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SORCAR Race Report

Grass Roots Racing — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:39:05 GMT

SORCAR 2012 was wet and chilly once again. The race started at 9:00am—en masse—with a 1.5 mile trail run. Racers then had their choice of heading off on bike or trek for a ROGAINE style navigation section. Most racers were eyeing up some of the high point values on the bike and decided to start that way. Some felt more comfortable navigating on foot and chose to maximize that discipline. All knew that the ropes course—with its very high point values—would open at 10:00, so they would want to be back as close to that time as possible.

Team Nuckelheads—Brad and Kurt Nuckels—were first to return from the bike leg. Their strategy was clear—grab some of the close points on bike, then head out and maximize the available points on the ropes. They got all but a couple and then headed out for the trek leg.

A lot of teams tried a lot of different strategies, but in the end it was the Nuckelheads that accumulated the most points. By getting to the ropes first, they avoided any bottlenecks and maximized their efficiency. With strong navigational skills, they accumulated plenty more points on the trek navigation. In the end, they were the winners by collecting 75 of the ambitiously set 150 point course.

We want to thank all that braved the elements and supported us on our season opener. On a side note, we noticed that—due to the mud—it took us almost twice as long to break the course down as it did to set up!

Here are top results:

Overall

1st place: Nuckelheads--Brad and Kurt Knuckels 75 points

Male

1st Place: Three Strands --David Williamson, Craig Dobbs 51 points

2nd Place: MMM Adventure Racing--Chris Darling, Scott Angove50 points

3rd Place: Team Lewis--Cody and James Lewis 49 points

Co-Ed

1st Place: Bee Ringers--Carrie and Eric Beringer 43 points

2nd Place: Team Spang--Edna and Tim Spang 42 points

3rd Place: Barely Makin' It--Sarah Brogley, Jim Biskup 35 points

Female

1st Place: Wild Gingers--Kathy Mencke, Elise Stobart 42 points

2nd Place: ...Shoe Store?--Anne Freeborough, Janet Gregory 40 points

3rd Place: Honey Badger--Liz Bronson, Amber Clites 25 points

Solo

1st Place: Merrill Gregory 43 points

2nd Place: John Ralston 36 points

3rd Place: Mike Hennon 34 points

SORCAR 2012 Results

Final update for SORCAR

Grass Roots Racing — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:39:00 GMT

SORCAR Racers,

We will be putting the final touches on the race course on Friday and will be out of "range". So this is our final update. We will have limited email connection in the evening, and will try to answer any questions--but there are no guarantees.

Most important! Remember that the Start/Finish/Transition Area will be at Linsly Outdoor Center and NOT at Raccoon Creek State Park. This means you will want to take PA 18 to the junction of PA 168. Take PA 168 for almost 2 miles and Linsly Outdoor Center will be on the right. We will have signs, as does the LOC. Take the dirt road all the way back to the Administration Building. TA will be behind that building. You may unload, and then park on the grass near the two dormitories.

Attached to this email is a Raccoon Creek State Park map. If you have not done so already, it would be wise to study this map and get familiar with the area. You are permitted/encouraged to print this map and bring it to the race. You are also permitted to visit the park office to get a copy if you prefer. You may use these maps at the race, but we will not provide them. Please make special note of the trails marked as "Hiking Only". NO bike travel will be permitted on these trails. These trails are marked at the trailheads as well.

Also attached are the two maps we will be using for this race. Sadly, they are not plotted--but you are permitted/encouraged to print these maps and also bring them along. Studying them with the park map will help immensely. Feel free to make notes on them, etc. If you prefer, you may use these maps in lieu of the maps we will provide. Not a bad strategy if it is raining.

As you see, the maps are 81/2" X 11", so a gallon Zip-Loc will work well as a "map case". Be sure to bring several along. We will not have any to provide.

The final attachment is a race waiver. Consider printing and filling this out to expedite your check-in. We will add your "Team Number" to it when you hand it in. The waiver must be signed in order to race. We ask that you also sign the model release. This is for any photos that our photographer takes and allows us to use them on our website and in our blog. It is not for the movie--that will be a separate form.

