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In this E-News:

Calendar Updates
Desert Challenge
Quest 2003 Qualifiers
Dirty Weekend Adventureracing
Scramble 100km Adventure Race
Training Camps

Calendar Updates
Adventureracing being such an exciting and challenging sport new
events and opportunities for racers are cropping in all the
provinces. Make sure you don't miss an event by checking in on the
calendars on a regular basis

Desert Challenge
The next "biggie" on the South African calendar must be the Desert
Challenge. We brought this one closer to home to bring down the race
expenses for competitors, as well as turning a blind eye to inflation
and exchange rates - Yes the entry fees have remained unchanged from
last year!

Entry forms and details are available at www.adventureracing.co.za.
See you in the Kalahari.

Quest 2003 Qualifiers
The Eastern Cape Tourism Adventure Quest Africa took South African
Adventureracing to new levels. The race reports will remain active
for another week, then it becomes time to look ahead!

The first Qualifier for Quest 2003 will be presented in the Southern
Cape, starting 24 October. With a prize purse of R10 000-00 for the
top three teams and an opportunity to stash away some points towards
the Qualifier Series Prize, this event should be on your calendar!

Dirty Weekend Adventureracing
The event that Gauteng has been waiting for! Mazda Drifter
Adventurezone will be presenting the first Dirty Weekend Adventure
Race for the summer of 2002 at the Supersport Expo. The first 50
teams to pre-enter will qualify for T-Shirts, with medals going to
all finishers.

Hano and Sonja Otto, Adventure Centre of Excellence will be the Race
Directors, so remember to bring your sense of humour along!

Entry Forms are available at www.adventureracing.co.za

Scramble 100km Adventure Race
The Scramble 100km Adventure Challenge will be presented in the
Magaliesberg during the weekend of 7 September. Another Adventure
Centre of Excellence event that promises to be both challenging and
fun!

Training Camps
Getting yourself qualified and exposed to the various elements of
Adventureracing prior to racing is the best way to do your best on
raceday. The Adventure Centre of Excellence will be presenting
another of their allready famous Rope Skills Clinics in Gauteng
during the Weekend of 24 August. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Contact Hano at 0824452365 for details.

Whilst I am scouting the Desert Challenge a quick reminder to get
your entries in for the Dirty Weekend Race on Saturday at the
Supersport Expo. Remember that only pre-entries qualify for the free
pass to the Expo.

Please contact Hano at 0824452365 to confirm your entry has been
received and to get details about collecting free Expo passes.

The Desert Challenge will be another epic that should not be missed.
Entry details are available at www.adventureracing.co.za

Adventure Regards

DESERT CHALLENGE

After spending 3 weeks in the Kalahari I am convinced that this area
has incredible adventure potential. The Desert Adventure Challenge
2002 promises to be an unequalled Adventure Racing experience, aimed
at adventurous spirits looking for a challenge beyond the traditional
4 member team format.

We will be placing orders for bibs and t-shirts on Monday, 09
September, so get those entries processed to make sure you get yours!
Entry forms and Registration venue details are available at
www.adventureracing.co.za

WCAPE 100KM ADVENTURE RACE

Owing to a bumper calendar with so many events and so little time we
have postponed the WCape 100km AR to the weekend of 2/3 November.

Keep up the training as this will be another event not to be missed!

Adventure Regards

The announcement of the formation of Adventure Racing World Ltd, a
joint venture company, aimed at promoting and managing the Adventure
Racing World Series and Adventure Racing World Championships,
confirms the exciting growth of Adventure Racing Worldwide.

B.I.G. Sports, owners of the Adventure Quest Africa, is proud to be a
founding member of the World Series and will continue our partnership
with the other International Series and World Championships Race
Directors.

We had been anticipating this exciting release since the Quest and
with Team Edge (Mazda) departing for Eco Challenge Fiji on Thursday
and set to represent South Africa at the World Championships in 2003,
Adventure Racing has come the full circle in Southern Africa.

Since 1998 B.I.G. Sports has focussed on building Adventure Racing
and evolving the standard of our events to prepare South African
Adventure Racers to compete on an International level. The 2002/2003
Quest Qualifying series will continue this process and will expose
South African Adventure Racers to new challenges commencing with the
Eden Adventure Challenge which takes place on the Cape South Coast
from 21 - 24 October.

See you out there!

Zirk

Zirk Botha
B.I.G. Sports
+27 824922976 Fax +27 21 7835752
www.adventureracing.co.za
Southern African Leaders in Adventure Racing

The latest from Eco Challenge Fiji is that Team Mazda passed through
CP1 in fourth position!

