AdventureCORPS News July 3 2008

Greetings, fellow athlete-adventurers! In this Issue:

- Quote for the Day
- Marmot Sponsors Badwater Ultramarathon
- CORPScamp Shasta: Slideshows and Videos
- Yours Truly in Competitor
- John Vonhof: Foot Guru
- When Training, Don't Forget Your Feet
- And now for something completely different

QUOTE FOR THE DAY
"Let us not underestimate the privileges of the mediocre. As one climbs higher, life becomes ever harder, the coldness increases, responsibility increases." - Friedrich Nietzsche
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MARMOT: OFFICIAL CLOTHING SUPPLIER OF THE BADWATER ULTRAMARATHON We are pleased to announce that Marmot, makers of the highest quality performance clothes and gear for the outdoor lifestyle since 1974, is now the official clothing supplier of the Badwater Ultramarathon. As such, every race entrant will receive a Mesita short-sleeve shirt and every race staffer will receive a Doctor D short-sleeve shirt, both made of lightweight wicking fabric which is perfect for the Death Valley environment.

Marmot products have been field-tested on every major mountain range on earth and in virtually every outdoor environment imaginable. They work with core professional guide services like Exum Mountain Guides in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming to produce the finest gear in the world. Day in and day out, 24/7, Marmot gear is born professionally and worn obsessively.

Marmot is a values-based company that stands for more than the technical outerwear, clothing and equipment they sell. Marmot supports social entrepreneurs like the dZi Foundation, the CancerClimber Association, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Chicks with Picks, and many, many more groups who are out to change the world. More info. ______________________________


CORPScamp SHASTA: RECON SLIDESHOWS AND VIDEOS

The glacier-laden volcanic peak known as Mt. Shasta provides the backdrop for superb cycling and winter sports in a gorgeous, alpine region with dramatic lakes, rivers, forests, and memorable climbs. You can drive there easily from California, Nevada, or Oregon, or fly in via Redding or Sacramento. Shasta is a bit remote, but that helps protect its quiet, wondrous setting. Mt. Shasta's special appeal will draw you back again and again.

Here is a slideshow and four videos of Mt. Shasta in summer, including the host hotels for the upcoming CORPScamp Shasta.

Here is a slideshow and two videos of Mt. Shasta in winter.

All the info about the July 30 - August 3 CORPScamp Shasta is here.

The registration page is here.

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YOURS TRULY IN COMPETITOR
I am deeply honored and pleased to be featured in Competitor Magazine this month. The article is so darn flattering, it's almost embarrassing! You can pick up a copy around Southern California at a Jamba Juice, running shoe store, or bike shop; here is the online version.
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JOHN VONHOF: FOOT GURU
Ultra runners, adventure racers, triathletes, and especially Badwater Runners should know the life, work, and insights which John Vonhof has to share on the subject of feet, shoes, and foot care. He's literally written the book on the subject, "Fixing Your Feet." John has also been an important member of the Badwater Race Staff in recent years and I'm sure that many runners can give thanks to John for allowing them to finish the race when their feet had other ideas in mind. John also maintains a very informative blog which all athletes should consult regularly:
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JOHN VONHOF EDITORIAL: WHEN TRAINING, DON'T FORGET YOUR FEET
I subscribe to several online forums where participants talk about ultramarathons, adventure racing, and triathlons. One common conversation thread is about preparation. Subjects range from my training, your training, the best training, training ideas, the best shoes to use, tapering before an event, gear, lights, and so on. All these are good topics and I'm sure many people benefit from them. But, I'll be honest here, it bothers me that hardly anyone talks about, or asks questions about, how to prepare their feet. Let me explain.

Just as you train your legs, heart, lungs, you should prepare your feet. I know that as you run, your feet get in shape too. But I am talking about preparing your feet with their calluses, toenails, Morton’s foot, bunions, recovering sprains and blisters, and more. I could say more but close friends have said it well in the Forewords of "Fixing Your Feet."

Let's start with the Forewords in the four editions of Fixing Your Feet. Billy Trolan, MD, wrote in the Foreword for the first edition of Fixing Your Feet: "The one factor that continues to amaze me is that individuals and teams will spend vast amounts of money, time, and thought on training, equipment, and travel, but little or no preparation on their feet. Too often the result has been that within a few hours to a few days all that work has been ruined - ruined because the primary mode of transportation has broken down with blisters."

David Hannaford, a sports podiatrist, Badwater veteran, and ultramarathoner, wrote the Foreword to the second edition. He said, "As I was limping over the last sand dune on the last day of the seven-day Marathon des Sables in the Moroccan Sahara desert, I thought of John's advice about foot protection. I was losing a toenail, which could have been avoided had I heeded his advice about larger shoes in extreme heat. I thought I knew better. After all I have two silver buckles from the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, and being an experienced sports podiatrist, I already fit my shoes roomy. But, as I looked around me, my little injury paled in comparison to the hundreds of runners limping to the finish with feet much more damaged than mine. Most of these foot problems could have been avoided with proper care."

Then Dan Barger, the Primal Quest Expedition Adventure Race Founder and Ultrarunning Grand Slam Record Holder 1998–2002, wrote in the Foreword to the third edition: "I ran my first ultramarathon at age 15, and during it I became painfully aware that an athlete's feet are one of the most important parts of the body. Shortly after that first ultra, I was competing at the World Ride and Tie Championships with Ken 'Cowman' Shirk. Before the race, while rinsing his feet, he leaned over and said, 'Take good care of your feet and they will take you wherever you want to go.' Over the next 23 years, as I participated in 236 ultramarathons, trail runs, bike events, climbing, and adventure racing, I learned the importance of taking care of my feet. Cowman was right. Many times I have forgotten this advice and have paid the price. Feet will take us to new challenges and adventures, but only if we make the conscious choice to care for them."

Finally, Demetri 'Coup' Coupounas, the founder of GoLite, wrote in the Foreword for this fourth edition: "It's about your feet: If your feet get there, you get there. If your feet are happy, you're happy. If your feet are miserable and want to quit, you are miserable and want to quit."

Preventing foot problems is being proactive , working to solve problems before they develop. When problems develop, everything becomes reactive — working to solve an existing problem. Being proactive takes time up front. Being reactive takes time and resources often when they are not available or when using them may jeopardize the outcome of the event.

I will always remember what Denise Jones, the Badwater Blister Queen, said, "One thing is for sure, when one's feet hurt it definitely gets one’s attention." I urge you to pay attention to your feet before they hurt.
- John Vonhof
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AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
Let's face it: Some people have so much time on their hands, they can indulge the craziest of pursuits, from training for and competing in world-class sporting events like Furnace Creek 508 and Badwater Ultramarathon, to, well, this kind of thing.

Thanks for your support and participation, everyone! We look forward to seeing you out there soon!