Race: This race will focus on strategy and good decision making. We will try to further encourage that by reducing the number of rules as much as possible.

Here again is a general outline of the race with comments to consider:

Maps distributed at 8:30. Plan to strategize. Maps will be marked with red run CPs and blue bike CPs.
Race Starts at 9:00am with a marked 1.5 mile run. Teams must travel together, and will receive their clue/punch card when both teammates are present.
Upon completion of the marked run, you may choose which clue/punch card you want--Run or Bike. Keep in mind, however, that all Bike punch cards must be turned in by 10:30 (small change from the wording in an earlier email).
10:00am the ropes course will open. Weather may be a factor on the high ropes. Regardless, we will allow teams to split up on this section by providing two punch cards--(1) will be for the ropes course, (1) will be for a second trek course. Teams and solos are allowed/encouraged to work together on the ropes course.
12:00pm the race course closes. Any racer that is late will be penalized (1) point for each full minute.

Linsly Outdoor Center: The decision to use Linsly Outdoor Center seems to be a positive one. We think there are a lot of opportunities here and look forward to working with them for years to come. However, this decision was made well after we structured our rates for this race and the added cost will be somewhat of a burden. We ask that you consider donating to help us cover the cost, especially if:

You are racing at a discounted price (early registration, GRASS prize, etc.).
You are racing for free (race prize, etc.)
You really, really enjoyed the ropes.

Linsly's charge for the ropes is on a per racer basis, and if we could recoup somewhere around $10-$15 per team we would be in pretty good financial shape. We do not want anyone to feel obligated, so we will have a container at the registration table before and after the race to which you may anonymously add a contribution if you desire.

Thanks so much, and looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!

Frank and Bethann

TURFF 2012--Website Correction

Grass Roots Racing — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:17:14 GMT

Website omission--For TURFF Racers have the choice of using road bikes, mountain bikes, or cyclo-cross bikes. Sorry for any inconvenience!

April Update

Grass Roots Racing — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:18:18 GMT

GRR Racers,

The season is off to a quick start, and here are information and dates to which you may want to pay attention:

April 21^st—SORCAR-Season Opener Raccoon Creek Adventure Race.

The 2012 SORCAR will start and finish at Linsly Outdoor Center—just off of Route 168. Linsly has struck a deal with GRR to use their facilities AND their ropes course for this year’s event. We have designed a race course that fully utilizes all that Raccoon Creek State Park has to offer, and sprinkled in Linsly’s ropes for good measure. The race is a complete ROGAINE format, and racers will have 3 hours to gather as many bike, run, and ropes points as they can. Points will be awarded based on how far it is to travel to the Control Points, and/or how difficult the route of travel is to negotiate/navigate. Most points wins and ties are broken by time.

Race start is 9:00am sharp, but racers are encouraged to arrive by 6:00am so that they may participate as “extras” in the filming of “Monongahela”. We encourage anyone—even non-racers to join us for this event. There are many spectating/volunteering opportunities—and it could be fun to see yourself in a film—right?

We have a solid field registered for SORCAR, but there are still some spaces left. If you are interested in racing as a solo or team of two, go to link for information and registration options.

We’d love to see you at SORCAR!!

May 6^th—Pittsburgh Marathon.

Bethann and Frank are—once again—representing the Salvation Army in the Pittsburgh Marathon as “charity chasers”. That is, we will line up at the back of the 10,000 plus runner pack, and be the absolute last two people to cross the start line. We will then calculate how many marathon finishers we pass by looking at our placement in the results. We are looking for sponsors that want to contribute to the Salvation Army’s work by donating to our run. Sponsors can contribute a fixed amount ($5, $10, $20….or more!?) or they can contribute based on how many runners we pass. Last year we passed a combined 7,100 marathon finishers. This means a 1 cent donation grew to a $71 contribution. We want to thank all that contributed last year and want to encourage you to support us this year. Visit link for information and contribution options.

GRR will also be representing the Salvation Army’s Most Amazing Race at the Marathon Expo. Be sure to stop by and say hello if you are in the area picking up race packets, etc.

