Welcome to Topo Adventure Sports!
Topo Adventure Sports (formerly the CMAART.org Message Board) was formed as a community website for adventure sports in and around Ohio. Our main focus is adventure racing, but we're happy to see involvement in any outdoor endurance-based activity. This can include a LOT of possibilities, including mountain biking, orienteering, paddling (canoe, kayak, raft), rappelling, ascending, inline skating, etc.
If you're already involved with these activities, that's great! If not, then maybe you're interested in learning more about them or having someone "show you the ropes". In either case, check out our Message Board. The message board is the heart of the website and is a great place to find local training events, ask questions, find teammates, read race reviews, learn about gear, etc.
Mad Cow Photos
We have over 250 photos from before, during, and after the Mad Cow Urban Adventure Race! The complete collection can be found by clicking HERE or on any of the images below. Thanks to Vanessa Hill, Todd Agee, and Gary Dunham for their photography skills. [Posted: July 1, 2009, by Jason (jasons)]
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Mad Cow Preliminary Results
Preliminary results for all teams are now posted on the results page HERE.
To go with the results, here are some comments that were heard out on the course:
"Canoeing sucks, man."
"Feeling fine...it's just survival from here on."
"We're going to do the course twice!"
"(regarding the bike leg) I only cried once."
"(regarding Comfest) Comfest was a keeper...we need to go back there!"
"(regarding Comfest) My son's going to be jealous that I was there and he wasn't."
"Hell yeah, I'd do that again!"
[Posted: June 30, 2009, by Jason (jasons)]
Mad Cow Thanks!
Thanks and congratulations to everyone who braved the hot weather Saturday for the Mad Cow Urban Adventure Race! While the current on the river was stronger than anticipated, we were happy to see that racers took it in stride and pushed on throughout the day.
Congratulations to Team WeMo (Jim and Amy Morrissey) for their first place finish with 29 total checkpoints, finishing at 1:44pm. Second place went to Lone Goose (Ruth Kohstall) with 28 total checkpoints, finishing at 1:38pm. And, third place went to Northerners (Steve and Terri Kaczor) with 28 total checkpoints, finishing at 1:50pm.
We thank you all for a fun race! Special thanks to Sabo's Camping and Confluence Park Restaurant for partnering with us for this event! Please check out their services and thank them for helping make the Mad Cow a success!
Also, thank you to Todd Agee from COAR (Central Ohio Adventure Racing) for providing the sweet bike racks that racers used and for helping out at the start/finish area. And last, but far from least, thanks to our volunteers: Vanessa Hill, Alyson Hover, Brad Hunt, and Brian Suntay! The volunteers helped make our jobs as race directors easy! Thanks!
We'll have complete results, photos, etc. posted over the next day or two. [Posted: June 28, 2009, by Jason (jasons)]
Mad Cow Race Updates
A Mad Cow Race Updates page has been created HERE. It contains some additional details that you will want to review before arriving at the race on Saturday. This same information was sent out in a series of three e-mails over the past couple of weeks. If you didn't receive the e-mails, don't worry -- everything you need to know before arriving at the race is on the Race Updates page.
As always, contact us with any questions or for more information. We look forward to seeing all of you on Saturday!! [Posted: June 26, 2009, by Jason (jasons)]
More Mad Cow News!
REMINDER: If you haven't signed up already, Monday, June 22nd is the mail-in deadline (and Tuesday, June 23rd is the online registration deadline) to register for the 2009 MAD COW 6-Hour Urban Adventure Race! Click to sign up: HERE
• SHIRTS: 100% Cotton Race T-shirts will now be FREE to all registered racers. At the end of the event, there should still be a limited number available to purchase for $10/EA.
• SPECIAL GUEST: Brad Hunt (CBS - The Amazing Race 14) will be joining us on race day! Expect to see this Columbus native somewhere out on the course manning one of the checkpoints. If you're a fan of "TAR14", he will be available after the race to chat and share stories. If you'd like to see a clip of Brad and his wife Victoria on cbs.com, check out the following link: HERE
• TEAMMATES: Looking for a teammate? Take a look at our message board to set your own post or reply to someone else: HERE
• VOLUNTEERING: If you're not quite ready to sign-up for an Adventure Race, consider volunteering to see what it's all about! MAD COW volunteers will receive a free t-shirt, post race meal and a discounted entry to our next event: The TOAD 8-Hr / 4-Hr Adventure Race in October down at East Fork State Park near Cincinnati. If interested - please send us an e-mail.
