Musing and Errata on the world of Adventure Racing from the Yak
presented by MPGear.com

Quick...name the big corporate sponsors behind the ongoing Patagonia Expedition Race in Chile? Ok that's a hard one 'cause those companies are all Chilean. The point is the race isn't named after the 800lb gorilla with the fattest checkbook...Chilean or otherwise.

Quick...name the TV network that will be broadcasting the Patagonia Expedition Race? Ok that's a trick question 'cause it's not being post-produced into a reality-drama for the unwashed masses. You probably assumed it was because over the last few years it seems that is the whole point of promoting a true expedition length race.

Quick...name the last expedition race that didn't include roller blading? Ok that's an easy one 'cause clearly I'm about to make a point about the Patagonia Expedition Race.

So what is the point. Well Rob Harsh from Team Fukawi (as in Where The Fukawi) said it best when he was interviewed by our intrepid reporter Lisa in her latest report from the end of the world (sounds like a Douglas Adams book doesn't it). I won't bore you by quoting him since you've already read the report or are doing so now :-)

Essentially Rob makes the point that for the first time in a while we have a race put on for the sake of racing...not to prove who's the best in the world or to sell ads or bring adventure racing to people who may have a fleeting interest...or not. This is a very long and very hard race located literally in one of the most remote regions on earth. A very windy, remote region.

After the death of Eco (look it's just not coming back so get over it), the transformation of the Raid into a much needed and very well run pro series, the media angle of Primal Quest (and the recent uncertainty about it's future) it's nice to see such a well organized and truly awe inspiring race survive it's own growing pains to provide such a rare and unique experience. These guys have put on a world class event in a breathtakingly beautiful locale. Ok they only got 11 teams who didn't pay a penny and so maybe this ain't the best business model in the world, but it's got that old school vibe and that is a breath of fresh...wind.