May 19^th—TURFF-The Urban Race For Fifty.

This race is a venerable favorite and is filling up quickly. We have lots of our usual surprises for you and are looking forward to another great day. Don’t miss your chance to join us! Sign up soon by visiting link for race information and registration options.

That’s it for now. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the season opener. Good luck with your training!

Frank and Bethann

March Update

Grass Roots Racing — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:45:33 GMT

GRR Racers,

Winter has seemingly faded away (not that it ever really amounted to much this year) and has left us all anticipating a great race season. We have a lot of important dates to discuss for the near future, and an exciting announcement regarding the SORCAR on April 21^st.

March 15—This is the final day that teams, and solos, may register for the GRASS—four race Grass Roots Adventure Sprint Series. After this date teams will have to sign up—and pay—for each race individually. Series price for a team of two is only $350, while the price for a solo is only $250. Go to the GRASS page for registration options and information.

This is also the final date for early registration for the Raccoongaine, hosted by the Western Pennsylvania Orienteering Club. This is a great event to complete if you are planning to compete in the upcoming SORCAR since we are using the same venue, and the same maps. Go to www.WPOC.org. for more registration and race information.

March 25—Raccoongaine at Raccoon Creek State Park, Meet and Start at Recreation Hall. Here’s the word from race directors:

129 people registered. Three days left before late fee. Still some room left for more people. It doesn't get better than this: fifty checkpoints, two map sheets of 11"x18" dimensions, one large 4-mil plastic bag with ziploc closure, every participant gets a map, hot and freshly cooked meal served after the event, 100-seat capacity indoor rustic cabin style with fireplace. Take advantage of what public state lands have to offer, and what this dedicated group of volunteers have prepared for your enjoyment. Some stuff by REI, Dick's Sports, and Zanfel to top placers. www.WPOC.org. Raccoon Creek SP. March 25. 10 AM.

We hope to see you there!

April 19—Registration closes for SORCAR—Season Opener Raccoon Creek Adventure Race. Prior to this date teams of two can sign up for $90, while solos can register for $65.

April 21—SORCAR—Season Opener Raccoon Creek Adventure Race. The first installment of the four race GRASS—Grass Roots Adventure Sprint Series—is always a favorite! This year we plan to make it bigger and better than ever. We will be introducing more elements of strategy and will again be using maps provided by WPOC. The big news is that the race will start and finish at the Linlsy Outdoor Center—in the heart of Raccoon Creek State Park—and will include some parts of both their high and low ropes courses. As in prior years, we will be using a ROGAINE format, and the race will start at 9:00am and end at 12 noon sharp. There will be hot food and dressing rooms available so you can get out of your wet muddy clothes.

Go to SORCAR for registration information and options.

May 6—Pittsburgh Marathon—Again, Grass Roots Racing will be working with the Salvation Army and the “Run for a Reason” program. Runners that are interested in helping raise funds for children programs in the Pittsburgh area while competing in this event should contact Donna Fencik at "Donna Fencik" Donna.Fencik@USE.SalvationArmy.Org

Stay posted for information regarding Bethann and my own participation in this event as “Charity Chasers” again this year!

May 19—TURFF—In conjunction with the Venture Outdoor Festival, GRR will once again host The Urban Race For Fifty. This three hour ROGAINE formatted urban adventure race is a venerable favorite, and will once again include biking (road bikes are permitted), trekking, and paddling—all while navigating the city streets to locate point weighted “check points”. Go to TURFF for registration information and options.

That’s it for now. We look forward to seeing you all at the SORCAR in April!

Teammate Finder

Grass Roots Racing — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:06:32 GMT

Teammate Finder

It is unanimous. Despite the growing popularity of the solo category at Grass Roots Racing events, most racers prefer the camaraderie of having a teammate. Face it—this is what Adventure Racing is all about! If you, or someone you know, is looking for a teammate—please feel free to post any information you have at this site.

Things to consider including are:

Who you are—age gender etc..
Your “race goals”—to place on podium, to finish the course, etc.
Where you live and train.
Your experience in Adventure Races and other races.
Race or races that you need a teammate for—these do not have to be limited to GRR events.

