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

The imminent death of AR has been a popular topic lately. In several online forums and on at least a few mailing lists the debate about the "state of the sport" has seen racers and race directors exchanging views on the reasons for a string of cancellations due to weak registration numbers.

The most recent indicator of AR's "bleak future", cited more than once, was the recent cancellation of the Cal Eco Final. I won't go into the less than uplifting notice first posted. It's since been removed. Suffice it to say a clear message was sent. According to the race director AR is fading and that is why nobody registered.

Um, ok.

Oddly, the So Cal 24, part of the Explore the West series just announced that they've sold out.

I recently spoke to a friend of mine that's an RD out west...he's looking to add 4 events to his already busy schedule next year.

Oh ya, I'm putting on my first race next March.

Fading my ass. I've got another theory. It's called Capitalism. Or as Ricky would say...it's Supply and Command.

That some RDs are floundering while others are thriving is a good thing. It means racers are voting with their wallets. The creative RDs that offer quality products and customer service and who market effectively will thrive. The ones who don't will wither and decide promoting events is not for them.

The racers will be the primary beneficiaries.