Anaconda Adventure Race, Dunsborough Geographe Bay - It’s all about the bike

We're delighted to annouce that the Western Australian leg of the National Anaconda Adventure Race Series will return to Dunsborough / Geographe Bay on November 4.

For us at Rapid Ascent the highest priority when creating an event putting together a course of outstanding quality that showcases all the best natural features of the region. Following overwhelming negative feedback about the mountain bike course after last year’s event, we had to make significant changes to remove the lengthy sandy sections.

You the adventure racers come first and we are determined to deliver on your request. We’ve been busy prowling the trails and connecting the dots over a radical new course that is sure to challenge and inspire. Big surf and bombing single track, they’re all on the menu at Dunsborough’s outdoor oasis.

We've done some hard work, now it's your turn. Get your entry in today and start your training!

Keen Adventure Race 2008 - April 8th-12th

”I do this for a living, and I have to say this was one of the best races I have ever done anywhere. You guys absolutely MUST run this race again.” Richard Ussher (NZ), current world adventure racing champion & twice world multisport champion.

Well Rich, we are running it again ...

Ink in April 8th-12th as the ultimate adventure week of 2008 – the Keen Adventure Race II is coming to town.

This year's inaugural edition along the Great Ocean Road was a ripper, as adventure racing addicts battled themselves and 400km of coastal heaven over a five-day epic journey. Entry details and the race location will be announced soon, so keep an eye on the race website. We've been humbled by positive feedback following this year's event:

“The Keen Adventure Race was an experience that every world class athlete would love to be part of.” Nora Audra (Brazil)

”I must say it's hard to place any other race above this one ...” Matt Koerber, post on Sleepmonsters forum (ACT).

“I really can't say enough about my Keen AR experience. It was unique, supremely organized and enormously challenging.” Gordon Walker (NZ), current world multisport champion.

Noosa Enduro - Sunday July 15

The Noosa Enduro is a cracking MTB Marathon that takes in some of Noosa’s prime off-road real estate. Competitors will ride through stunning trails, tracks and tablelands and tackle three major climbs at Mt Tinbeerwah, Sheppersons Hill and Cooran Tablelands Range, including the 'Mother'. This climb is so tough that a $500 gift voucher will go to the first rider up the ‘Mother’ without placing a foot on the ground!

For more information on the Noosa Enduro, click here

Anaconda Adventure Race, Series Entry Team Profile - Victoria Police

”We don't do things by halves so have gone and entered all four races!”

One of the first series entries for the 2007 Anaconda Adventure Race Series came in the Services Challenge category. Scott, Mick, Kel and Josh will race together at the Gold Coast, Forster, WA and Lorne representing the Victoria Police. “None of us has much adventure racing experience, although we've all got experience in the outdoors, some more than others,” says Josh. So who are the four boys in blue who'll race their way around the country ? Click here to find out.

Reserve some respect ...

Crowned a 2 stage champion in last year’s Series, winning has certainly ensured the name Guy Andrews is forever etched into Anaconda folklore. Light on his feet and far from imposing there’s little hint of the skull-splitting berserker about him – a playful grin just enough to soften his natural menace into quiet intimidation.

Gold Coast’s resident rogue starts the Series curtain raiser “150% motivated” with a characteristic steely determination, insatiable appetite for winning and slimmed down physique sending a clear warning to his rivals. A naturally gifted athlete distilled from experience who relishes tough terrain inspired and enthralled us all last year with the ease in which he took command and dominated at Gold Coast and WA scoring a huge physiological victory.

Behind the bravado a singular focus, control and some old-school risk taking are all the hallmarks of the Andrews Era. Combined with what’s shaping up to be an intense rivalry with New Zealand’s Adventure Racing champion Richard Ussher, this year's series will be one to savour.

For whom will the bell toll? Time will tell.