As the Eco Challenge website is not being updated the best way to
stay updated is by visiting www.exn.ca or to subscribe to the
adventure sms service which Lisa is running by sending "group ar
subscribe" to 0833879777.

Closer to home the Western Cape 100km Adventure Challenge is set and
promises to be great fun. We'll be starting at 09h00 on Saturday, 02
November, an hours drive from Cape Town. Entry is for pairs.

Regards
Zirk

The Eco Challenge website is up and running. Updates available at
www.ecochallenge.com/fiji/main.asp

Encourage Team Mazda by posting your message at the Teams section.

EDEN ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
WESTERN CAPE 100KM ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
SUPERSPORT EXPO DIRTY WEEKEND MEDALS

With Team Mazda kicking big butt at the Eco Challenge, (check out
www.ecochallenge.com/fiji/main.asp if you haven't) lots of
interesting events are taking shape as we get into summer.

EDEN

Jan, Eden Race Director down South, mailed me this teaser

The sun is setting, the only lightspot... Venus. Then the horizon
grows dark.
Thousands of birds rise in shock....and then they settle
down .....high on the cliffs....I've disturbed their peace.
Its dark now, almost spooky, no civilization, no lights to the east,
south, west or north.
The rhythm I hear is that of stones rumbling down on the shoreline. I
can't go home.....its EDEN challenge territory.

No adventure racer should miss out on this?
Sell something, borrow from your mother in law, make a loan...do your
best to be t(here). Nature is calling.

www.bethere.co.za

WESTERN CAPE 100KM AR

Also coming up is the Western Cape 100km Adventure Challenge on
Saturday, 02 November. This will not be a technically demanding race
and owing to the local communities involvement it will be loads of
fun. Starting at 09h00 on Sat. morning, it will be a day race.

Details at www.adventureracing.co.za

SUPERSPORT EXPO AR MEDALS

The medals from the Supersport Expo Dirty Weekend Adventure Race is
available from Hano. Please contact him at 0824452365 or
hanotto@... to arrange for collection.

Western Cape 100km Adventure Challenge

The feedback we are getting from the community supporting the WCape
100km AR is super positive. Owing to the navigational demands being
very basic, this will be a great race to tackle as a novice, yet
still provide an exciting challenge for the more experienced teams.

The water craft required will be Crocs, with ARK Inflatables in
Kommetjie once again agreeing to provide watercraft at reduced rates.
At R125-00/ARK Croc for the entire weekend they are expected to go
fast.

To confirm your booking phone Steve at (021) 783 1672.

Rules Regs and Entry forms are available at www.adventureracing.co.za

I got this notice from the Karrimor Factory Shop and arranged to get
mine for the Eden Challenge!  It's great, but what else would you
expect from a backpack that has the Team Edge/Mazda stamp of approval.

Get yours as soon as possible, there is only a limited amount
avialable!

Ps. The Western Cape 100km AR will start from the Nekkies Resort on
the Breede just outside Rawsonville. Saturday, 2 November at 09h00.

Karrimor AR 30
the ultimate adventure racing backpack will be launched
Wednesday 23 October at the
THE KARRIMOR FACTORY SHOP
229 Long Street
Cape Town
R 495 each

Designed by Team Edge for the Fiji Eco Challenge, the features of
this AR backpack beats all others hands down!

*    Lightweight 30 litre plus
*    External hydration pouch
*    Firm secure fit - does not bounce while you are on the move
*    Padded back with supercool system (vented wind tunnel)
*    Padded mesh hip belt with mesh pockets (1 litre each)
*    S-shaped harness with elasticated bottle holders
*    Drainholes on both main compartment and hydration pouch
*    Large mesh pocket in front - large enough for helmet
*    Large mesh side pockets
*    Elastic hydration pipe loops
*    All sips have long grip tabs
*    Elasticated compression system - can be customised for different
uses
*    One large main compartment with zip around access
*    Two additional front compartments with side sip entry and key
clip
*    Accessory pocket on top  - easily accessible for small items
*    Top compression strap - idealfor quick access storage for 'on
the move' items i.e windproof jacket

For those of you who would like  to see one, but are unable to visit
the shop before the Eden Challenge this weekend, please phone on 021
422 3874  or email me on teambuild@....
I will bring one along to the race for you.  Credit cards welcome.


Best regards,
Alison Ball
The Karrimor Factory Shop
Tel:     021 422 3874
Fax:    021 424 1590
email:    teambuild@...

The WCape 100km AR will start from the Nekkies Yachtclub on the
Brandvlei dam just outside Rawsonville.