You may feel free to copy and paste this information to our facebook group page as well.

Thanks! And good luck!!

Frank

February Update

Grass Roots Racing — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:53:00 GMT

February Update

The Superbowl special was a HUGE success with over 60 racers taking advantage of this great deal and registering for at least one race in the GRASS 2012. We are strongly encouraged and have been busy planning for an exciting season of racing. But for now we want to update you on some upcoming events that we feel you may find interesting:

2/25-26—The weekend of the 25^th is busy with two events taking place. One is a well organized Land Navigation Challenge produced by Soggy Bottom Boys Racing in Virginia. If you can make the drive, this event will give you the opportunity to choose a 3, 6, or 12 hour course and test your skill against some of the best on the East Coast.

The other is a fundraiser for children in Honduras being held at the Titan Traverse Climbing Wall at Westminster College. It’s called Climb-a-Thon and you can find more information at their facebook page (search Climb-a-Thon).

2/29—On the 29^th, Alexis Rzewski of the WPOC and Raccoongaine fame will be conducting an Orienteering workshop at 7:00pm at REI Settlers Ridge. Bring your compass and lots of questions!

3/1—Early registration for the 2012 GRASS has passed, but it is still possible to take advantage of lower rates for the SORCAR. Until March 1^st a team of two can register for this season opener for the low price of $75. Solos can race for only $50. This race is newly designed for 2012, so you do not want to miss it!

4/21—SORCAR—Season Opener Raccoon Creek Adventure Race. This year’s event will be a 3 hour ROGAINE with plenty of twists that will test your strategic decision making capabilities. This race will be a great start to an exciting season, so join us by visiting the SORCAR race page to register.

5/6—Pittsburgh Marathon—Many of you have probably already registered, and many of you have probably found out that this event is now sold out. Regardless, you can all run this race for a reason and join Bethann and myself as we fundraise for the Salvation Army. Doing so will entitle you to run for free, and enjoy many other privileges at the marathon. If interested, contact Donna.Fencik@USE.SalvationArmy.Org for more information.

That’s it for now! Looking forward to seeing you all soon!!

Frank and Bethann

LHAC Registration is now open!

Grass Roots Racing — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:42:20 GMT

Registration is now open for the LHAC, potentially hosted by Nemacolin Woodlands Resort! Register your team of two for only $50. Or register as a solo for only $35. But hurry--this offer expires Sunday Feb. 5th at 9pm!!

This race is the last in our four race series and is a great introduction to longer race formats used in the sport of adventure racing. Go to active.com for on-line registration, or click here for a mail-in registration form: LHAC Mail-in registration form . This page will serve as the spot for race updates so be sure to check back as we get closer to race day!

MAD Registration is now open!

Grass Roots Racing — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:24:59 GMT

Registration is now open for the MAD--Moraine Adventure Dash at Moraine State Park! Register your team of two for only $50. Or register as a solo for only $35. But hurry--this offer expires Sunday Feb. 5th at 9pm!!

This race is the third in our four race series and features the most technical mountain biking of the races we produce. Go to active.com for on-line registration, or click here for a mail-in registration form: MAD Mail-in registration form . This page will serve as the spot for race updates so be sure to check back as we get closer to race day!

TURFF Registration is now open!

Grass Roots Racing — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:09:02 GMT

Website omission--For TURFF Racers have the choice of using road bikes, mountain bikes, or cyclo-cross bikes. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Registration is now open for the TURFF--The Urban Race For Fifty at Point State Park! Register your team of two for only $50. Or register as a solo for only $35. But hurry--this offer expires Sunday Feb. 5th at 9pm!!

This race is the second in our four race series and is a great introduction to the sport of adventure racing since it takes place in an urban environment. Go to active.com for on-line registration, or click here for a mail-in registration form:TURFF Mail-in registration form.

This page will serve as the spot for race updates so be sure to check back as we get closer to race day!

SORCAR Registration now open!

