RACE ANNOUNCEMENT

[Todd Scott]

The forecast for the 2003 SMAC race season is fun … but the series is going to start with a blizzard!

SMAC’s Salamon/Moosejaw Winter Raid is here! See below for the details.

SMAC WINTER RAID ADVENTURE RACE
Round #1of the 2003 Salomon / Moosejaw Adventure Race Series

About The Race: This race combines typical Nordic events and adventure race elements for a challenge you’ll warm to. This unsupported race is designed with the beginner to intermediate racer in mind, but even more experienced racers will be challenged.. Look for an emphasis on race strategy and navigation – both mainstays of the SMAC race philosophy. No support crew is needed; teams will revisit a transition area after each stage to prepare for the next event. Teams will be required to navigate each stage of the race using pre-marked topographical maps provided by SMAC.

If the thought of trying some of the Nordic disciplines for the first time has you thinking about staying in next to a warm fire, don’t worry. Salomon North America and SMAC will be holding clinics on the Nordic disciplines of the race to help prepare you for the event.

With no excuses left, it’s time to sign up!



RACE BACKGROUND
*********************************************************************************************************************************
WHEN: Saturday, February 22nd 2003, 8:30 am start (EST) and 5:30 p.m. cut- off (Sunrise 7:19 a.m. Sunset 6:14 p.m.)

WHERE: Kensington Metropark in Milford, MI. For more information go to: http://www.metroparks.com/parks/pk_kensington.php

TEAMS: Two-person teams; divisions in male (MM), female (FF), and coed (MF)

GEAR LIST: A list of mandatory gear will be posted on our website http://www.smacworld.com

CUT-OFF TIME: Teams must complete the course within 8 hours to be considered as a ranked team.

MAP TO START: Go to http://www.metroparks.com/parks/pk_kensington.php and look for the Farm Center Complex.

RACE MAPS: Color (USGS 1979base map) 1:15,000 or better with 10’contours all control points will be pre-marked. Maps will be updated with most trails and roads using GPS coordinate technology.

TRANSITION AREA: A common transition area will be visited after most race stages. Teams will be given the option of setting up an enclosed area (canopies / tents) or can choose to use vehicles for transitions. Outside assistance (support crew) will be allowed within the transition area but is not mandatory. SMAC is not responsible for missing or lost equipment.

TERRAIN: The area consists of glacial terrain with hills and depressions, mainly forested but with some fields and open areas along with many marshy areas, water and manmade features.

WEATHER: The race will be run regardless of the weather. Even without snow, SMAC will deliver a blizzard of a race on an alternative course without Nordic disciplines but with an extended orienteering and mountain bike section and a possible surprise event.

PRIZES: Salomon North America will be awarding each member of first place teams a personalized jacket with the team’s name and a set of Salomon Access snowshoes. Moosejaw Mountaineering will be providing second and third place teams with gift certificates. There will be other cool prizes from our sponsors, too. SMAC will also be providing the PLUS AWARD that will be given out for the team that shows the determination and sportsmanship that is the most inline with the SMAC race philosophy.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: At http://www.smacworld.com/WinterAR2003/winterar.html

RACE DISCIPLINES
******************************************************************************************************************************
SNOWSHOEING: Checkpoints for this section can be collected in any order (score-O format) and will be arranged in a way that strategy will play a significant part. Snowshoes must be worn for this entire section.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Checkpoints will be spread out over a predetermined course and must be collected in numerical order. The entire section must be covered using the classic or skate style skiing.

MOUNTAIN BIKING: Checkpoints for this section can be collected in any order (score-O format). The course will cover single track sections as well as dirt and paved roads.

ICE-SKATING: You don’t need to be able to spin and jump like Dorothy Hamill, but you wil be required to complete a set distance on a predefined circuit.

ORIENTEERING: Typical orienteering protocols will be used along with orienteering control cards (hieroglyphic control descriptions) in a score-O format. For more information on orienteering go to http://www.angelfire.com/mi/SMOC

FIXED ROPES: The rope stage is set up to be extremely safe and will be closely monitored by qualified guides who will make sure that your experience is fun and safe, so no special skills or certifications are required. The rope section will include a tyrolean traverse or a zip line as well as a bypass (escape route) for those that don’t feel up to the challenge.


Good Luck!
Paul Piorkowski
Race Director SMAC WINTER RAID
e-mail: paul.piorkowski@gm.com
Phone: 734 699-5182 mail box #4
www.smacworld.com


************************************************************************
SMAC SPONSORS:
Salomon North America: www.salomonsports.com
Moosejaw Mountaineering: www.moosejaw.com
Antoon's Bicycles: www.antoonsbicycles.com
SealSkinz: www.danalco.com
Leki: www.leki.com
E-Caps/Hammer Gel: www.e-caps.com
Adventure Sports Magazine: www.adventuresportsmagazine.com
Meet-Outdoors: www.Meet-Outdoors.info

SMAC SUPPORTERS:
Huron-Clinton Metroparks: www.metroparks.com
Michigan DNR: www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/parklist.asp
Heavner Canoe: www.heavnercanoe.com
Planet Rock Climbing Gym: www.planet-rock.com
Adventure Racing Resources: www.arresources.com
Southern Michigan Orienteering Club: www.angelfire.com/mi/SMOC/index.htm

************************************************************************
ABOUT SMAC ADVENTURE RACING CLINICS:
It is the club's intention for all of its members - regardless of ages or abilities - to reach their goals. We tailor clinics to allow our members a chance to improve their skills and to have fun along the way. All clinics are RSVP, so please contact the event coordinator prior to clinic. Many of our clinics have a limit on the number of participants, so register early. In addition, some clinics have a cost associated with the
instruction, facility and equipment. SMAC strives to arrange the best instruction available and works to keep the cost at a minimum. SMAC provides all clinics at zero profit to the organization.

************************************************************************
ABOUT SMAC:
The Southern Michigan Adventure Club is a nonprofit Internet-based organization developed for the advancement of adventure racing. Currently the club has over 1,200 members making it one of the largest Adventure Racing clubs in the nation. SMAC tailors its races, clinics and training sessions to allow its members a chance to improve and to have fun along the way. SMAC can be found on the Internet at www.smacworld.com.