To get there follow the N1 from Cape Town through the Du Toitskloof
Tunnel. Turn off to Rawsonville at the bottom of the pass on the
Worcester side. Follow the signposting to Rawsonville. Turn right
down the Rawsonville Main Road to leave town and cross over the
bridge. Follow the road for 11,2 km after crossing the bridge to a 4-
way intersection. (Left to cross the Breede river, straight into a
campsite and right into Nekkies Resort) Turn right to Nekkies.

Campsites are available for Friday night at R75-00 per site. No need
to pre-book. Just pay Bruce at the gate as you arrive.

Don't forget to book your ARK Croc from Steve at (021) 7831672.
Croc's will be the only acceptable water craft for this AR.

Registration from 7am Saturday morning. Briefing at 08h15, starting
at 09h00. All teams are expected to be done at 9pm.

To facilitate the correct number of maps, entries will close at
midnight on Thursday, 31 October.

DIRTY WEEKENDS ARE BACK

15 December, Grabouw Country Club.
Now with an additional Trail Tri category for solo competitors!
Entry forms and details at www.adventureracing.co.za

GAUTENG AR DINNER

Don't miss this function! The guests of honour will be our local
Adventure Racing heroes, Team Mazda.
For details or to book please contact Jacqueline Brook at the Sandton
Biokinetic Center in Rivonia. Her number is: 011 807-8027 or 083 290
2999. Email jbrook@...

KARRIMOR 30 AR BACKPACKS

An error had crept in with the notice that we sent out about these
backpacks. They retail for R380-00 at the Karrimor Factory shop in
Cape Town.
Please Contact The Karrimor Factory Shop on 021 422 3874 / 3 or
email them at info@... to get more details or a
refund if you got yours at the old price.

It must be the silly season, with loads of new and exciting things!

www.adventureracing.co.za is sporting a new look and feel.

We have taken all the useless information and ditched it and left
what you want to know.

Please give us your feedback and stay tuned for phase 2, coming up
soon!

Just a friendly reminder to get your entries for the Dirty Weekend
Adventure Race at the Grabouw Country Club on Sunday 15 December in
sooner rather than later. As per normal we will start in two waves,
with positions in waves allocated in accordance with the sequence
entries are received.

Event details and entry forms are available at
www.adventureracing.co.za

Please contact me at 083 324 3420 for inquiries.

Cheers
Zirk

Dirty Weekends are still the most fun you can have with your clothes
on!

So make sure you don't miss the '02 Adventure Racing season Grand
Final on Sunday, 15 December. If it means travelling to the Western
Cape for the long weekend you can be sure that it will be worth it!

Our DJ, Jean Mendoza, will once again be supplying music throughout
the day to keep the wheels turning and legs pumping. Fast Fuel will
ensure a speedy recovery with cold energy drinks at the finish and if
you feel like rocking, bring a braai skottel and enjoy the music,
pool and pub after the race.

We will be accepting race day entries, but remember that entries
received later might end up in the second starting group.

Solo/Trail Tri competitors will start in the first group. (Entry for
Solo's is R60-00 per person)

See you out there!

Zirk

083 3243420 FAX 021 7835752
BIG SPORTS
Southern African Leaders in Adventure Racing

Still not sure about making it to the Dirty Weekend AR on Sunday?

No problem, we will be accepting race day entries from 8 to 9:30am.

It's going to be a great fun day, hope you can join us!

Cheers
Zirk

What an exciting year it has been! Who could have believed that after
the Old Mutual Cape Eco Adventure Challenge in 1998 we would be where
we are today in this exciting sport!

After another year of excitement, adventure and camaraderie I still
consider it to be a privilege to be involved in Adventureracing.
Thank you for your kind support during the past 4 years.

The high finishing percentages at the Quest 2002, Eden Challenge and
SA Opens bears witness that South African adventure racers have
earned their wings and accordingly we will be presenting exciting,
challenging events that promises to keep your adventurous blood
bubbling. Kicking of the Quest Qualifying 2003 leg will be a 200km
Expedition Adventure with registration at the Potchefstroom Dam on
Friday, 14 Feb '03.

The Dirty Weekend Results have been posted at
www.adventureracing.co.za and while you are comparing results have a
look at the calendar for 2003.

In closing I would like to thank the BIG Sports Crew, without whom
none of the past year would have happened. In particular I would like
to express my gratitude to Dave, Aleta, Lindsay and Ameen who managed
the 15 December Dirty Weekend Adventure Race after I was badly
injured and hospitalized whilst setting the course.

My wish during this Festive Season is that all Adventure Racers will
get the toys that they have been dreaming off, that they will get the
promotions that will enable them to visit all the exotic adventure
destinations on this planet, suffering no flats, broken chains or
unfortunate navigational decisions along the way.