XC Duathlon Corporate Challenge - 8th July, 2007

This unique XC Run and Mountain Bike event will take place on the cross-country trails at Sirromet Winery at Mount Cotton. It's a great event to keep you sharp over winter and also a valuable training race for the Anaconda Adventure Race at the Gold Coast on August 5).

Athletes can compete as individuals or in relay teams of two or three. The Duathlon format will be a 5 km XC trail run, followed by a 35 - 45km XC mountain bike ride and finishing with a 5 km XC trail run.

To enter, or for more information on the XC Duathlon Corporate Challenge, click here.

Anaconda Gold Coast, Pairs Profile - Havabanana

One of the first Pairs to enter the Anaconda Adventure Race on the Gold Coast is Havabanana - Tamara Thorogood and Cath Duchock.

“We’ve both played a mixture of sports over the years including touch football, soccer, AFL, surfing, diving and skydiving,” says Tamara, “We entered the Anaconda race as it fits with our travel schedule. We fly to New Zealand the next day for some snowboarding and glacier trekking on Mt Fox!”

Like all athletes, Tamara plays down their current fitness, claiming a renewed training push. “At the moment unfortunately we are starting from scratch but building up fast!” she says. If other adventure racing athletes are any guide, this means their training program will move them from ‘very fit’ to ‘scary-fit.’

Cath’s weekly training program includes four runs, two swims and several weights sessions. Tamara’s training includes 3-4 rides with two runs off the bike, a couple of weights sessions, a paddle and some boxing (let’s hope they don’t have any disagreements mid-race…). Tamara’s favourite discipline is the mountain bike, “I love the thrill and the unexpected,” she says. Tamara is, however, less optimistic about the swim. “Cath can’t swim straight in the ocean to save herself. We will be doing 2.5k!”

”Come race day, I’m most looking forward to the nature along the way,” says Tamara, “and the final beach run toward a Guinness.” Yup, that photo says it all!

Otway Odyssey course change rumours

Our spotters report that race director John Jacoby has been out in the Otways on his bike trying to further improve the already impressive mountain bike course for next year's Otway Odyssey.

When quizzed about the changes, John was intentionally vague, indicating that at this stage all he could reveal was that there would still be over 40km of single track, but that it would be spread more evenly throughout the day with the infamous Yaugher Loop yielding a little to have some fire track ”recovery” sections between the single track. He did warn however that it would still be hard and refused to answer when asked whether the infamous Tiger Lane climb would be included again.

Stay tuned for other important announcements which will be made in the lead up to entries opening later this year (midday on September 11th).

The Otway Odyssey will be run on 23rd February, 2008, giving you time to recover before the Berghaus Polaris Challenge on 8th & 9th March. Put those dates in your diary now !

Kayak Transport from Victoria to Gold Coast & Forster

We will again be taking our kayak trailer to the Anaconda events in 2007, transporting your boats & paddles for you if you require. You can reserve a spot on the trailer by emailing John (john@rapidascent.com.au) ... the cost is $150 return to the Gold Coast and $100 return to Forster. Boats can be left for pickup from (& returned to) either Melbourne or Torquay. If there is sufficient demand we will take the trailer to Western Australia too.

While we are at it, now is the time to book your flights to the various events we're running around the Australia. One way flights from Melbourne to Newcastle are available from as little as $59, to Gold Coast from $99 and Perth from $189 with similar deals available in other states. Book your leave, get in quickly and make a holiday out of it !

Race merchandise sale – 2XU knicks and jerseys for $49

We’re clearing last year’s range of 2XU Anaconda Adventure Race gear at cost price. High performance 2XU cycling jerseys and knicks are now only $49, while the warm winter fleeces are $59. That’s less than half the price of the equivalent 2XU gear in the shops. We also have high performance 2XU Tees available for $25 each – perfect as lightweight training tops. Stock is limited so get in quick.

E-mail t-shirt orders only to info@rapidascent.com.au. For all other orders go to the merchandise page.