteers and organizers will be held at Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Saturday evening.

Cumberland’s Jeremy Grasby, last year’s MOMAR Cumberland champion, will be defending his title against the 2010 MOMAR Squamish champ, John Markez of Vancouver, and the 2009 MOMAR Squamish winner, Bart Jarmula of Revelstoke. Courtenay’s Genevieve Burdett will also be returning to defend her spot at the top as the 2009 MOMAR Cumberland’s top solo female racer. Locals will be joined by racers from across Canada and the US.

Spectators are encouraged to come out to cheer on the athletes at the Cumberland Lake Campground, where the race both starts and ends. The race begins at 9 am with racers crossing the finish line typically between 1 pm and 5 pm. The course routes are known only to race organizers up until 7:30 am on race day, at which time racers will be given a course map.

Both race courses, the enduro (50 km) and short (30 km), will include mountain biking, kayaking, trail running, orienteering, and bushwhacking.

Participating in a MOMAR, either as a racer or volunteer, also means you’ll be supporting MOMAR’s official charity, the Make-a-Wish Foundation. More information on racing, volunteering, MOMAR training clinics and their official charity is available at www.mindovermountain.com/momar or call 1.866.912.3331.

Via press release

Pic at top by Dave Prothero

We have been following the Pedal The Ocean expedition planning for almost two years now and have spotlighted Greg Kolodziejzyk in our digital magazine. It seems that after almost four years, Greg’s quest for a first ever attempt to ‘pedal’ WiTHiN from Canada to Hawaii has been mothballed.

From an email that we received from him today…he stated:

I believe that where I have failed, is investing too little consideration for general stability and comfort in moderate to advanced off-shore weather conditions. Because of WiTHiN’s narrow, but slippery beam of only 36 inches, she rolls excessively. After six sea trials trips where I have been repeatedly exposed to 25 to 40 knot winds and seas between 3 to 4 meters, I have discovered that I can barely withstand a few hours of this cruel punishment, whereas I would have to live through days or weeks of bad weather on a 3 month ocean crossing journey. It’s exciting for sure, but just not really very fun.

We wish Greg the best in his future endeavors and know that he will have another adventure for us to follow soon!

Most of us remember the story of Aron Ralston, the young adventurer whose arm became pinned under a boulder while cayoneering in the backcountry of Utah in 2003. After realizing that there was no help forthcoming, he was forced to amputate his lower right arm using a pocketknife. The trailer to 127 Hours is a sneak peek to the big screen adaptation of this survival story. Ralston is portrayed by James Franco and the movie is directed by Danny Boyle, the Academy Award Winning Director (Best Achievement in Directing) of Slumdog Millionaire. The movie is set to release on November 5, 2010.

Earlier this year, we posted about snowboarder Kevin Pearce’s accident prior to the Olympics. Kevin appeared on The Today Show with Matt Lauer and below is that interview.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Photo by Cole Barash

By any measuring stick, the 37th annual Western States 100-mile Endurance Run on Saturday, June 26 was one of the most memorable days in the history of the world’s most prestigious 100-mile trail race.

For starters, Geoff Roes, 34, of Juneau, Alaska, shattered Scott Jurek’s six-year-old course record, surging past Anton Krupicka over the final 10 miles to post a winning time of 15 hours, 7 minutes and 4 seconds. Jurek’s old course record was 15:36.

Krupicka, 26, of Boulder, Colo., battled Roes early, then waged a back-and-forth duel with Spain’s 22-year-old trail wunderkind, Kilian Jornet. After surging away for good from Jornet near the 80-mile mark, Krupicka held on for second place in 15:13 after Roes’ decisive move near the 90-mile Brown’s Bar aid station. Jornet finished third in 16:04.

For Roes, it was his seventh career win in seven 100-mile starts. He has set course records in six of his seven 100-mile victories. His victory over Krupicka marked the first time that Krupicka had not won an estimated 15 ultramarathons he has started and finished.

In the women’s race, Garneau, 41, of Vernon, British Columbia, overcame snowy conditions in the high country that numbed her foot. Once she checked out of the Robinson Flat aid station at mile 30, however, Garneau took control of the race, winning in her first start ever at Western States in 19:01:55. Ageless Meghan Arbogast, 49, of Corvallis, Ore., finished second in a strong 19:15, while previous three-time women’s champion Nikki Kimball, 39, of Bozeman, Mont., finished in third in 19:23.

In all, a record 328 runners from a start list of 426 finished the race in under 30 hours – the race’s absolute time limit. Also, a record 123 runners broke 24 hours, eclipsing the previous mark of 106. Runners start from Squaw Valley, Calif., and climb 18,000 feet and descend 21,000 feet on their way to the finish in Auburn, Calif. Continue Reading

For three rugged days beginning Friday, June 25, nine teams of five athletes—three able-bodied and two disabled athletes, many of whom are wounded veterans—will compete in the fourth annual “Adventure TEAM Challenge,” hosted by World T.E.A.M. Sports in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The Adventure TEAM Challenge incorporates rafting, hiking, climbing and biking under adverse conditions.