See you out there!

Zirk

The Rules, regs and entry forms for the 2nd Quest Qualifier, to take
place in the Potch area is avalaible at www.adventureracing.co.za
Please access through the news page.

Entry details for the WCape 100km AR to take place on 1 Feb can also
be accessed through the news page.

Pics from the Dec Dirty Weekend is available at
http://uk.photos.yahoo.com/pinhole155

Cheers
Zirk

I had a lot of time to think about stuff and about Zirk and the race
in particular, and I realised something. Zirk went out there and put
something together that allowed me to discover more about myself and
about my country. This is an integral part of our destiny, yet how
many of us get to live it, or realise we are living it. For this I am
gratefull. Zirk thank you.

Alex Harris, Team 8 Seconds

Quest 2002

Alex, with his team, is currently waiting for the weather to clear
before they attempt to summit Everest. I have no doubt that the Quest
2002 is a long way from his mind. We are really stoked for them and
guess most adventure racers would love to be at Base Camp with them.

We can't all make it to Everest for an epic adventure, but the Quest
is right here on your doorstep, well almost. Coming to the Western
Cape in the 2003 Edition teams will be rubbing shoulders with top
international teams, but above all it's going to be the adventure of
a lifetime.

Get ready for an expedition of a different kind. The Cape Mountains
are begging for some serious mountaintrekking, the rivers would love
to see teams building their own rafts. No Dark Zones, no staged
challenges, it's all about adventure!

Enter in the Expedition or Adventure Categories for the full or half
distance and an experience of a lifetime.

11 - 19 July 2003

Be There!

www.adventureracing.co.za

The clouds parted and the stars hung like fat jewels in the sky. It
was as if though the Winterberg threw its worst at us and now
congratulated us on passing the test. Not pain, nor nausea, nor
fatigue could detract from this moment under the blue moon and we
were sure that we could easily race for another three days – no
problem!

At 19:00 we passed under the Mazda Drifter banner in 6th place and
were cheered home by our friends, fellow racers and delighted
seconds. What an awesome race, what an epic adventure! And as we
walked away from the finish, I was sure I heard the faint echo of the
Jabberwock's Whoooop-whoooop in the mountains all around us…

Erica Terblanche, Team Jabberwock, Quest 2002

Great news is that in keeping with International Standards entries
from experienced pairs and 3-member Teams will be accepted for the
Quest 2003.

Not ready to race, don't want to be a marshal - learn from the best
by volunteering to be support crew for either Dave Zietsma's Team
Schick Xtreme from Canada or a top European team. Please drop us a
line for more details, yes we would appreciate help from volunteer
marshals as well.

Ps. The Quest has loads of confirmed TV airtime both in South Africa
and Internationally!

What does Midnight Delight, Mountain Mania, Summer Sizzler, Urban
Rampage and Aqua Adventure have in common?

They're all part of the Adventure Warrior Series coming to you in
2004!

Brought to you by the adventurous minds that introduced
Adventureracing to South Africa. Starting from the Old Mutual Cape
Eco Adventure Challenge in 1998, followed by the Old Mutual Hi-Tec
Adventure Racing series, add the Desert Challenge and South Africa's
most popular Adventure Series, the Hi-Tec Dirty Weekends and not to
mention the Adventure Quest Africa, African Qualifier for the
Adventure Racing world Championships!

The Adventure Warrior series combines the best of everything we have
offered to date, to bring you a series of events that will allow you
to take part on your terms, but mostly to have adventurous fun!

Adventure Warriors Series Dates:

1-6 December – Summer Sizzler
21 – 25 January – Mountain Mania
4 – 8 February – Urban Rampage
18 – 22 February – Midnight Delight
3 – 7 March – Aqua Adventure
24 – 28 March – Mountain Mania II

Enter the Series for R150-00 per person. (Max R450-00 per team) or
R50-00 per event.

Keep your eye on the Adventureracing website www.ar.co.za or phone
0825084194 for more details.

Ps. Don't miss the Summer Sizzler in Cape Town 1 - 6 December 2003.

Hi,

Ever wonder what the connection between fitness and motivation is?

After 5 years of research I can confirm that fit people are definitely
more motivated to achieve their goals than their non-fit friends.

Interestingly it's not because of their level of fitness!

I'm currently setting up an experiment to validate my findings. If you
would like to know how to motivate yourself, this would be a great
opportunity to get excellent insight into the latest research on the
human brain and how it impacts on your ability to achieve your goals.

For more information on the subject visit
http://www.zirkbotha.com/experiment.htm

Regards
Zirk