The second annual Mission on the Muscatatuck is now etched into the memory of its participants and volunteers. A hot, humid day made the task a bit more demanding... but the surprises and challenges kept everyone moving along to find that next checkpoint until the clock struck midnight.

As several competitors noted, there were "more rope challenges than any adventure race I've done", thanks to the involvement of Dynamik Adventures. Each participant faced a choice of rock climbing or ascending, midway through the canoe route. The reward for that effort was a thrill ride down a zip line, across the Muscatatuck River before continuing on the canoes.

Racers also faced a difficult traverse and a rappel. Many also reached a checkpoint with a final rope challenge: crossing a steel bridge remains clipped into a safety line.

Picturesque waterfalls, venturing inside a cave, and the spectacular Muscatatuck River canoe route contributed to the scenic nature of the Mission. Challenge was great both physically and mentally, as finding checkpoints was not always a simple task.

The Gateway Adventure / Alpine Shop Team, of St Louis MO (Jeff Sona, Carrie Sona, David Frei), used their impeccable navigation skills to gain a 15-minute lead just 4 hours into the 18-hour event. Checkpoints 4 and 5, the first two on the canoe section, offered skilled orienteerers a chance to shine. Shine they did, as Gateway nailed these points and were on their way before the next teams could spot them. Gateway Adventure carried the lead throughout, eventually finding 32 checkpoints before finishing at 11:54 pm. The closest team was People's Burn Foundation / Citgo, finishing with 29 points at 11:55 pm.

The unique nature of the Mission is that each team continues for all 18 hours, and the most checkpoints scored determines the winner. Most teams finished between 11 pm and midnight, scoring an average of 19 points. Penalty points were assessed for missing checkpoints or violating race rules.
For More information: http://www.dinoseries.com/mm

www.dinoseries.com/run/results/2004/mmresults.htm

www.allstarphoto.biz

Also, a videotape containing 2004 and 2003 Mission footage is in the works! Please reply if you would like to order a video. Expected price is $25 (includes postage).

The FEARS series of sprint adventure races is gaining momentum with challenging and exciting courses. The next race is Sunday, June 27. The location is Terre Haute, Indiana.

Race highlights:
4-6 hour finish time (8 hr cutoff)
Creative courses
Excellent special challenges
Lots of surprises
Beginner category available, with shorter / easier course

Remaining FEARS events:
June 27 Terre Haute IN
July 18 Springfield IL
August 29 Richmond IN
Sept 19 Championship Race TBA

Top finishers in each race will receive discounts toward the series championship event. Discounts are cumulative; each time your team finishes well the discount is added.

For More information: http://www.dynamikadventures.com

Learn to rappel, ascend, traverse, rock climb, and more - plus ride the thrilling zip line just as it was in the Mission on the Muscatatuck! As part of the DINO Challenge Festival, Dynamik Adventures offers rope clinics and challenges.

For rope challenge info visit: www.dynamikadventures.com/start_ropes.html

The DINO Challenge Festival consists of multiple activities for the outdoor athlete, including mountain biking, trail running, canoe racing, and ropes events.
For More information: http://www.dinoseries.com/mtb/schedule/2004/race4.htm