DINO, Indiana's leader in mountain biking and trail running events, presents "Mission on the Muscatatuck", an 18 hour adventure race set along the spectacular route of the Muscatatuck River. A new course for 2004 once again highlights some of the area's most scenic and unique features with unique DINO twists.

Participants travel by foot, bicycle, and canoe in teams (or in the Solo division), using map and compass to find checkpoints. Each team must stay together the entire race. Along the way, they will encounter various natural and manmade challenges that test physical and mental ability and creativity.

For those up to the challenge, a solo division is offered. Solo participants may bring their own boat or rent a sit-on-top Cobra Kayak from Doin'it Outdoors.

The course is designed to keep most participants going all 18 hours, creating a dramatic finish line setting where family and friends can cheer for their team as they emerge from the darkness.

    

ROPES SKILLS:
For participants who are less experienced with ropes gear (harnesses, ATC, carabiners, etc) we are offering a FREE Rope Gear Basics clinic on Friday May 21 from 3-5 pm. Each participant will be expected to do the following without assistance: put on harness, connect ATC/descender and safety line carabiners to ropes. If you are not comfortable doing this, please attend the free clinic.

TEAM DIVISIONS
Each team must consist of three participants. Divisions are: Co-ed, All Female, and All Male. All teammates must remain within 100 feet of each other at all times. The field limit is 50 teams. Note: If the field is not full with 3-person teams by May 1, a 2-person division will be opened.

SOLO DIVISION
Participants applying for the solo division must provide a resume of experience. An adventure race of this distance and difficulty is much safer with team support.

To apply for the Solo Division, send a race resume along with entry form and payment. Race resumes should include recent solo or team adventure races, orienteering meets, etc. Include official results as proof. The key issue is safety; that you are competent navigator and make good decisions with regard to safety. Solo participants may be asked to carry a cell phone with them at all times.

    

ENTRY FEES
Teams: $100 per person (3-person teams)
           $120 per person (2-person teams) Now Available
Solo:    $140 per person with kayak rental
           $120 per person with self-provided canoe/kayak
* USARA members may deduct $8 from the entry fee.
* Entry closes May 10, 2003.

Fees include: Friday night meal, map(s), event T-shirt, post-race food, event insurance, professional event management, and a great experience.

LODGING
Primitive camping is included in your race fee! Just pick a site when you arrive! Campsites with hook-ups are also available on-site; contact Muscatatuck County Park at (800) 928-3667. Hotel rooms available at Comfort Inn in North Vernon (812) 352-9999.

FOOD
Entry in the event covers the pre-race dinner on Friday night (7:00PM). Post-race recovery food will be available. During the event, each team or soloist is to be self-sufficient.

  

DIRECTIONS:
North Vernon is halfway between Madison and Columbus IN. From the center of North Vernon (SR 7 and US 50), go south on SR 7 one mile, watch for the park entrance on the right just before crossing the river. View Map

TEAMMATE FINDER:
Use this message board to find teammates for Mission on the Muscatatuck! Note: You will have to register, but it is easy and free. This is the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association's website.

RELATED / LOCAL LINKS: Teammate Finder Message Board Muscatatuck County Park MTBReview.com Muscatatuck Park Jennings County, Indiana Dynamik Adventures Indiana Circle of Adventure Racers Indiana AR Lafayette Adventure Sports Club True North Associates United States Adventure Racing Association 2  Print a Mission on the Muscatatuck Entry Form

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