Grass Roots Racing — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:52:49 GMT

SORCAR Racers,

As you see, the maps are 81/2" X 11", so a gallon Zip-Loc will work well as a "map case". Be sure to bring several along. We will not have any to provide.

Race: This race will focus on strategy and good decision making. We will try to further encourage that by reducing the number of rules as much as possible.

Here again is a general outline of the race with comments to consider:

Maps distributed at 8:30. Plan to strategize. Maps will be marked with red run CPs and blue bike CPs.
Race Starts at 9:00am with a marked 1.5 mile run. Teams must travel together, and will receive their clue/punch card when both teammates are present.
Upon completion of the marked run, you may choose which clue/punch card you want--Run or Bike. Keep in mind, however, that all Bike punch cards must be turned in by 10:30 (small change from the wording in an earlier email).
10:00am the ropes course will open. Weather may be a factor on the high ropes. Regardless, we will allow teams to split up on this section by providing two punch cards--(1) will be for the ropes course, (1) will be for a second trek course. Teams and solos are allowed/encouraged to work together on the ropes course.
12:00pm the race course closes. Any racer that is late will be penalized (1) point for each full minute.

You are racing at a discounted price (early registration, GRASS prize, etc.).
You are racing for free (race prize, etc.)
You really, really enjoyed the ropes.

Thanks so much, and looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!

Frank and Bethann

SORCAR-Season Opener Raccoon Creek Adventure Race

The word is out. GRR has approval to use the Linsly Outdoor Center for the start and finish of the SORCAR on April 21st. This means we will have changing rooms (male and female), a dining hall, and use of some elements of their low and high ropes courses. Look for a more athletic and strategic event this year, and stay tuned for more information!!

SORCAR-Season Opener Raccoon Creek Adventure Race

How to improve upon the already wildly popular Season Opener Raccoon Creek Adventure Race? How about adding a ropes section? Stay tuned for more information.

Registration is now open for the SORCAR--Season Opener Raccoon Creek Adventure Race at Raccoon Creek State Park! Register your team of two for only $50. Or register as a solo for only $35. But hurry--this offer expires Sunday Feb. 5th at 9pm!!

This race is the first in our four race series and is a great introduction to the sport of adventure racing. Go to active.com for on-line registration, or click here for a mail-in registration form: SORCAR mail-in registration form . This page will serve as the spot for race updates so be sure to check back as we get closer to race day!

GRASS Registration now open!

Grass Roots Racing — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:07:47 GMT

Registration is now open for the four race series known as the GRASS! Register your team of two for only $200. Or register as a solo for only $140. That's four races for one low price! But hurry--this offer expires Sunday Feb. 5th at 9pm!! Go to active.com for online registration, or click here for a mail in registration form: GRASS mail-in registration

Two Below Duo and Photo Offer....

Grass Roots Racing — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

The 2BD is fast approaching, and will be held at Nemacolin Woodlands on January 28-29. Much thought and effort has been put into this year's event, and we want to share some of the changes with you with the hope that you will be convinced to join us!

Stage 1--Biathlon, ROGAINE style. Teams/Racers will be given 1 hour 30 minutes to complete as many laps as possible while shooting at clay pigeons on each lap. Points will be awarded to each racer at the rate of 1 point per lap completed (1 mile), 1 point per shooting stand visited, and 1 point per "bird" hit. The team/racer with the most points wins. The points accumulated will be carried forward and count toward the overall race standings.

Bonus Stage--Climbing wall presented by Red Bull. Teams/Racers will be given 7 minutes to ascend the climbing wall as many times as possible. Points will be awarded for each successful ascent and will be based on the difficulty of the lane ascended. This stage is not mandatory and a team may climb with one, or both teammates present. The points earned will be carried forward and count toward the overall race standings.

Stage 2--Night Time Navigation--ROGAINE style test of navigation skill. Racers will be given 3 hours to collect as many as 11 control points placed over a 12 mile course. CPs are placed on terrain features and racers will use pre-plotted topographical maps and their own compasses to locate and retrieve them. CPs will be given point values based on the distance traveled and the difficulty of locating them. There will be two "Premiums" in this event. One will be a bonus CP, and the first team/racer to reach this CP will receive 3 bonus points. The other is a mystery CP and the first team/racer to reach it will receive a cash award. Points collected on the Night Time Navigation course will be carried forward and count toward the overall race standings.

