The A List™

The Batman

Originally uploaded by TCM Hitchhiker

In a recent Scientific American, we find this article, “Dark Knight Shift: Why Batman Could Exist–But Not for Long - Q&A with movement researcher E. Paul Zehr” by By JR Minkel, in which the author of the upcoming Becoming Batman: The Possibility of a Superhero (The Johns Hopkins University Press), discusses how an “ordinary person” (someone like Bruce Wayne) could physically transform themselves into a heroic figure like Batman.

While the author says that Batman would do great in the Olympic Decathlon, it struck me that the sport Batman is best suited for is Adventure Racing!

Probably if I were Batman’s handler, I’d put him in the decathlon. Although Batman is shown in the comics as being the fastest and the strongest and all these other things, in reality you can’t actually be all of that at once. To be Batman properly, what you really need to do is be exceptionally good at many different things. It’s when you take all the pieces and put them together that you get the Batman.

Hmmm… Good at many different things, eh? Like having the skills to handle a technical section of mountain biking, then switch to paddling through giant sections of whitewater, then diving into a river in only your black wetsuit and riding a small, winged contraption through even more whitewater, then having the endurance, perseverance, and fortitude to transition to a trek that will take you up and over tall, snow covered mountains? Then bike some more. Then trek some more. Then scale a shear rock face with only a thin line protecting you from certain death? Then trek some more. Then bike some more?

Oh, and you’ll need some spare $$$ to back up all of your adventures?

Does any of this sound familiar?

The next time you find yourself racing down some backwoods road and a local gives you that skeptical, “You guys are crazy” look and asks what you’re up to, just simply reply, “I’m Batman!”

The R.A.T. Race: “A Little Big Race”
Sunday, July 20, 2008, Fredericksburg, VA
FredEvents

Although Jamie and I were not at all convinced that the R.A.T.’s “short” distances meant “easy” — we’ve been around enough to know different — we were still a bit surprised at the amount of climbing in this “Little BIG Race.” : )

Code Red air conditions notwithstanding, the paddling was good, and the trails were well chosen — technical enough to make it interesting but ridable and runnable. FredEvents is a very good race company that cares about the racers — low key, with good support, and volunteers and awesome eats and beers post race! We are very lucky to have these guys around!

A super congratulations to A Listers:

– Liza Dunham and Mark , 1st Place Co-Ed Div. and
– Tom O’Donnell and Jim Weber, 1st Place Men’s Div.

and to everyone who braved the heat for some morning fun yesterday!

We will definitely race with FredEvents again soon!

– Chris
The A List(tm)

*FredEvents Race Calendar*
*R.A.T. #2 Results (coming Soon)*

Primal Quest Montana: All Photos Now Online at Will Ramos Photography!

From Primal Quest:

Primal Quest® is an environmentally friendly, ecologically aware wilderness Expedition Adventure Race. Teams of experienced back country adventure athletes journey across expansive terrain using only a map, a compass and combined skills. Successfully finishing requires much more than stamina and mental fortitude. It requires selfless teamwork, spirit and absolute determination. Only co-ed teams of four are permitted to race. Team members are required to travel together at all times and must finish together in order to be officially ranked. Over $100,000 in Cash and Prizes will be awarded to the top finishing teams.

Note: Bib/Team # search for this race coming soon.

	Search Photos by Race & BIB#
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   From our friends at High Trek Adventure

Ever wonder what it feels like to be on the Amazing
Race, but can’t quit your day job? Then grab a friend, a
map of downtown, your sneakers, and prepare for an
exhilarating race around the city when High Trek
Adventure comes to town!

High Trek Adventure is a unique urban adventure game
where brains beat brawn! Teams of 2 solve clever
clues and face fun challenges all while navigating the
urban landscape via foot or on public transportation!
It’s a scavenger hunt, with all the thrills of The Amazing
Race, mixed in with Trivial Pursuit, throw in a mini
road race and add a dash of cat-and-mouse. And
voila! You’ve got High Trek Adventure 2008 National Race Series

2008 Race Dates:

Philadelphia, PA

Boston, MA

Rochester, NY

New York, NY

Seattle, WA

Portland, OR

San Francisco, CA

Chicago, IL

Washington, DC

Sacramento, CA

*A Listers save 15% by just entering HTA2008 in the coupon code at check out. Voila! Instant savings!