Yours in sport, Chris Kostman
Chief Adventure Officer and Race Director
http://www.adventurecorps.com
http://www.the508.com
http://www.badwater.com
http://www.XO-1.org

Copyright 2008 AdventureCORPS, Inc. Copies of this Internet posting may be made and distributed in whole without further permission. Please forward to a friend by clicking the little envelope icon below.

AdventureCORPS News June 26 2008

Greetings, fellow athlete-adventurers!

In this Issue:
- Quote for the Day
- CORPScamp Shasta: Book Your Motel Room TODAY!
- The Road to Badwater: Jarom Thurston and Lorie Hutchison
- Badwater Ultramarathon Press Release
- And now for something completely different

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

"And if you should survive to 105
Look at all you'll derive out of being alive.
Then here is the best part
You have a head start
If you are among the very young at heart."
- Frank Sinatra
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CORPScamp SHASTA: FIVE DAYS OF FANTASTIC CYCLING THIS SUMMER

NOTE: Our two host hotels will release our special, reserved block to the public tomorrow, Friday, 26, so if you are planning to join us for CORPScamp Shasta, please be sure to reserve your room now! (That doesn’t mean you can't join the camp, or get a room, after tomorrow, but it might get difficult at some point.)

With the cost of gas these days, why travel all the way to a cycling event which is only one day long? You'll spend more time in transit than you will on your bike!

With that thought in mind, we invite you to join us at Mt. Shasta, the magical, mystical mountain which stands serenely near the top of California, for a five day cycling retreat, CORPScamp Shasta, on July 30 through August 3.

The glacier-laden volcanic peak known as Mt. Shasta provides the backdrop for superb cycling in a gorgeous, alpine region with dramatic lakes, rivers, forests, and memorable climbs. You can drive there easily from California, Nevada, or Oregon, or fly in via Redding or Sacramento. Shasta is a bit remote, but that helps protect its quiet, wondrous setting. Mt. Shasta's special appeal will draw you back again and again.

The camp concludes with participation in the Shasta Summit Century (58, 100, or 135 mi) on August 3. We don't organize that event, but it has a fine reputation and it covers a spectacular route.

We've also made a great deal with a pair of very nice, charming hotels in downtown, quiet, quaint Mt. Shasta. There is a continental breakfast in the morning, plus early evening wine and cheese, every day. There's also a perfect grassy area for the daily post-ride yoga classes.

All the info is here and the registration page is here.
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THE ROAD TO BADWATER: JAROM THURSTON AND LORIE HUTCHISON

Click here for a video and article about two rookie Badwater entrants from Utah. Here'’s an excerpt from the article by John Hollenhorst of KSL TV:

It's been plenty hot for most of us the last few days, but for a couple of Utahns, it's just not hot enough! They're doing everything they can to make themselves as hot as possible.

They're doing something that might sound crazy, training for temperatures that seem unbearable to most of us. Next month they'll run the most grueling foot race in the world, 135 miles in the hottest place at the hottest time of year.

Jarom Thurston trains an hour or two a day in a sauna, sweating up a storm at 160 degrees. He says, "What I try to do is just acclimate my body so it knows what it feels like to go through extreme heat, exhaustion to the point of nausea, and then try to recover, so I can keep going."

Lorie Hutchison does her training in a dark plastic sweat-suit. "It's like being in a plastic bag, like a Tupperware bag or something like that. I can feel sweat dripping down every part of me right now," she said. She even wears the miserable thing while commuting, with the car heater turned up to full blast.

Thurston makes his running tougher by taking an old car tire along for the ride.

They're both training for a physical torment most of us would avoid at all costs. Next month, nearly 100 runners will start at Badwater in California's Death Valley and run to Mt. Whitney. It's 135 miles, over two mountain ranges and halfway up another. Air temperatures could reach 130, the pavement could reach a shoe-melting 200 degrees. Full story.
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2008 ADVENTURECORPS BADWATER ULTRAMARATHON PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Runners to Challenge 135 Miles from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney

AdventureCORPS, Inc., an event production firm specializing in ultra-endurance and extreme sports events, will host the 31st Anniversary Badwater Ultramarathon on July 14-16, 2008. Recognized globally as "the world's toughest foot race," this legendary event pits up to 90 of the world’s toughest athletes—runners, triathletes, adventure racers, and mountaineers—against one another and the elements. Covering 135 miles (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA in temperatures up to 130F (55c), it is the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet.

The start line is at Badwater, Death Valley, which marks the lowest elevation in North America at 280' (85m) below sea level. The race finishes at Mt. Whitney Portal at 8360' (2533m). The Badwater course covers three mountain ranges for a total of 13,000' (3962m) of cumulative vertical ascent and 4,700' (1433m) of cumulative descent. Whitney Portal is the trailhead to the Mt. Whitney summit, the highest point in the contiguous United States. Competitors travel through places and landmarks including Mushroom Rock, Furnace Creek, Salt Creek, Devil's Cornfield, Devil's Golf Course, Stovepipe Wells, Keeler and Lone Pine.

A true "challenge of the champions," the 2008 AdventureCORPS Badwater Ultramarathon features 45 Badwater veterans and 38 rookies: die hard "ultra-runners" of every speed and ability, and athletes who have the necessary running credentials, but are primarily known for their exploits as adventure racers, mountaineers, triathletes, or in other extreme pursuits. They represent thirteen countries — Australia (2), Brazil (2), Canada (2), France (6), Germany (7), Guatemala (1), Hungary (1), Italy (1), Mexico (1), New Zealand (1), Norway (1), UK (2), and US (56) — and nineteen America states. There are twenty-one women and sixty-two men. The youngest runner is 27 while the oldest is 66, with an average age of 47. Race roster.

The men's course record is held by Valmir Nunez of Brazil with a time of 22:51:29 set in 2007, while the women's course record of 27:56:47 was set in 2002 by Tucson, AZ resident Pam Reed, who also won that race, and the 2003 race, overall. It is expected that the winner of the 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon will finish in 22 to 26 hours. The average finishing time is approximately 48 hours, while the overall time limit is 60 hours. For those who finish in less than forty-eight hours, their reward is the coveted Badwater belt buckle. There is no prize money.

The 2008 race field is particularly competitive. Veteran contenders include Akos Konya, 33, of Oceanside, CA (Hungary citizenship), the 2006 and 2007 runner-up, Charlie Engle, 44, of Greensboro, NC (3rd place finisher in 2005 and 2006), David Goggins, 32, of Chula Vista, CA (5th place in 2006 and 3rd in 2007), and Jorge Pacheco, 40, of Los Angeles, CA (Mexico citizenship) who placed 4th in 2007. Three former champions are also competing: Dean Karnazes 45, of San Francisco, CA (2004), Marshall Ulrich, 57, of Idaho Springs, CO (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996), and David Jones, 55, of Eagleville, TN (1997).