Stage 3--Duathlon--Athletic test of speed and endurance. Teams/racers will complete a 1.75 mile run, a 11.5 mile bike, and a 4.5 mile run. The run may be completed on skis--weather permitting--and the bike will primarily be on paved and plowed surfaces--but off-road riding is permitted. This course is not marked and route of travel is controlled by CPs. Within each leg, the CPs may be visited in any order, but the legs must be completed in the order stated above (i.e. run, bike, run). Maps will be released the day before this event and teams/racers will have several hours to preview the course to determine the best route of travel. There will be two "Premiums" in this event. One will be a bonus CP, and the first team/racer to reach this CP will receive 3 bonus points. The other is a mystery CP and the first team/racer to reach it will receive a cash award. Points for this stage will be based on finish placement and will be added to all other points received to determine the overall race winner.

Be sure to check the GRR blog for more information regarding schedule and accommodation options--and visit the GRR website for registration information and options. We look forward to sharing a great winter weekend with you!

Photography--Chuck Kozora would like to introduce his new website--http://chuckkozora.photoshelter.com/--by offering the following:

Until February 17th you can receive 30% off any purchase over $5.00. Use the following code--GRR JAN2012--when purchasing to receive your discount. Please consider supporting Chuck's work, he has had a profound influence over GRR in the past few years--and has many beautiful photographs!

Updated schedule for Two Below Duo

Grass Roots Racing — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:02:10 GMT

Updated schedule for Two Below Duo

January 28-29

Saturday January 28

8:00am: Packet Pick-up and Pre-Race Meeting—Nemacolin Woodlands Shooting Academy—Follow Route 40 to 321 Pike School Rd. Markleysburg, PA 15459

9:00am: Start of Stage 1—Biathlon—Run/Shoot. Racers will start on a (1) minute interval—(4) teams/racers will leave at a time. Run loop is approximately (1) mile—over half of which is cross-country. Each racer is allowed (2) shots per lap. Teams/racers will have (1) hour and (30) minutes to complete as many laps and to hit as many “birds” as possible. Score will be based on number of laps completed (1 point each) + number of shots fired (1 point each) + number of “birds” hit (2 points each).

10:30-11:00: Racers will be given maps for Sunday’s duathlon. All CP’s will have been placed—without punches. Racers will have until 4:30pm Saturday to review course by car, on foot, or by bike. After 4:30, course is closed and any racer found on the course will be disqualified.

2:00-4:00: Bonus points—The Climbing wall at the Adventure Center (outdoors) will be open. Teams/Racers will have the opportunity to climb for bonus points. (2) points will be awarded to any team/racer that reaches the top and rings the bell within (5) minutes of starting. Maximum points awarded are (2) per team or solo. Free climbing (i.e. not for points) is allowed if time permits.

5:00pm: Start order for Night Time Navigation revealed at Nemacolin Woodland’s “Wildside” off of Route 40—report indoors of the facility.

5:30pm: Night Time Navigation Pre-Race meeting—Wildside—Maps and clue sheets will be distributed. Punch cards will be distributed at start.

6:00pm: Start of Stage 2—Night Time Navigation—Teams/Racers will be started on a (1) minute interval with leaders going first. Teams/Racers will have (3) hours to collect as many Control Points as possible. There will be approximately (12) CP’s with a total point value of (21). Total “straight-line” distance of the course is 12 miles.

9:00-9:30: Finish of Stage 2—inside Wildside. Food and beverages are available.

10:00pm: Stage 1 and Stage 2 results and awards.

Sunday January 29

10:00am: Transition Area for Stage 3 opens—outside of Wildside—North East end of parking lot (near golf course). All gear must be staged here.

10:30am: Pre-Race meeting for Stage 3. Don’t forget your maps!