Jason Hofsess, High Trek Adventure / jason@hightrekadventure.com
1812 Trinity Ave, Ste. 114 /  Walnut Creek, CA 94596  / 480.326.4893<br>  

Calleva Adventure Race 2008 will be a great race for those new to the sport as well as for seasoned athletes looking for a good training workout.This year we’ll give you 8 hours to complete the course. No navigational plotting experience required. If you can read a map, you can do this race! Rogain style orienteering check points will spice up the course for the fastest! Preplotted maps provided by Calleva.

  Tampa Races.com (Tampa, FL)

 2008 Events

• Florida Challenge 1/2 Marathon & 5K- 1.27.08
• Trout Creek 15K & 5K - 3.9.08
• Croom Fools Run 50K - 3.22.08
• Flatwoods Four Mile Trail Run - 4.6.08
• Talon 8-12 Hour Adventure Race - 4.26.08
• Picnic Island Adventure Runs - 3.3 miles 5.30.08 / 6.27.08 / 7.25.08

More here !

What is High Trek Adventure?
High Trek Adventure is a unique, one-of-a-kind urban adventure game where brains beat brawn! Teams of 2 solve clever clues and take on fun challenges all while navigating the urban jungle via foot or public transportation! It’s a scavenger hunt, with all the thrills of the amazing race, mixed in with Trivial Pursuit, throw in a mini road race and add a pinch of cat-and-mouse. And voila! You’ve got High Trek Adventure!

Race locations: 

• Philadelphia, PA
• Boston, MA
• Rochester, NY
• New York, NY
• Seattle, WA
• Portland, OR
• San Franciso, CA
• Chicago, IL
• Washington, DC
• Sacramento, CA

Read more at www.HighTrekAdventure.com

  The Father of FredEvents, Konrad Heller, wants A Listers to know that the season is about to rev up and they have some AWESOME races scheduled for the year!  Adventure Races, Duathlons, MTB Races & Trail Runs! 

 Very special this year is The Virginia Off-Road Series (VORs). 

“The Virginia Off Road Series (VORS) includes multiple established races and disciplines. VORS will include noted Blue Ridge Outdoor Races from FredEvents and 18 Hours on the Farm Scouts Honor along with two other well known and popular Series from RunRideRace and Richmond MultiSports. The competitions selected for VORS includes core mountain bike races with a twist of multiple discpline races from duathlons to 18 hours. This means competitors will have to focus not only on the race at hand but the entire series. Bottom line, accruing points will involve as much strategy as having a strong race!” 

Check our the VORS and all FredEvents early and often at www.fredevents.org ! 

   Read more here.

   GOALS ADVENTURE RACING
CELEBRATING 5 YEARS OF ADVENTURE RACING!

* Don’t forget your 15% A List Discount on all 2008 GOALS Races !

Check out the full schedule of 8 races after the jump!

[Read more →]

Primal Quest Certification Camps and AR Clinics
Ashville, NC - USA
Pura Vida Adventures

Joe M. told me that “we have had a high demand and I am expanding camps throughout the entire month of March and April.” So if you were thinking of signing up — do it soon!

 – Chris [Read more →]

Two calendars are now available for immediate purchase from Will Ramos Photography. First up is the 2008 Best Of Adventure Sports Photography

Featuring twelve months of stunning photography, this one-of-a-kind calendar is dedicated to the sport of adventure! 12 eye-popping images will keep you pumped during the 2008 race season!

Preview the Calendar (links to PDF)

Option #2 is the 2008 Women of Adventure Sports

Featuring twelve months of stunning photography, this one-of-a-kind calendar is dedicated adventure sport’s better half…WOMEN! Over 12 eye-popping images will keep you motivated during the 2008 race season!

Preview the Calendar (links to PDF)