The women's field, the largest in the history of the race, is also deep with talent, most notably Pam Reed, 47, of Tucson, AZ, the 2002 and 2003 overall champion who also won the women's field in 2005, along with Monica Scholz, 41, of Jerseyville, Ontario, Canada, a five-time finisher who led the women's field in 2004 and 2006. Other veteran contenders include Jamie Donaldson, 33, of Littleton, CO, who led the women's race in 2007 for 122 miles before falling back to fifth place, as well as eight-time finisher Lisa Smith-Batchen, 47, of Driggs, ID, the 1995, 1997, and 1998 champion. As with the men's race, though, every year is a new year at the Badwater Ultramarathon, with "previously unknown" athletes surprising the contenders with top performances. New stars will shine as the race unfolds in July.

Now in its ninth year producing this race, AdventureCORPS is pleased to welcome the support of race sponsors ZombieRunner.com, Bär Shoes, Hammer Nutrition, Injinji Performance Socks, Marmot, Moeben Sleeves, and The Coleman Company. AdventureCORPS also appreciates the support of the Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch Resort, Panamint Springs Resort, Seasons Restaurant of Lone Pine, Pizza Factory of Lone Pine, Dow Villa of Lone Pine, the community of Lone Pine, CA, and many other generous companies and individuals. More info here.

The Official Charity of the Badwater Ultramarathon is the Challenged Athletes Foundation. As one of the very few charities that provides grants directly to athletes with a physical disability, the Challenged Athletes Foundation has raised over fourteen million dollars and directly assisted over 2500 challenged athletes world wide. One of the goals of the Badwater Ultramarathon is to raise funds for, and awareness of, this organization. More info here.

This year, 58 of the race entrants are competing on behalf of a charity of their choice. Some of those include Challenged Athletes Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of America, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Special Olympics, UNICEF, World Harvest Mission, Valley of the Moon Children's Home, and others.

This year’s race celebrates the 31st anniversary of Al Arnold's original trek from Badwater to Mt. Whitney in 1977. Arnold, an ultrarunning pioneer and human potential guru, competed in a solo effort: just Arnold and his support crew against the elements and the clock. Of special note, Arnold, now 80 years old, will be on hard for the duration of the race this year.

The official head-to-head race began ten years after Arnold's pioneer trek, in 1987. More about Al Arnold and also the original race:

1977 Al Arnold | 1987 Race

For the duration of the 2008 race, fans can follow the race through a "live" webcast produced by AdventureCORPS and hosted at this link.

View this press release online.

Download the Race Magazine.

Download the Press Kit / Media Credential Request Form.
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AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

Like me, I'm sure you've spent a great deal of time wondering what it would be like to sit on the back of a bicycle and play piano. Well, wonder no more. Check this as Paul Freedman of Rock the Bike takes you on a journey of innovative wackiness and serious fun on his latest project, a Mundo bike modified for "Live on Bike" performances. The video finishes with Janaysa performing her beautiful song, London Bridges.

The video was shot and produced by 508 veteran Paul Muddy Mudskipper MacKenzie, a very cool guy and great athlete. Paul asks that you please rate the video if you like it: just click on the appropriate red star. Only takes a second. Also, you can choose to use YouTube's new "High Quality" option. Just click the option below and right of the video. And comments are very welcome. You can do that below the video. Check it out here here.

Thanks for your support and participation, everyone!
We look forward to seeing you out there soon!

Yours in sport,
Chris Kostman Chief Adventure Officer and Race Director
http://www.adventurecorps.com
http://www.the508.com
http://www.badwater.com
http://www.XO-1.org

Copyright 2008 AdventureCORPS, Inc. Copies of this Internet posting may be made and distributed in whole without further permission. Please forward to a friend by clicking the little envelope icon below.

AdventureCORPS News June 18 2008

Greetings, fellow athlete-adventurers!

In this Issue:
- Quote for the Day
- CORPScamp Shasta: New Five Day Cycling Camp this Summer!
- Badwater Ultramarathon Race Magazine: Download it Now!
- Bicycling in LA
- Scientific Research at Badwater

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

"My bike is my wheelchair, my gym and my church, all in one." - Bill Walton
Visit our Quote Archive!
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BILL WALTON: ADVENTURECORPS FAN NUMBER ONE

Check out the Bill Walton page on our website, including an audio file, action photos from Death Valley, the entire Introduction from his book, and lots of interesting links.
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CORPScamp SHASTA: FIVE DAYS OF FANTASTIC CYCLING THIS SUMMER

With the cost of gas these days, why travel all the way to a cycling event which is only one day long? You'll spend more time in transit than you will on your bike!

With that thought in mind, we invite you to join us at Mt. Shasta, the magical, mystical mountain which stands serenely near the top of California, for a five day cycling retreat, CORPScamp Shasta, on July 30 through August 3.

The glacier-laden volcanic peak known as Mt. Shasta provides the backdrop for superb cycling in a gorgeous, alpine region with dramatic lakes, rivers, forests, and memorable climbs. You can drive there easily from California, Nevada, or Oregon, or fly in via Redding or Sacramento. Shasta is a bit remote, but that helps protect its quiet, wondrous setting. Mt. Shasta's special appeal will draw you back again and again.

The camp concludes with participation in the Shasta Summit Century (58, 100, or 135 mi) on August 3. We don't organize that event, but it has a fine reputation and it covers a spectacular route.

We've also made a great deal with a pair of very nice, charming hotels in downtown, quiet, quaint Mt. Shasta. There is a continental breakfast in the morning, plus early evening wine and cheese, every day. There's also a perfect grassy area for the daily post-ride yoga classes.

PLEASE NOTE: Our reserved rooms at the two motels will be released to the general public on June 27, so if you're going to join us for the camp, please sign up now and make your room reservations immediately. We already have 14 participants signed up for the camp and are very excited about it!

All the info is here.

The registration page is here.
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BADWATER ULTRAMARATHON RACE MAGAZINE NOW AVAILABLE

Click on over to the Downloads Page on www.adventurecorps.com and you can download lots of great, informative, and enlightening stuff. The latest addition is the 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon Race Magazine.

Here is the direct link for the Race Magazine.

PLEASE NOTE: In the interests of saving paper, we shrunk the magazine format in half and we also reduced the content (and thus page numbers) to the basic essentials. If you are going to print this download, please set your computer to print it "two to a page" so that you don't waste a whole page to print each page of the magazine (which is only 5.5x8.5" in size: an 8.5x11" page folded in half.)
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ANOTHER RUN AT BIKING IN L.A.

Before the freeways, the bicycle ruled the road in L.A. It could be that way again.

Excerpt from the article by Robert Gottlieb in the Los Angeles Times on June 15, 2008:

Five years ago today, thousands of bicycle riders and pedestrians converged at the entrance to the Pasadena Freeway at Glenarm Street and Arroyo Parkway for an extraordinary event: ArroyoFest. Although it seemed improbable, the freeway would be off limits to trucks, autos and motorcycles for four hours so the crowd could ride and walk on the road.