11:00am: Start of Stage 3—outside of Wildside. Start will be mass. Points will be awarded based on finish placement.

1:00pm: Finish of Stage 3—outside of Wildside. Teams/Racers may report inside of Wildside after crossing finish line. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

2:00pm: Stage 3 and Overall race results and awards.

2BD 2012--Accomodations

Grass Roots Racing — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:14:13 GMT

2BD Racers,

As you know, the upcoming Two Below Duo is a two day stage race taking place at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. With that in mind, we have done some research and found a couple of housing options for you and your families so you can avoid a lot of excess driving:

1.) Pamper yourself by staying at Nemacolin Woodlands. A Townhouse can be had for a 2BD special price of $325 per night. These have plenty of space for 4, and are very luxurious with Kitchens etc. A room in the Lodge—which could sleep up to 4—is $215 per night. These are significant savings over the normal prices for these accommodations. Just ask for the "Grass Roots Racing" rate when making reservations. For more information go to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

2.) The Lodge at Chalk Hill is very close to Nemacolin, and a bit more economical with rooms in the $80 per night range. Kitchenette Suites—with room for four—are in the $150+. For more information go to Lodge at Chalkhill

When reserving a room be sure to mention Grass Roots Racing and the Two Below Duo. If you have any difficulty reserving your room for the above mentioned prices, please do not hesitate to contact us at grassrootsracing@rootsrace.com

Looking forward to seeing you at the 2012 2BD!

Frank and Bethann

Happy Holidays and Two Below Duo Registration

Grass Roots Racing — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:23:27 GMT

Happy Holidays GRR Racers!

We have been very busy here at GRR, but wanted to take a moment to wish you and your families a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!

While we have your attention, we would also like to update you on all the latest news regarding the 2011 GRASS results, the 2012 Two Below Duo, and the 2012 GRASS.

2011 GRASS Results: The 2011 Grass Roots Adventure Series was a very exciting one. The early leaders—Warren’s Momma’s Makin’ Meatloaf (Eric Fadale and Chris Darling) showed promise and seemed poised to take the series. However, the MAD was dominated by fellow Warren racers—Brandon Kellogg and Chuck Keeports of Team Allegheny Cyclery—and the two never looked back after winning that race. With another exciting and dominating performance at the HVAC Series Finale, Keeports and Kellogg clinched the series but only after sprinting to the finish line with only 2 seconds left on the clock! Our hats are off—once again—to the community of Warren for their support and for adding so much competitiveness to our events.

Here are the GRASS winners and their prizes for the upcoming season:

First place Overall—Allegheny Cyclery—Brandon Kellogg and Chuck Keeports. 205 Points. Free team entry to the 2012 GRASS.

Second place Overall—Momma’s Makin’ Meatloaf—Eric Fadale and Chris Darling. 148 Points. Half price team entry to the 2012 GRASS.

Third place Overall, and First place CO-Ed—Team Spang—Tim and Edna Spang. 136 Points. Half price team entry to the 2012 GRASS.

First place Male Solo (and 11^th place overall!)—Eric Ash 56.5 points. Half price Solo entry to the 2012 GRASS.

First place Female Solo—Janet Gregory (HVAC was only race!) 22 points. Half price Solo entry to the 2012 GRASS.

Congratulations to all that competed in one or all of the GRASS races, and we look forward to seeing you all next year.

2012 Two Below Duo January 28-29: The 2BD is returning to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort with a newer, more exciting format! Once again the race will be a 3 Stage event but results will be based on points using the following format….

Stage 1—Biathlon—Run/Shoot: Racers will run a 1 mile lap and take two shots at two clay pigeons per racer. There will be no limit on the number of laps that racers may run, but there will be a limit of 8 shots/clay pigeons. The stage will be run in a ROGAINE format in that there will be ninety minutes given to complete as many laps as possible and to take 8 shots per racer at 8 clay pigeons.

Points will be awarded as follows:

Running: Teams must travel together at all times. Racers will be awarded (1) point for each lap completed. Racers may complete as many laps as possible, but will be penalized 1 point for each full minute that they exceed the 90 minute time limit. Racers may stop at any shooting station but can only stop once per lap.

