This 12 hour adventure race features whitewater paddling on the famed Gauley River. The summer water levels are not nearly as extreme as some of you may have experienced on a trip during the exciting fall draw down, but they are just right for individual duckies and you will have quite a ride as you negotiate your own boat through the rapids under the expert guidance of the Appalachian Wildwaters guides stationed at the major rapids. Most people have not experienced the other parts of this spectacular gorge, and you will bike and hike through the best of it, as well as a breathtaking view from the top right before you step off for an anal-clenching rappel. It is expected that the winning teams will finish in about 9 hours. Straggling teams may be diverted onto alternate courses near the end to ensure that they finish before dark. The best part of all may be the finish at the AW outpost - how many races have you done where there is not only hot food awaiting your arrival, but showers, a swimming pool and even a hot tub!!!

The Gauley River is only minutes from your location. Google map Greensboro, NC 207 miles Pittsburgh 222 miles Columbus 265 miles Knoxville 272 miles Cleveland 305 miles Cincinnati 313 miles Washington 330 miles

Solos are allowed, but we encourage you to find a teammate or two (or three) to maximize your fun. Besides that...there are discounts for team entries - what more could you ask for!!! ANy gender age combinations OK - we will base award categories on the number of teams we have in each category/class.

Since everyone finishes at about the same time, we have the opportunity for a great picnic and awards presentation after the race. That's the best part for many folks and a good opportunity to meet other athletes to train or race with in the coming season. What's more, we finish at the Appalachian Wildwaters outpost where you and your team can enjoy a picnic on the porch and a long soak in the hot tub.

The top three teams in each category will receive discounted race entries to other Ambush adventure races later this year. Trophies generally go three deep based on the following categories: open (overall winners), coed, all female, male masters, female master, coed masters. In addition, there may be special awards to recognize outstanding achievement (such as fastest splits, best foot-O score, etc.).

• Mountain bike & helmet
• AW will supply 'super duckies' for all racers
• Climbing harness, ATC & locking carabiner

Although we strive to keep the list of adventure racing gear to a minimum, that doesn't mean that a bike & helmet is all you should bring. You should carry whatever you need to feel safe and comfortable given the race description and potentially unstable weather conditions. This may include:

• Hydration pack (ie. Camelbak) & plenty of water (or water purification kit)
• Bike repair kit, pump and spare tubes
• Compass & map case
• Extra clothing, windbreaker, fleece
• First aid kit, small knife, emergency space blanket, whistle
• Energy bars, gel or snacks

There are NO skills certifications required for this race, however...

...You will be paddling on up to class III moving water and should have previous experience. The 'super duckies' are easy to maneuver and we will have plenty of guides to direct you through the bigger rapids, but this is definitely not the time or place to learn. If you are unsure of your skills, consider a trip with Appalachian Wildwaters prior to the race to get your confidence up.

There will be a significant rappell. We will have attendants to ensure your safety, but you should be familiar and comforatble with a longish (100'+)rappel...once again - this is NOT the place to learn

Maps will be of a variety of types and scales suitable for the adventure race. They are premarked with checkpoint locations and it will not be necessary to plot CP locations from UTMs.

Please register on or before July 7 to receive a high-quality wicking event T-shirt.

ENTRY FEE

Solo or (*individual registering only themselves)	$135
* Teams must submit registrations together to qualify for the discounted price
2 person team	$250 ($125/person)
3 person team	$375 ($125/person)
4 person team	$500 ($125/person)

*To receive the discounted price for team entry you will need to have one person register ALL team members at the same time. Please have names, addresses and emails of all team members at hand before registering.

Please read the refunds policy before registering.

Further information, directions to the START/FINISH and any last minute details will be provided once you have registered.

Camping is FREE Friday and Saturday night at the Appalachian Wildwaters outpost in Oak HIll. There are many motels in the area, however they can be full due to rafting so be sure and reserve early.

QUESTIONS?...contact the race director