In one sense, the bikers were reclaiming what was once theirs. At the turn of the century, Los Angeles was considered the bicycle capital of the nation, and portions of the route taken by the Pasadena Freeway had been a bikeway. For many bikers, the experience that day was revelatory: Riding a bike not only provided pleasure but it also represented a viable form of transportation. Several bikers who traveled the entire 8.5-mile stretch of the freeway between Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles reported that they completed the trip in less time than it had taken them by car during the previous week's rush hour.

With traffic congestion worsening and gasoline prices continuing to rise, it's no longer necessary to stage an event to show that the bicycle is a serious transit option. Dozens of newspaper articles and blogs report that an increasing number of commuters across the country are leaving their cars in the garage and using other forms of transportation, especially bicycles, to get to the store, school, bus or rail stop, even to work. Members of the L.A. County Bicycle Coalition, for instance, say they are getting dozens of inquiries requesting information on the best bike routes to various locations across town.

Meanwhile, several dozen new bike groups have formed in Los Angeles to increase biking opportunities for commuting purposes as well as recreational. These groups see the bicycle as an especially efficient transportation option for trips of less than a mile. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Caltrans and the city of Los Angeles' Department of Transportation all have bike coordinators, and a new bike master plan for the city, the first in more than a decade, is near completion.

And bike riding is becoming more visible in the urban landscape. Midnight rides, many organized spontaneously and sometimes willing to be disruptive to lay claim to the streets, have become a monthly occurrence in some neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles. In addition to providing route information, organizations such as Bike Oven and the Bike Kitchen fix bicycles and offer places to store them.

Unfortunately, the increased interest in the bicycle as a commuting option exceeds the city's capacity to handle it. L.A.'s bike-riding infrastructure -- bike lanes and dedicated bike boulevards -- is abysmal and compares poorly with those in cities such as Portland, according to a recent Urban and Environmental Policy Institute study, a research and advocacy organization based at Occidental College. For instance, about 6% of Portland's 3,949 miles of street lanes are for bikes, compared with just 0.6% of L.A.'s 28,000 miles of street lanes.

For a bicycle to become a viable mode of travel in L.A., we need to do a number of things. First, we need to build more bikeways, create more bike lanes on surface streets and install more bike racks near transit stops. Transportation planners need to more fully integrate biking with public transit. Land-use decisions should aim to encourage biking as an option. To explore these and other issues, a bike summit organized by bike groups, researchers and policy experts is in the works in Los Angeles.

If bike riding can reassert its place in Los Angeles -- as it briefly did five years ago -- we can begin to reduce our dependence on the car. Imagine a city in which Griffith Park would be car-free, in which the Los Angeles River had a bikeway stretching its length, in which there were dedicated bike boulevards connecting Pasadena or Santa Monica to downtown. We could call the bike ride the "pleasure ride," as the car ride on the Pasadena Freeway, the first freeway in the West, was once touted. Full Story.

LA County Bicycle Coalition
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BADWATER SCIENCE STUDY SEEKS PARTICIPANTS

The Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism (Montana WPEM) is conducting an exciting research project at the 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon and is seeking 12 Badwater racers to participate.

This proposed research would evaluate the effects of environmental stress on measures of hydration, total body water turnover, core temperature, and heat shock protein response during the 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon.

Water turnover offers a dynamic measure of hydration demands by quantifying the magnitude of total body water loss coupled with partial or complete replacement over a given period of time. The unique measure of water turnover is not simply a measure of how much water is consumed and how much water is lost, it is an all inclusive measure of water flux through the human system. A 75 kg reference man contains about 45 L of water (~60% of total body weight). During some of our previous field investigations with wildland fire fighters, Air Force Combat controllers, and Ironman athletes our laboratory has demonstrated 12-24hr water turnover values in the range of 6-18 L (up to 40% of total water volume). Even with this data we have no indication that these activities have stressed the human hydration system to its full capacity. Further research, as proposed here, is needed to determine the human ceiling for water turnover in order to further characterize the hydration needs for extended work in hostile environments.

Because these types of events may capture the human ceiling for extended muscle work in the heat, these data will provide valuable insight towards the cellular protection associated with a change in heat shock protein response patterns. Moreover, this approach will assist in determining human factors that limit or sustain performance during an extended period of activity. The data collection we are planning for Badwater 2008 will extend our past research because of the unique environment and duration of the event. Full Story. Download the Pdf.

Thanks for your support and participation, everyone! We look forward to seeing you out there soon!

Yours in sport,
Chris Kostman
Chief Adventure Officer and Race Director
http://www.adventurecorps.com
http://www.the508.com
http://www.badwater.com
http://www.XO-1.org

Copyright 2008 AdventureCORPS, Inc. Copies of this Internet posting may be made and distributed in whole without further permission. Please forward to a friend by clicking the little envelope icon below.

AdventureCORPS News June 6 2008

Greetings, fellow athlete-adventurers!

In this Issue:
- Quote for the Day
- Perry Swan Smith leaves on the Big Adventure
- Coleman Supports Badwater, Provides Coolers to all Racers
- CORPScamp Shasta: New Five Day Cycling Camp this Summer!
- The Road to Badwater: Dave Horner
- The LA River is not a River?
- Crews Needed for Furnace Creek 508

QUOTE FOR THE DAY
"Turtles have taught me this: Do all you can and don't worry about the odds against you. Wield the miracle of life's energy, concerned only that whether we fail or succeed we do so with all our might. That's all we need to know to make our efforts worth our while on Earth." - Carl Safina, Voyage of the Turtle
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PERRY SWAN SMITH LEAVES ON THE BIG ADVENTURE
Perry Swan Smith first earned his Furnace Creek 508 totem as a solo entrant in the 1996 Furnace Creek 508. He would DNF that year, and again in 1997, before the third time was the charm in 1998. He finished that year in 46:14:19, becoming an official finisher of the world's toughest weekend bicycle race.

Perry was an incredible, and professional, writer and editor. About Townes Pass, he wrote this short poem for his 1998 508 race story:


Moving now beyond reason,
They struggle against the mountain
Against the night, Suspended, clawing skyward
Like souls ascending

He would repeat (threepeat?) that process over the next three years, DNFing in 1999 and 2000 before setting a PR as an official finisher again in 2001 with a time of 41:47:30. Sadly, only a month after his triumphant second 508 finish, he was diagnosed with meningitis and related health issues, with which he has struggled ever since.

Perry's sister Rennae contacted us this week to let us know that Perry passed away on June 2. He had become ill and was having troubled breathing, so he went to the hospital where he later died from congestive heart failure. Perry was only 58 years old this past Saturday.

The services will be held as follows:
Saturday, June 7 at 2:00 pm
Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary
1702 Fairhaven Avenue Santa Ana, Ca 92705

Letters of condolence may be sent to:
Rennae Brewer
P O Box 1692
Redondo Beach, CA 90278

In 2002 we co-dedicated Furnace Creek 508 to Perry and here is the webpage about that.