Conceived by Erik Weihenmayer, the first visually impaired individual to climb Mt. Everest, the event kicks off Friday morning, June 25, with the teams rafting the unpredictable waters of the Arkansas River, surrounded by towering 14,000-foot peaks of the Sawatch Mountain Range. The following two days will take the athletes deep in the remote Rocky Mountain range south of Leadville, Colo., where they will hike and climb dramatic peaks and bike through beautiful alpine meadows before completing the race on Sunday, June 27, 2010.

“The Adventure TEAM Challenge is another of our events that brings together disabled and able-bodied athletes to promote teamwork, build camaraderie and inspire hope,” said Jeff Messner, President of World T.E.A.M. Sports. “The number and capabilities of those participating in this challenge proves that exceptional athletes do matter and that people of all abilities can do the impossible.”

While some participants for the Adventure Team may be well known, such as Eric Weihenmayer, he is competing with and against some other amazing individuals, such as:
• Sarah Will, a skier who was paralyzed from the waist down in 1988, was a four-time Paralympian who has won 12 Paralympic gold medals and one silver medal throughout her career;
• Matt Nyman, a veteran who lost his leg in a helicopter crash in Iraq, did off road triathlons, mountain biking, snow skiing before his injury. Matt has returned to mountain climbing to meet his athletic goals and has attempted to climb Mt. Denali.
• Clarissa Olivares-Pozgaj, a 15 year-old girl who is wheelchair-bound with Arthrogryposis—a rare congenital disorder that causes multiple joint contractures and is characterized by muscle weakness and fibrosis—will be pulled by her father in a custom carriage.

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The May numbers are available for the USARA National Rankings.

Presented By:

June 10, 2010

TEAM NAME/ POINTS
1. Trakkers 203.00
2. Berlin Bike 177.00
3. Werewolves of Austin 129.00
4. HoustonAdventureRacing.com/Hammer Nutrition 105.00
5. Eastern Mountain Sports 104.00
6. Checkpoint Zero/inov-8 100.00
7. Team Granite AR 88.00
8. iM.O.A.T. 87.00
9. Vignette 87.00
10. HFAR Knights (of Ni) 82.00

A California teenager who was feared lost at sea has been found safely. 16-year-old Abby Sunderland is trying to sail around the world by herself.

Yesterday, her emergency beacons began signaling, and no one was able to get in touch with her on her satellite phone. Overnight, an australian plane spotted her, and fishing boats are on the way to her location.

Rescue workers say her boat was damaged, but Sunderland is going to be fine.

RAID THE NORTH EXTREME WEST KOOTENAYS MOVING TO 2011

Organizers of Raid the North Extreme, the week-long expedition race which was to take place in the West Kootenays from September 4-12th, 2010, have decided to reschedule the race until late summer 2011, in order to take advantage of opportunities to make the event, and its impact on the region, as great as possible.

“We’re really encouraged by the support from racers, volunteers and partners for this event,” said Geoff Langford, the Race Director and owner of Frontier Adventure Sports & Training. “But we have so many opportunities with funding, television, and enthusiastic partners that repositioning the event to the summer of 2011 will really enable us to take it to the next level for all involved.”

Raid the North Extreme features adventure athletes from around North America undertaking something most people would never consider. Four person teams will test themselves in a 500 km adventure race – over 6 days, non-stop, day and night, they will mountain bike, paddle, trek, use ropes, and navigate an unmarked wilderness race course through the Kootenays.

Organizers are anticipating the announcement of a new date by the end of June, as they research other event dates globally and regionally, and analyze everything from historic weather patterns and water levels, to tourism patterns and flight schedules.

For more information, visit www.raidthenorthextreme.com, or contact Geoff at 1.888.295.8181 or geoff@raidthenorth.com.

Outdoor enthusiasts and gear junkies, get ready to explore!

RoanokeOutside.com – a resource for the Roanoke, Va., region’s outdoors – has teamed with GearJunkie.com, a top outdoors blog and publication, to host a one-day-only Treasure Hunt event in a Roanoke wilderness park on July 11th.

The event will be called “Gear Junkie’s Treasure Hunt: Roanoke.” More than $40,000 in outdoor gear – from backpacks to kayaks – will be given away to an estimated 300 participants.

Additionally, during the run up to the event, GearJunkie.com will hold online contests for its readers. Details including sign-up information and event schedule are available at www.GearJunkie.com/Treasure-Hunt-Roanoke.

“The Treasure Hunt is a first-of-its-kind event,” said Stephen Regenold, founder and editor of GearJunkie.com. “Roanoke provides a great venue for this activity, which will blend elements from adventure racing with a substantial gear scavenger hunt.”

Gear Junkie’s Treasure Hunt: Roanoke event is presented in partnership with Odyssey Adventure Racing, Roanoke Parks & Recreation, and Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

“The Roanoke region is one of the best spots anywhere for outdoor recreation,” says Pete Eshelman with the Roanoke Regional Partnership. “By teaming up with Gear Junkie – a nationally-recognized web site that specializes in outdoor gear – we hope to further solidify our region’s standing.”