TEST YOUR ENDURANCE
NASCAR has become an enormous cultural force—but it isn't doing much for the environment. There's another American craze for high-speed competition: adventure racing, which combines pursuits like biking, paddling, rappelling, and trekking. The trend started with the Eco-Challenge in 1995; last year saw 350 races held around the country, varying in length and intensity. Beginners can take a stab at a sprint-type race, which lasts just a few hours and requires teams of two or three. In Wisconsin's Wild Adventure Summer Sprint Race on June 10, entrants will mountain bike, trek, and kayak through the St. Croix river valley for up to six hours, breaking for the occasional mystery challenge like playing a game of catch—blindfolded. The United States Adventure Racing Association spells out everything you need to know, including the code of ethics ("I will respect the land") and links to a year's worth of events. Go break a leg.

United States Adventure Racing Association
Tel: 512 873 1205

Wild Adventure Race
Tel: 612 990 3213