Perry was a kind person, a true sportsman, and a welcome, wonderful member of the AdventureCORPS family. We will miss him.
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COLEMAN COMPANY TO SUPPLY 50-QUART COOLER TO ALL BADWATER ENTRANTS
We are pleased to announce that the Coleman Company, Inc., whose Ultimate® Xtreme® Cooler can keep ice up to six days in extreme heat, is, for the second year in a row, the Official Cooler supplier of the 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon. As such, Coleman is supplying each of the 90 race participants with a 50 quart Ultimate Xtreme Wheeled Cooler.

This will really help level the playing field for all those athletes who fly in from afar for the race, rather than driving to the race will all kinds of equipment as the "locals" do. Now EVERY Badwater racer will be able to rely upon the Ultimate® Xtreme® Cooler during the race to store the cold water and perishable food supplies that are so vital to the racers and their support teams. Then they can take their Coleman® cooler home and use it for a few more decades!

Coleman considers Badwater "the Mount Everest of heat," a fitting locale to demonstrate its most insulated, highest performing cooler. When the Ultimate Xtreme Cooler performs in 120-degree-plus temperatures in Death Valley, the company believes consumers will have no doubt it will perform for them at campsites, beaches, tailgate parties, sporting events, and any other gatherings where the company's coolers are used.

As an international leader in the innovation and marketing of outdoor products, The Coleman Company, Inc., helps people have fun and make memories by providing the gear integral to their favorite outdoor experiences. The company’s products include its legendary lanterns and stoves, as well as coolers, tents, sleeping bags, airbeds, backpacks, furniture, and grills under its Coleman® and Exponent® brands. Additionally, the company provides flotation devices, towables, rainwear, waders, hunting and fishing gear, and safety and survival equipment under its Stearns®, Sevylor®, Sospenders®, Hodgman®, Mad Dog Gear®, Nevin® and Helium® brands. Founded in 1900 and based in Wichita, Kan., Coleman is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jarden Corporation and can be found online at www.coleman.com. Full Story.
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CORPScamp SHASTA: FIVE DAYS OF FANTASTIC CYCLING THIS SUMMER
With the cost of gas these days, if you're taking a summer roadtrip for a cycling event, why ride a one day event when you could have a memorable five day adventure at one of California's most special places?

With that thought in mind, we invite you to join us at Mt. Shasta, the magical, mystical mountain which stands serenely near the top of California, for a five day cycling retreat, CORPScamp Shasta, on July 30 through August 3.

The glacier-laden volcanic peak known as Mt. Shasta provides the backdrop for superb cycling in a gorgeous, alpine region with dramatic lakes, rivers, forests, and memorable climbs. You can drive there easily from California, Nevada, or Oregon, or fly in via Redding or Sacramento. Shasta is a bit remote, but that helps protect its quiet, wondrous setting. Mt. Shasta's special appeal will draw you back again and again.

The camp concludes with participation in the Shasta Summit Century (58, 100, or 135 mi) on August 3. We don't organize that event, but it has a fine reputation and it covers a spectacular route.

We've also made a great deal with a pair of very nice, charming hotels in downtown, quiet, quaint Mt. Shasta. There is a continental breakfast in the morning, plus early evening wine and cheese, every day. There's also a perfect grassy area for the daily post-ride yoga classes which we'll offer. All the info is here. The registration page is here.
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THE ROAD TO BADWATER: DAVE HORNER
Excerpt from the article "Training Days" by Dean Hensley from the June 3 Blue Ridge Times-News:

It was grueling. A 135-mile run in one of the hottest, driest places on earth beginning at California's Death Valley (282 feet below sea level) and finishing at an elevation of 8,360 feet at Whitney Portal, the trailhead to Mount Whitney.

Two years ago, Hendersonville's Dave Horner not only finished the Badwater Ultramarathon, he wound up near the elite runners in 15th spot with a time of 37 hours, one minute and 20 seconds. It is fittingly called the "world's toughest foot race," held in some of the toughest places in the country, so when Horner got an invitation to come back, it didn't take him long to make his decision.

"I accepted right away. I think I did pretty well the first time, but I think I can do a lot better this time," the 50-year-old owner of Dave's Barbershop off Brookside Camp Road, said.

He's been training since February, slowly working his way up to running 120 to 140 miles in a week. He has a little over a month ago before heading out West to take part in the 31st annual race, which will be held July 14-16.

A year after his impressive 2006 finish, officials at Badwater sent Horner an invitation to come back. "Unfortunately, at that time, I couldn't do it. I had other things going on, and I just couldn’t get out there. But this year, I'm able and I'm excited. I've got a completely new support team, and they're as excited as I am," he said. Full story.
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US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS CONFIRMS NON-NAVIGABLE STATUS FOR MOST OF LA RIVER
The ruling sparks sharp warnings that it will weaken federal Clean Water Act rules protecting the river's sprawling 834-acre watershed.
Excerpt from the article by Deborah Schoch from the Los Angeles Times, June 5, 2008:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials announced today that they are standing by their decision that most of the Los Angeles River is not navigable.

The ruling sparked sharp criticism from some other regulators and conservationists who warned that it will weaken federal Clean Water Act rules protecting the river's sprawling 834-acre watershed.

They believe the ripple effect of the decision will make is easier to develop large areas of the Santa Susana, Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains because landowners will not be required to obtain certain federal permits. Some federal and state officials fear that the decision also may undermine rules against discharging wastewater and storm water into the river's tributaries.

Corps officials said that they will continue enforcing the Clean Water Act as usual along the river.

"This decision does not in any way lessen the protections on the L.A. River itself," said Col. Thomas H. Magness IV, who oversees the Southwest regional office.

The Corps review of the largely concrete-lined urban river has been attracting national attention, since it is among the first to test the scope of a 2006 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that weakened protection of certain seasonal streams of the sort common in Southern California and the arid West.

Some landowners have questioned whether altering or building on those streams should require federal permits because the streambeds may only contain water a few weeks or months annually.

The 2006 ruling linked such Clean Water Act protections to the closeness of such streams to "traditional navigable waters." The streams would have to have a direct effect on water quality in a navigable waterway to be protected, the ruling said. The Corps made one change to its draft decision by adding as navigable the two miles of the Sepulveda Basin in the San Fernando Valley to the 1.75 miles of river between the ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway bridge in Long Beach. Adding the Sepulveda basin section of the river will extend protection to upstream tributaries, Corps official said, but they did not identify the specific streams.

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles) said in a statement: "I am disappointed with the Corps' draft determination, and urge the EPA to ensure the entire L.A. river basin remains protected by the Clean Water Act." Full Story. | Friends of the LA River.

Note from AdventureCORPS: Who wants to get their canoes and kayaks ready for a trip down the LA River to prove it's navigable? We're game!
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FURNACE CREEK 508 SUPPORT CREWS: HELP A FELLOW CYCLIST!
Are you looking to support a solo cyclist or relay team during the toughest 48 hours in sport, Furnace Creek 508? Great! Not only would you be helping somebody complete the race, but you would learn a lot in the in process and also acquire another important component for any future FC 508 application (if it's your goal to compete some day). You can post your availability to do so by making a "comment" on the AdventureCORPS blog in the appropriate section. NOTE: One 2x team which will be traveling over from Italy is looking for local support crew. Let’s get some hotshot local experts to help them out! Click here.

