Thanks to all who turned out at Hueston Woods State Park for the first of the Ambush Sprint Adventure Challenge series, and thnaks to Sheri & Jerry Simpson of Sportraxx by Simpson for sponsoring the race and doing so much to see that it was a succesful event. Kudos to all who were trying it for the first time - some may have wondered what they were getting themselves into, but it was all smiles at the finish line and we hope to see them back again soon.

The race was s three hour long "short-short" sprint and began with a canoe/kayak leg on Acton Lake. Three CPs were located out on the lake, and although most people seemed to have ignored the RD's warning that CP "Y" was improperly mapped, it didn't cause significant problems and racers began arriving back within the hour and set off on their bikes for the next leg.

The trails at Hueston Woods are fairly easy by almost anyone's standards, and the course was not particularly long, but the trail system IS confusing, with many unmarked side trails and others that twist and turn on themselves. Results varied widely, but at least the deep forest shaded the course from the hot sun that by this time was really beating down.

The "rogaine-style" finish is a staple at Ambush Adventure races and allows the course to be as challenging for experienced racers as it is for beginners. Racers had until the three hour race timew limit to visit as many CPs on the permanent orienteering course as they could. The top teams had enough time to visit them all, while teams arriving later had to strategize carefully to get as many points as possible and yet return before 1:00 to avoid a late penalty. Almost every team got to at least a few and was able to return to the FINISH for a cold pop and a little socializing before hopping in the car and turning the AC on full!

Congratulations to John Haight and Valerio Viti of Cave Run Bike & Outdoors. John is the owner of this nice little shop at Cave Run Lake in Morehead, Kentucky and co-sponsors the Ambush Cave Run Lake Adventure Race (6 or 24 hours, September 17-18). Cave Run is the home of the Sheltowee Trace MTB trail, so if you want mile after mile of challenging singletrack (as well as paddling & rappelling) give john a call and set something up - he know the area like no one else. Perhaps the most important thing is that John and Valerio just barely edged out Ambush Adventure Racing (Steve Kaczor & Stephanie Ross), preventing any claims that the "fix is in".

Actually Team J2 Racing came in at exactly the same time as Ambush Adventure Racing, both with all 15 points, and close behind themn were solos Ron Hart, Doug Stephenson and Terry Kooyman and Team Traning Wheels (John Hohenberger, Tim Hallahan) all with 13 points - good job guys!.

Don't hesitate to email the race director with any questions.