|
Are you tough enough to take on the Big Blue? (Hint: You don’t really have to be THAT tough.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Written by Paul Raymore
|
|
Sunday, 17 September 2006 |
|
|
|
|
 Seasoned adventure racers and newbies alike will find plenty of challenges on Saturday, Sept. 23, as the Tahoe Big Blue and Big Blue Sprint adventure races return to North Lake Tahoe.
Racers competing in the Tahoe Big Blue, which is designed to produce finishing times of between six and 12 hours, will find new and challenging terrain during the mountain bike portion of the race as race organizers were given access to acreage that was off-limits during previous Big Blue races. In addition, there will be a greater emphasis on navigation throughout the course, according to Todd Jackson, president of Seventh Wave Productions which produces the Big Blue Adventure Series.
In the Sprint race, “We’ve got some fun challenges that I think people will have a lot of fun with,” Jackson said. “It’s a great opportunity for people to get out on the lake, because we provide the kayaks for that race. And the sprint race is not so navigation intensive, so you don’t really have to know how to navigate to do that one.”
Racers who are competing for a top finish in the overall Big Blue Adventure Series will be giving their all during the Big Blue races because top finishes count for bonus points in the signature race of the series. But even without a top finish, all competitors have a great chance to win some nice prizes provided by Salomon, Merrell, Tahoe Mountain Sports, Kahtoola and more.
 “If you enter, you’re almost guaranteed to win something because it’s not based on the finish, it’s based on a raffle,” Jackson said.
In years past, race organizers have given away over $5,000 worth of gear and prizes at the finish line after-party, and Jackson expects to do the same this year.
For those who aren’t competing, the two races on Saturday provide multiple spectating options. Prime locations include: the start/finish line at the North Tahoe Regional Park at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. for the starts of the Big Blue and Big Blue Sprint races respectively; Agatam Beach in Tahoe Vista for the beginning of the kayaking sections of the race; Commons Beach at around 9 a.m. for a transition during the Big Blue race; and then back at the North Tahoe Regional Park at 1 p.m., when organizers expect the top teams to start crossing the finish line. At 2:30 p.m. the Big Blue barbecue will get the after-party started in the North Tahoe Regional Park, with the awards ceremony at 4 p.m.
Tahoe Big Blue disciplines:
8 miles kayaking
24 miles mountain biking
5-8 miles hiking/trail running
Continuous use of map and compass
Tahoe Big Blue Sprint disciplines:
2-3 miles kayaking
7-10 miles mountain biking
3-5 miles hiking/trail running
 Registration information:
The six to 12 hour event is open to teams of two, three or four; all male, all female, or coed; as well as individuals. The Sprint race is open to teams of two; all male, all female, coed, or masters (each athlete to be 45 years of age or older). Teams can register through Sept. 20. Teams who have competed in multiple Big Blue Adventure Races are eligible for discount registration. Racers can register and find teammates at www.bigblueadventure.com.
Big Blue series:
The Big Blue Adventure Series, produced and developed by Seventh Wave Productions, has grown in popularity and success since its inception in 2002 and now includes 12 competitions, including 24-hour formats, sprint races and an off-road triathlon. For more information, go to www.bigblueadventure.com or call 530-546-1019.
Looking for an even bigger challenge?
An extreme 24-hour version of the Tahoe Big Blue competition is set for Oct. 7.
Photos from Tahoe World archive
Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 18 September 2006 )
|