Thanks for your support and participation, everyone! We look forward to seeing you out there soon!

And, in closing, we offer a tip of the hat to the men and women who saved the future for us on this day in 1944.

Yours in sport,
Chris Kostman
Chief Adventure Officer and Race Director
http://www.adventurecorps.com
http://www.the508.com
http://www.badwater.com
http://www.XO-1.org

Copyright 2008 AdventureCORPS, Inc. Copies of this Internet posting may be made and distributed in whole without further permission. Please forward to a friend by clicking the little envelope icon below.

Bill Walton: AdventureCORPS Fan Number One!

Bill Walton: AdventureCORPS Fan Number One!

Bill Walton with his mentor, the legendary John Wooden

Bill Walton (born November 5, 1952), is a retired American basketball player and current television sportscaster. The “Big Red-Head”, as he was called, achieved superstardom playing for John Wooden's powerhouse UCLA Bruins in the early '70s and winning three straight College Player of the Year Awards and went on to have a prominent career in the NBA. Walton was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on May 10, 1993 and the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame that same year. He is the father of current Los Angeles Lakers forward Luke Walton. - Quoted from Bill's bio on Wikipedia

Less known is Bill's passion for bicycling, which dates to his college days at UCLA where he used a bicycle for transporation, in part because it allowed him to get around the campus without getting stopped so many times by fans, and beause he found cycling to be excellent cross-training for basketball. (See his book's Introduction at the bottom of this page.)

Bill first rode with us at the 2005 Fall Death Valley Century. He's been back for the 2006 and 2007 editions since then and we've become friends along the way. His enthusiasm for cycling, and for life itself, is invigorating. Not surprisingly, his wife Lori is also wonderful and one-of-a-kind. She and the wives of three of Bill's riding buddies provided outstanding support along the course in 2007. Since then, the "AdventureCORPS Event Staff" magnetic sign they used has been a permanent fixture on Bill's car in San Diego.

Here's what Bill had to say about his first ride with us, which you can also hear by clicking here:

"Hello, my name is Bill Walton and I'm just calling to thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible Death Valley adventure ride we just did up there last Saturday. I've never had more fun and it was my first time ever to Death Valley. You guys are remarkably professional. It was just such an exhilarating experience for me and I want to thank you for turning me onto one of the greatest spots on earth AND one of the truly fantastic events that I have ever had the privilege of being a participant in. You guys are unbelievable. You have so much to be proud of and I can't wait to start searching your website, adventurecorps.com, for more events in more fantastic, phenomenal places. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It could not have been better. We all had the time of our lives. You guys have a lot to be proud of. Way to go. Congratulations and one more time, thank you, thank you, thank you. We love adventurecorps.com. We love Death Valley. All right, you guys are the greatest. Bye now Thank you so much."

And to that we reply, "Thank You, Bill! It's a pleasure to know you and to have you enjoy our rides!"

Links:

• Audio file: Bill's feedback about the 2005 Fall Death Valley Century

• “My bike is my wheelchair, my gym and my church, all in one,” says Bill Walton in a June 5, 2008 article from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

• Bill Walton's Personal Website

• Bill Walton's bio on Wikipedia.com

• Bill Walton's Total Book of Bicycling (1984), available used on Amazon.com (Read the Introduction to the book at the bottom of this page.)

• The Bill Walton page on adventurecorps.com

Above: Bill with friends at the 2005 start line

Above: On the road with friends in 2006

Above: En route to Scotty's Castle in 2006

Above: With Jack Lindquist of Team Swarm! at Scotty's Castle in 2006
Above: En route to Scotty's Castle in 2007

Above: Lovely wife Lori (L) with Marty Metcalf, Leah Inniss, and Peggy Mazzella providing outstanding ride support in Death Valley in 2007

Here is the Introduction from Bill's book:

I wasn't surprised when U.S. riders swept half the cycling events at the Los Angeles Olympics and took more medals than anyone else. I had trained with members of the 1980 team in San Diego, and it wasn't easy keeping up with them. Anyone could see the sport here was taking off and I was glad of it, being a lifelong cyclist and enthusiastic member of the so-called "bike boom" of the seventies. Bicycles have been part of my life for a long time.

I was six years old when I rode a bicycle for the first time, and I still remember that experience clearly. The bike belonged to my older brother Bruce, and I'd been watching him ride long enough that I had the idea. As I recall, I just got on, Bruce gave me a push, and I rode it away. I'd been doing it in my imagination for some time, and it came naturally.

We lived on a hill, so I rode down the hill, and then I learned something else about bicycles when I rode back up. It really made an impression on me because it was a whole new way of moving, completely different from walking or running. It was a lot of fun - faster and more exciting, the kind of thing you tend to remember. It gave me a feeling of independence I really liked.

After that I was into bikes. As soon as my folks would allow it, I was riding all over San Diego, back and forth to the beach, everywhere. After a while I couldn’t find bikes to fit, but I always owned one. I rode to get where I wanted to go, but it always felt good. These were one-speed bikes I was riding, your basic bicycle, nothing expensive, and it wasn’t until years later, when I was at UCLA, that I started riding nice ten-speeds. I really appreciated the way this kind of bike responded, and expanded your range. Cycling became my alternate sport, though I didn’t think of it that way. It was a pure pleasure activity, and a healthy and productive one, I might add. Also it was to some extent an escape from the pressures of life. I could work things out on a ride.

My first derailleur bike was a green Bertin, which I bought because it was the tallest bike I could find - about a 25 1/2� frame, I think. It came from Hans Ort’s Westwood bike shop, and they fixed me up with an extra-long seatpost which let me stretch out my lefts for the first time in years. It also gave me a pretty radical position on the bike, since the handlebars were about five inches below the seat. After buying the Bertin, I took to dropping in at Hans’ shop when I had free time, and it was there that I found out about more serious cycling. I went out on rides with the guys who were racing, and through this I learned to respect the sport and the people involved in it. On the bike I was no start, just one of the group.

In college I got in the habit of riding quite frequently, especially in summer. Usually 40-60 mile rides, long enough to loosen up and unwind. I would do that probably four days a week during the summer. A couple of hundred miles a week, probably. I never consciously rode for fitness, but I know now that those rides were very beneficial in a variety of ways. I’m sure they gave me stamina and leg strength without putting stress on my knees and feet, and it never felt like work. It was the kind of activity that settled me down. I’ve always had to respect what a good ride can do for my mood. Going out on a bike is my idea of an excellent way to enjoy a sunny day. Being outside, getting into the movement and joy of the bike - it’s very satisfying to me, that feeling of freedom.

