What is AR?

What is Adventure Racing?

Sometimes called "multi-sport racing", adventure racing combines elements from numerous outdoor adventure activities into one competitive event. Although surprise and "adventure" are key aspects of AR, most races require teams of participants to follow a course defined by a set of "check points". Teammates travel together as they navigate their way to these checkpoints using map reading skills and a compass. Travel on foot, by mountain bike, or by paddling in boats is usually specified on various portions of the course. Some races also include special challenges such as ropes events or obstacle courses.


Wikipedia article on Adventure Racing
Active.com article on Adventure Racing.
Frontier Adventure Racing article

AR Organizations


TrailBlazers Adventure Racing Club

There is a Raleigh-Durham chapter of this club.

TrailBlazers AR Club Meetup Group

The Raleigh-Durham chapter of TBARC has a Meetup Group to help with coordinating local activities.

Triangle Adventure Racing Team

TAR Team sponsors an email list for AR activity in the Triangle. Join to keep up on the latest news.

Checkpoint Zero Adventure Racing

Home of the Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Race Series and more.

USARA

United States Adventure Racing Association.


AR Disciplines

Navigation


Backwoods Orienteering Klub

In the Triangle area, BOK sponsors monthly orienteering meets in Umstead State Park and various other locations.

Carolina Orienteering Klub

In the Charlotte area, COK sponsors monthly orienteering meets in various locations.

Orienteering symbols

These are the standard clue symbols used in orienteering. Bushwhack emphasizes orienteering skills in it's events, so you'll probably see these symbols used on the CP sheets for Bushwhack races.

Map Tools

The Map Tools website offers info on using UTM coordinates, as well as free plotting tool templates.

SurvivalIQ Land Navigation

"The 'Land Navigation' section of this site is based on 'Map Reading and Land Navigation', a public domain work published by the U.S. Department of Defense."

Reading Topographic Maps

A Free On-Line Book on How to Read Topographic Maps and Use a Compass.

Estimated Magnetic Declination tool

An online tool from the National Geomagnetic Data Center for estimating magnetic declination for a lat/long coordinate on a given date.

Geographic Magnetic Calculator

GeoMag is a downloadable tool for estimating magnetic declination for lat/long or UTM coordinates on a given date.

MyTopo Maps

MyTopo provides custom printed navigation-ready map products for professional and recreational topographic map users. Bushwhack Adventures is an affiliate of MyTopo. Clicking this link through to MyTopo and purchasing a map helps support Bushwhack adventure racing.


Mountain Biking


TORC

Triangle Off-Road Cyclists.

Triangle MTB

MTB information site covering the Triangle area of NC. Includes local trail open/closed status report.

Bike Repair Pages

Instructional articles with pictures to cover home repair of your bike.


Paddling


Triangle Paddle Racing Club

The Triangle Paddling Club promotes fitness and fun through paddling.

Carolina Canoe Club

Instructional activities and paddle trips.


Trekking/Trail running


Carolina Godiva Track Club

Serving runners in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.

NC Roadrunnner's Club

Walking and Running in Raleigh and the Triangle Area. Sponsors group runs and other events.


Ropes


Triangle Rock Club

The Triangle Rock Club is the Raleigh area’s premiere indoor rock climbing center and gym.

Coming soon!



Race Reports

Adventure-Race-Reports.com