DART-nuun News
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April 10,2007 - Redmond, Washington - DART-nuun members Jennifer and Ryan VanGorder raced with two separate teams that were competing in the first race of the 2007 Barebone Evening Adventure Sprint Tournament (BEAST) series. DART-nuun is currently teaming up with Mergeo, who produces the BEAST race series, to provide a unique opportunity for individuals to race with experienced racers and learn while in the heat of the moment. Whether they are looking for fast transitions, navigational help or just someone to tow them up a hill, DART-nuun racers will be racing in the entire series.

The race started in Marymoor park in Redmond, Washington and worked it's way through the hills of Redmond and then back to the park for a special task before the finish. Jennifer was teamed up with the Dew Overs, a mixed team of three with different levels of experience, and Ryan raced with a mixed team of 2 known as the Commandoughs who are just getting into adventure racing. Orienteering made up the first portion of the race and had racers running all over the state park exploring every nook and cranny available.

"The team worked well together and it was really fun to watch and help the Dew Overs work through the difficulties of the race," exclaimed Jen. The team was able to navigate their way through the orienteering course without trouble and had a quick transition to their bikes where they set out for some unexpected and rather large hill climbs. As the team headed out on the classic Burke-Gilman Trail and into the night the race kicked into full swing and teams began to spread out.

The Commandoughs were outfitted with Light & Motion Arc Li-ion lights and they quickly turned night into day. Dan, a member of the Commandoughs, explained, "It was amazing to see the trails so well at night and be able to ride as if it was not dark out. It not only gave me a more enjoyable ride, but kept my speed higher than I expected. At times I felt myself trying to hide my light when we found checkpoints because we felt like we were helping out other teams by lighting the way." Overall this was not a bad problem to have and the Commandoughs powered through the race to finish strong. Both teams made their way into the finish line well before the 11:00 P.M. cut off time and had a blast.

The race went off without a hitch and everyone competing in it crossed the finish line with a big smile on their face. As always the race organizers treated the racers, staff and volunteers to a post race feast including Chili, Fettuccini, salad and brownies amongst other goodies. The next BEAST race will take place on Wednesday, May 9th in Issaquah, Washington. The team will be headed down to Sea Otter this weekend for the inaugural Sea Otter Adventure race, look to the DART-nuun News site for more information on what the team is up to.

Labels: Press Release