I took advantage of something else about the bicycle then, too: the privacy. There were a lot of basketball fans at UCLA and it could be difficult to cope with this at times. Between playing basketball and attending classes, I needed to get away, so I rode around campus rather walking. On the bike I was a lot less vulnerable, you might say; I was moving too fast for conversation. The bike gave me time by myself to digest the experiences I was having, and this was really important to me.

I finally hammered that poor Bertin to the point where I needed something new, and was lucky enough to meet a British professional rider named Norman Hill. He runs the Vancouver velodrome now, but at the time he was associated with the Falcon team. He arranged for me to get a road and a track bike. These Falcons were a necessity, actually; my size and weight were wrong for any stock bike. The were made of stronger tubing and had less flex; and I could feel the difference, especially when hammering a big gear or climbing hills off the saddle. My first ride with the track bike was a completely new experience, and I found I was still learning a lot about bicycles. These bikes were still a little on the small side, though; manufacturers aren’t geared up for out-size frames, basically. I measure out to a 29 1/2” frame, which creates all sorts of problems for the builder.

I might still be riding those Falcons except for a coincidence that brought me in contact with the 1980 Olympic track team, which moved to San Diego for quite some period of time to be near our velodrome. Harvey Nitz, Eric Heiden Mark Gorski, Brent Emery, John Beckmann, Dave Grylls - I can’t remember all the names - they were at a hotel near my house, and I’d go out with them, riding my Falcons. I learned a lot chasing them down the road, and missed them when they left. At that time, Eddy Borysewicz, the National coach, did me an important favor, by measuring me and arranging for Ted Kirkbride, who also built the American Masi bicycles, to build me a pair of bikes that really fit. Ted sent to England for special heavy tubing normally used on tandem bicycles, then built me both a road and a track bike, and they were just fine. It way my first experience with what it’s like to be on a bicycle that really fits and has good rigidity, and I can vouch for the advantages of this. These aren’t neighborhood bikes though, and I also have a stock Nishiki with butterfly handlebars that I knock around on.

Over the years I’ve thought about what is so different and unique about riding a bicycle. It’s not easy to define; I have to compare it to other things I really like, such as rock music and basketball. A bicycle gives me a special combination of rhythm and speed that is continuously exciting, and it’s different all the time. There’s a freshness to it.

I rely on my bikes for this, and often wished to communicate these feelings, but I never did anything about it until Bjarne Rostaing spoke to me about the possibility of doing a book several years ago. Not a specialist’s book, but an introduction to the bicycle with basic useful information about all aspects of the bicycle and how to enjoy it, rather than just purely mechanical things. It passed from my mind until half a year later, when Bjarne wrote me about the idea. I spoke to some cycling people we knew in common, and I got a positive impression. This is the book we came up with and I think it covers the territory. I could definitely have used a copy back when I was learning things the hard way.

AdventureCORPS News, June 2 2008

Greetings, fellow athlete-adventurers!

In this Issue:

- Quote for the Day - Fall Death Valley Registration NOW
- CORPScamp Shasta: Registration Open for New Five Day Cycling Camp this Summer!
- Injinji Performance Toe Socks to Sponsor Badwater
- Badwater on History Channel - Why WE - and YOU - Support Challenged Athletes!
- Packing for a National Park Visit: Bike! Running Gear! Sunblock! Gun?

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

"In wilderness I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia." - Charles Lindbergh
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DEATH VALLEY FALL CENTURY AND DOUBLE CENTURY

RIGHT NOW, we are accepting registration for the October 25, 2008 Death Valley Century and Double Century. We anticipate that the ride may fill up in as little as a few hours, so if you want to ride, you should sign up immediately. NOTE: THE ride sold out quickly, as predicted. There is no wait list. Info here.
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CORPScamp SHASTA: A FIVE DAY CYCLING LIFESTYLE ADVENTURE
We invite you to join us at Mt. Shasta, the magical, mystical mountain which stands serenely near the top of California, for a five day cycling retreat, CORPScamp Shasta, on July 30 through August 3. This glacier-laden volcanic peak provides the backdrop for superb cycling in a gorgeous, alpine region with dramatic lakes, rivers, forests, and memorable climbs. You can drive there easily from NorCal or Oregon, or fly in via Redding or Sacramento. Shasta is a bit remote, but that helps protect its quiet, wondrous setting. Mt. Shasta's special appeal will draw you back again and again.

The camp concludes with participation in the Shasta Summit Century (58, 100, or 135 mi) on August 3. We don't organize that event, but it has a fine reputation and it covers a spectacular route.

We've also made a great deal with a pair of very nice, charming hotels in downtown, quiet, quaint Mt. Shasta. There is a continental breakfast in the morning, plus early evening wine and cheese, every day. There's also a perfect grassy area for the daily post-ride yoga classes.

Please register now! All the detailed CORPScamp Shasta info is here.

ININJI: THE OFFICIAL SOCK OF BADWATER ULTRAMARATHON

Injinji Performance Toe Socks Named "Official Sock" of the Badwater Ultramarathon July 14-16

SAN DIEGO, CA (May 28, 2008) – Injinji, the San Diego-based pioneer of performance toe socks or "tsoks," has been named the "Official Sock" of the Badwater Ultramarathon, the world's toughest foot race.

"Our socks are all about performance – Badwater is the ultimate test, and the perfect platform to showcase our products," explained Injinji co-founder Randuz Romay.

Mirroring the mittens-versus-gloves concept, Injinjis break the traditional sock mold with a design that enables the entire foot to perform naturally and efficiently. The tsoks allow each toe to function individually, resulting in proper balance, posture and gripping, and the seamless, lightweight construction alleviates performance-hindering foot problems commonly experienced by those participating in Badwater.

Covering 135 miles over a 14,000-foot cumulative elevation gain, the legendary Badwater Ultramarathon pits 90 of the world's toughest athletes against each other in a non-stop race from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA, July 14-16. With race temperatures often reaching up to a grueling 120 degrees, Badwater is true test of will and athleticism.

"We are really pleased to have Injinji's support, and can say with absolute certainty that Injinji socks are a must-have for anyone participating in ultramarathons, especially the Badwater Ultramarathon,” said Chris Kostman, race director for the event.

Now moving into its fifth year of sponsoring Badwater, Injinji provides every participant with a pair of performance toe socks prior to the race, and also sponsors its own team. Team Injinji has placed first in the women's competition twice, and Injinji athletes Monica Scholz, Akos Konya and David Goggins have all nabbed the race's top three spots while wearing tsoks.

In addition to Team Injinji, more than half of last year's competitors wore the performance toe socks and finished the race without any foot problems.

"To actually witness someone run and finish this race, you never come back the same. You always remember the lessons from that road," Romay said. "We're honored to be such an integral part of Badwater."

The elite runners, marathoners, coaches, and adventure and ultra athletes that make up Team Injinji have all enhanced their performance and alleviated foot problems with Injinjis, their sock of choice.

