Adventure Sports Week begins in Idaho

by Kraig Becker on

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho plays host to Adventure Sports Week 2009 , which got underway this past weekend in beautiful Farragut State Park, located just outside the mountain community. Hundreds of endurance athletes descended on the region to take part in the first time event, which is already becoming one of the premiere outdoor sporting competitions of the year.

Billed as “10 days, 24 races, 1 big party”, Adventure Sports Weekly has something to offer just about anyone who enjoys an outdoor athletic challenge. For instance, things kicked off this weekend with a triathlon clinic, and ramped up from there with two orienteering competitions, a pair of duathalons, and three triathalons, including an official XTERRA series event, which was won by Dan Hugo and Melanie McQuaid in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

Things don’t slow down any next weekend either, when the adventure racers take center stage for the Crux and the Crucible races, both of which combine mountain biking, trekking/trail running, and kayaking, amongst other discplines. There will aslo be marathon and half-marathon length trail runs, a paddling race, and more.

With the summer heating up, it is definitely time to head back outside and have a little fun in the wilderness. It’s also not too late to sign up for one of the remaining ASW events. So, head on over to the website, pick something that looks like fun, and break out the running shoes. Why not join the party in Idaho?

Photo of the Day (6/4/09)

by Kent Wien on

Getting just the right shot in a Kayak can’t be very easy, but this one by Adam Baker turned out great. Taken in Cambria, CA, which is just off of HWY 1 on the coast.

Congratulations, Adam. Nice shot!

Are you a Flickr user who’d like to share a travel related picture or two for our consideration? Submit it to Gadling’s Flickr group right now! We just might use it for our Photo of the Day!


Teva Mountain Games begin tomorrow

by Kraig Becker on

The Teva Mountain Games, an annual event that blends athletic competition, outdoor adventure, and cultural pursuits, gets underway tomorrow, and runs through the weekend, in Vail, Colorado.

Top outdoor athletes from around the world will descend on Vail to take part in seven different sports and 21 unique disciplines that include trail running, mountain biking, road cycling, kayaking and more. The best of the best will battle it out in the GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge, which consists of a 10k run, a technical mountain biking leg, a road cycling competition through the mountains, and a kayaking stage over Class II rapids.

The Mountain Games also host the International Federation of Sport Climbing Bouldering World Cup, which will pit some of the best sport climbers in the world against one another. Competitors will attempt to scale a climbing wall with five preset “problems” designed to challenge their skills and nerves. The athletes will score points based on the number of problems they overcome and the speed at which they complete them, with some bonus points availble to be earned as well. The winner will be declared the IFSC bouldering champion.

The weekend isn’t just about athletic competition however, as there will also be a mountain photography contest, an adventure film school and festival, and plenty of live music too. In fact, the Teva Mountain Games are known as much for their active nightlife as the intense athletic events. And when not racing or partying, attendees can stroll by Gear Town to check out the latest and greatest outdoor equipment.

So, if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, head to Vail, to watch some great athletes, take in some good music, and enjoy the atmosphere of the Mountain Games.

New Peter Island wants to help make a new you

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Peter Island Resort & Spa is celebrating a new look with a fresh deal. The largest private island resort in the British Virgin Islands has refurbished its 32 ocean-facing rooms and 20 beachfront junior suites and wants to show off the new look. Hey, if you just got a makeover, wouldn’t you? So, the property is offering up the “New Us, New You” package, which runs through October 31, 2009.

Remember, this is Peter Island, so you’re going to have to put out some cash, but you’ll get plenty for it. For $2,780 (or $4,020 for a junior suite), you’ll get five nights and only pay for four. On top of that, the resort is throwing in three meals a day and access to resort activities, including windsurfing, kayaking and the like. The best part – in my mind, at least – is the 75-minute Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage. The private yoga class for two doesn’t do much for me, but if you’re into yoga, I imagine you’d like it.

While you’re in the 10,000-sqft spa, check out some of the other treatments, as well. There are 13 types of facial available, with everything from collagen to caviar to botanical extracts.

If you need a reason to go relax on a private island that keeps even its own guests to a minimum, this is probably it.

186-Foot Record Breaking Kayak Drop Caught on Video

by Kraig Becker on

Back on April 22nd word spread through the extreme kayaking community that Tyler Bradt had set a new worlds record for the biggest drop over a waterfall. The previous record was 127-feet set just a few weeks earlier in Brazil, but Tyler reportedly smashed that mark by going over the 186-foot Palouse Falls in Washington State. I say reportedly, because no photos or video of the feat had been released. Until now.

Below is the video that was released yesterday showing the amazing drop. Watching it is part exhilarating but mostly scary. Watch at your own risk!