Shooting: Racers may take 8 shots within the 90 minute time limit. No more than two shots can be taken per lap and both shots must be taken consecutively at one stand. Racers are not required to shoot, but 2 points will be awarded for each shot taken.

Clay Pigeons: Racers will be given 8 targets to shoot—2 per lap. There will be 4 stands from which to shoot these targets, and racers may choose which stand to use. This decision may be based on traffic and ease of target. Racers are not required to shoot at, or hit targets—but 3 points will be awarded for each target that is hit. The shooting instructor at the stand will be the judge and will determine whether a “bird” is hit. Again—there are no penalties for misses, only awards for hits.

Stage 1 will start at 9:00am at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort Shooting Academy. To reduce congestion, teams/solos will be started on an interval—with two teams/solos starting every minute. Racers will have 90 minutes to complete course based on starting time.

Stage 2—Nighttime Navigation: Stage 2 will start Saturday evening at 6:00pm at Nemacolin’s “Wildside”—meet and start indoors. This event will be a ROGAINE, and racers will have three hours to collect as many control points as possible. A plotted topographical map will be provided, and CP’s will be located on terrain features. CP’s will carry varying point values and the racer that collects the most points in the shortest time will be the winner. Points for this stage will be awarded according to the number of points collected on the course combined with overall placement for the stage. A short awards ceremony will take place afterwards for Stage 1 and Stage 2 awards. Pizza will be provided, and refreshments and other food will be available to purchase.

Stage 3—Duathlon—Run, Bike, Run: Stage 3 will start Sunday morning at 10:00am at Nemacolin’s Wildside— meet and start outdoors. This race will contain very simple navigation with 11 control points. Control Points will be placed in obvious locations and a Nemacolin map will be provided. Racers will be responsible for plotting CP’s on their map by transferring them from a plotted “master map”. Map plotting will take place indoors. The stage will start with a fast 1.75 mile run/ski. Racers will then transition to a 10 mile bike leg, and then back to a final 4.3 mile run/ski. For this stage, all control points are mandatory and there is no cut-off time. Points will be awarded based on placement, and a final awards ceremony will take place afterwards inside the Nemacolin “Wildside”.

Registration for the Two Below Duo is only $125.00/team or $70.00/solo until midnight Jan. 1. After that, registration is $150.00/ team or $85.00/solo until January 27^th. Sorry—we cannot accept race day registrations for the 2BD.

Register by mail using the website mail-in registration form, or register on-line at active.com by using this link: Two Below Duo Registration

2012 Grass Roots Adventure Sprint Series: We hope to have registration for the 2012 GRASS open shortly. As stated earlier the schedule should be similar to the 2011 season with the following races slated to be on tap:

April 21,2012 SORCAR--Season Opener Raccoon Creek State Park

May 19, 2012 TURFF--The Urban Race for Fifty

August 18, 2012 MAD--Moraine Adventure Dash

October 20, 2012 HVAC--Hidden Valley Adventure Challenge Season Finale

The costs should also be similar with solos racing all 4 races for around $175 and teams for around $250—early registration. However, we would like to take this opportunity to announce a very special offer. We have packaged the Two Below Duo and the GRASS for a low, low price of $200 per solo, and $300 per team of two. For a team of two, that is at least a $100 savings! But you need to act quickly. We need your registration no later than January 15^th! If interested in taking advantage of this offer, simply write to grassrootsracing@rootsrace.com, and we will send you the registration form.

That’s it for now! Looking forward to seeing you all in January at Nemacolin!!

Frank and Bethann

Adventure Racing Daily Planner

Grass Roots Racing — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:53:14 GMT

Announcing the Adventure Racing Daily Planner

Just in time for the Holidays. Chuck Kozora and Grass Roots Racing joined forces to produce the 2012 Adventure Racing Daily Planner. Full of inspirational photographs, training tips, and important local race dates. This planner is perfect for keeping important appointments and can be used as a training journal as well. Available in both hard and soft cover. Go to Adventure Racing Daily Planner to preview the book and to order.