For more information on the company, visit http://www.injinji.com. Editorial media may contact On the Horizon Communications at (805) 773-1000 or email hollythepressroom dot com for additional information, images or product samples.
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BADWATER ON HISTORY CHANNEL "MODERN MARVELS"
Be sure to to tune into the "Super Hot" episode of "Modern Marvels" as it will the 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon. The show will be premiering on the History Channel: Monday, June 9th:

8:00 pm (Eastern/Pacific Times)
7:00 pm (Central Time)
6:00 pm (Mountain Time)

Please check your local television directory as well, as the times may differ for those with certain satellite providers. You can also visit the History Channel website for further information.
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CHALLENGED ATHLETES FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2008 GRANTS
Challenged Athletes Foundation Announces 2008 Access for Athletes Grants: More than $1 Million Distributed to 625 Physically Challenged Athletes Worldwide

San Diego, Calif. –-- The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved – and stay involved – in sports, today announced the distribution of more than $1 million in grants to 625 athletes with disabilities in 49 U.S. states (and the District of Columbia) and 20 countries through its Access for Athletes program. The funding – totaling $1,077,207 – will pay for adaptive equipment (handcycles, sportschairs, running prosthetics, etc.), training and coaching, and competition expenses that will enable physically challenged athletes of all ages and abilities take part in life-affirming sports.

"This is a watershed moment in CAF’s history," said Board President Jeffrey Essakow. "Fifteen years ago, a group of friends came together on a San Diego beach to raise money so a friend who was paralyzed in a triathlon accident could regain his freedom. We raised $45,000 that first year. Now, with this latest distribution of more than $1 million in grants, we are literally changing lives all over the world."

Despite a trying year when CAF's San Diego headquarters building was destroyed in a fire and its top fundraising event – the San Diego Triathlon Challenge – was canceled due to the Oct. 2007 San Diego wildfires, the determination and commitment of CAF's fundraisers, donors and sponsors still enabled the organization to fund a record number of grants. Highlights of CAF’s 2008 grant distribution include:

- 92% of grant requests received by CAF were approved
- 63% were new grantees
- 43% reported an income of less than $20,000 per year
- 77% of grantees were men; 23% were women
- All ages were represented (137 grantees under the age of 18; 17 older than 55)
- Most requested items were: basketball chairs (105); competition expenses (176); coaching and training expenses (69); and, handcycles (59)
- Thanks to its ongoing partnership with Ossur, CAF was able to approve grants for nine prosthetic running feet.

Each grant application undergoes a rigorous review process prior to approval. "CAF exists to help bridge the economic barriers to participation in sports for physically challenged athletes," said Virginia Tinley, CAF's Executive Director. "However, we want to make sure that the people who receive our grants really need our help. Each application is carefully reviewed by our staff and scored using a custom-designed software program. The last thing we want is to provide a piece of equipment to someone who can afford it on their own, or will let it gather dust in the garage."

Since 1994, CAF has raised more than $16 million and provided direct financial assistance to more than 3,300 athletes around the world. CAF's other programs – Catch a Rising Star (mentoring and fitness for people with disabilities); Operation Rebound (helping troops permanently injured in Iraq and Afghanistan "get back in the game") and Reach High (outreach to educate our communities about "what is possible") – combine to touch an additional 65,000 people per year.

"It just costs more for persons with disabilities to compete in sports and the funds and equipment distributed by CAF make a critical difference," said Tommy Knapp, CAF Board Member and member of USA Triathlon's Physically Challenged National Team. "Thanks to CAF, more and more athletes with physical challenges are getting into the game each year. I am proud to be part of a cause that helps so many of my fellow challenged athletes participate in the sports that make us whole."

For more information about CAF and its programs, click here.

To make a donation to CAF through a safe and secure website, click here.
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HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (TO A NATIONAL PARK?)
Excerpt from the article "Rule Change Would Permit Weapons in National Parks" by Jim Robbins in the May 30 New York Times:

The federal government is considering a proposal to allow visitors to carry loaded, concealed weapons in some national parks, wildlife refuges and monuments. The NRA favors the proposed rule, arguing that it would help keep crime down and protect visitors from potentially dangerous wildlife.

"You read stories about people attacked by animals or who stumble upon meth labs or women who are raped in a national park," the N.R.A.'s chief lobbyist, Chris W. Cox, said. "We don't believe law-abiding citizens should be kept from protecting themselves and their families in national wildlife refuges or in national parks."

But opponents, including several former National Park Service officials, say that the current rules are effective — there is little crime in national parks — and that the change would threaten visitors' safety and could easily ruin the family-friendly atmosphere of the parks and other attractions.

People traveling in national parks and wildlife refuges are required to keep weapons "inoperable or packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use." Someone carrying a loaded gun is subject to a citation and a fine of up to $150.

"A gun will give people a false sense of security that they can approach a bear or a bison," said Doug Morris, a member of the executive council of the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees and a former chief ranger and superintendent at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California. “A person with a gun will pull out that weapon and fire away if they feel threatened, even if that fear is illogical."

Mr. Morris called the proposal "an appalling pander to a powerful special interest group, the N.R.A."

The Department of the Interior, which oversees national parks and wildlife refuges, will decide whether to adopt the proposed rule after a public comment period that lasts through June, an Interior Department spokesman, Chris Paolino, said.

Full story. | National Park Service.

Thanks for your support and participation, everyone! We look forward to seeing you out there soon!

Yours in sport, Chris Kostman
Chief Adventure Officer and Race Director

http://www.adventurecorps.com
http://www.the508.com
http://www.badwater.com
http://www.XO-1.org

Copyright 2008 AdventureCORPS, Inc. Copies of this Internet posting may be made and distributed in whole without further permission. Please forward to a friend by clicking the little envelope icon below.

AdventureCORPS News May 28 2008

Greetings, fellow athlete-adventurers!

In this Issue:
• Quote for the Day
• Major Taylor Statue Unveiling Ceremonies
• Furnace Creek 508 Race Roster
• More Sightings Photos Added
• Badwater Forms Online
• Like Father, Like Son
• Fall Century & Double Century Registration: Monday
• Out of the Car and onto the Bicycle

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

"I would advise all youths aspiring to athletic fame or a professional career to practice clean living, fair play and good sportsmanship." - Marshall "Major" Taylor
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MAJOR TAYLOR STATUE UNVEILING CEREMONIES

At the turn of the 20th century, when bicycle racing was more popular than baseball the biggest draw of all was Major Taylor (1878-1932), also known as "The Worcester Whirlwind."

He held seven world records in 1898 and won the 1-mile sprint in 1899 at the World Championships in Montreal, becoming the second black world champion in any sport and the first African-American international sports superstar.

He had to fight racial prejudice both on and off his bike.

He faced closed doors and open hostility with remarkable dignity to become "the fastest bicycle rider in the world," as he titled his autobiography.

I was extremely pleased and honored to attend the ceremony and festivities surrounding the unveiling of the Major Taylor Statue in front of the Worcester, MA Public Library on May 21, 2008. Every moment of this experience was meaningful and inspiring and the memories will last a lifetime.

Click here for the video, the audio