RACE INFO
The Blast

Great Prizes and TWO Free Bikes!

American Cycle and Fitness has offered to donate at least TWO bike as a grand prize. We would like your input as to how this should be awarded. Cast your vote. Over 50 prizes will be given away! There will be prizes for the top three finishers in each division with the majority of prizes awarded to everyone in a raffle drawing. Prizes include Trek bikes, Salomon shoes, Kahtoola microspikes, gift certificates to Mill Street, Runnin’ Gear, Motor City Bootcamp, and Massage Envy, Moosejaw t-shirts and Hammer nutrition.

ABOUT THE RACE

The Blast is an urban adventure race that takes place in Pontiac and the surrounding areas. As with any adventure race, you’ll get an overview of the race here on the Web site. We’ll tell you what to expect as far as the things you will be doing and what to bring. However, you won’t find out the final details until the day of the race at the pre-race meeting.

Depending on the route you take, you’ll bike 17-25 miles on urban streets and trails and paddle 4-6 miles. You’ll have additional route choices in the orienteering sections which cover 5-9 miles on foot. You’ll also get to do some climbing and special events. You’ll find out more about these activities on the day of the event. Be prepared for some creative thinking and teamwork.

This is a beginner to intermediate race. Each team should have an understanding of orienteering, the ability to read a United States Geological Survey (USGS) map and navigate using a compass. We will hold a race clinic before the day of the race that will provide basic navigation training and instruction on using a compass. The clinic will be April 25, 2008 at American Cycle and Fitness in Pontiac.

Race will be held rain or shine!

PRE-RACE MEETING

At the pre-race meeting, which occurs about an hour before the race, you receive maps, team passports, a description of the course and the order in which you complete the course. Each team is responsible for bringing all mandatory gear. There will be a gear check at some point during the race. Be prepared. All teams receive race numbers and these must be visible on each person at all times during the race. Each team must carry their passport to all checkpoints and at the end of the race the passport must be clean and legible so the race directors can complete the scoring.

POST-RACE MEETING

There will be plenty of good food after the event. For those that are still "dehydrated" after the event, Mill Street Grille has agreed to offer discounts and happy hour prices to racers..

RACE UPDATES

We will send race updates in the weeks before the race so be sure to include your email address when you register. The race updates will also be posted on this site. The updates could contain additional information you may need to get to the start of the race, any changes to the gear list, any special requirements, and any additional hints on what to expect or other information about the race that we haven’t already provided.

EVENT COSTS

The cost is $65 per person plus canoe rental if needed. Canoes are provided by Heavener’s Canoe Rental. Heavener's email has been spamed so they have set up another email account. It is heavnercanoe53@yahoo.com. Alan can also be reached by phone at 248-640-0307.

You can bring your own canoe. If you bring your own canoe it must be open bowed and have two or more actual seats. Kayaks provide too much of advantage and will not be allowed.

The event cost includes a t-shirt, some cool swag, food after the race, and giveaways from our generous sponsors. There will be prizes for the top three finishers in each division as well as a drawing for other products from our sponsors. If you have questions about the race, check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) link or contact us.

Refund Policy

30 days before event - 75% refunded

15-29 days before event - 50% refunded

Need a teammate?

Infiterra Sports has a great web site to find a teammate. Click on the link to take find a partner for the race. Teammate Finder