We're getting the last details finalized for this course and it looks like loads of fun - this will be a great race! Feel free to contact us with any questions or for more information. Full event details are HERE. [Posted: June 10, 2009, by Aaron (AA)]
Mad Cow News
The inline skating/scootering section has been removed from the Mad Cow 2009! This will allow us to dedicate a little more time to each of the other main disciplines and enhance the course layout. Read more in the Mad Cow F.A.Q. section.
Also, don't forget that FREE T-shirts are available for all racers who REGISTER on or before Friday, June 5th!
The course is shaping up nicely and we're definitely looking forward to race day! So, ask your friends, co-workers, family members, etc. and sign up as a team! Or, you can choose to tackle the challenge solo. Can YOU tame the Cow?!?!?!? Event details are HERE. [Posted: May 30, 2009, by Jason (jasons)]
The Mad Cow Urban Adventure Race
Think you know Columbus? Come on out and show us! This June, Topo Adventure Sports is proud to announce the Mad Cow is back! Originally created by Brad Hunt (Columbus native on CBS Amazing Race 14), Topo has decided to breathe some life back into "the Cow" by hosting this 6-hour Urban Adventure race.
Events will include Urban Trekking, Road Biking, Canoeing/Kayaking, Blading/Scootering and a few other "surprises" we have in store for you. Plan to be challenged mentally and physically as you navigate your way through the jungle of downtown Columbus against the other teams.
Can YOU tame the Cow?!?!?!? Event details are HERE. And event registration is HERE. [Posted: May 8, 2009, by Aaron (AA)]
The John Bryan Jump Off
It's time to get the clothes off of your bike and find your running shoes. Oh yeah, don’t forget to clean out your hydration bladder or if you're like some people, just buy a new one for this year. ;)
The second edition of the popular John Bryan adventure race is right around the corner. It all goes down on May 2, 2009. You can go to the www.race-coar.com for start time and registration info.
This race is a great beginner race as the mountain biking, while fun, does not have much...ok, any...elevation change. The park is small enough that you probably won’t get too lost. There will be a short rappel that my grandma could easily do (and probably your's to). However this race can be challenging if you like to go fast or if you decide to use it as a training race for Primal Quest by racing with a 20 lb. pack like a certain young lady did last year.
If you are a newbie and want some advice or possibly a teammate, post on our message board and we will try and round someone up to help you out. Also check/post in the gear section to buy/rent/borrow some gear. I know where you can get a super fast Kayak. ;) [Posted: April 8, 2009, by Gary (toadfrog)]
Locals in the Amazing Race!
Columbus residents Brad and Victoria Hunt are competing in the Amazing Race 14, which premieres on CBS, Sunday, February 15th!
As Aaron mentioned on the message board, Brad was a co-founder of the website that eventually became Topo Adventure Sports. In addition, he ran Ambush Adventure Sports for many years, which was the first major adventure racing organization in Ohio.
Brad and Victoria have raced together as teammates in adventure races, so it will be fun to see how their experiences have prepared them for the Amazing Race. Catch the Amazing Race on Sundays at 8pm. You can see interviews and promos on the show's website. You can discuss the Amazing Race on the message board HERE. [Posted: February 15, 2009]
Topo Winter Training Challenge
Hello fellow adventure racers and outdoor enthusiasts! We are going to start a little contest intended to help keep you motivated during the off season. We invite you to join the fun!
The Challenge runs from November 15, 2008, through February 28, 2009 (104 days). If you choose to participate, we'll send you a link to a Google Spreadsheet where you can track your workouts. There are four different goal levels that you can choose to shoot for:
• BRONZE LEVEL - an average of 3 training sessions per week (45 total workouts)
• SILVER "Sprint" LEVEL - an average of 5 training sessions per week (75 total workouts)
• GOLD "24-Hour" LEVEL - an average of 7 training sessions per week (104 total workouts)
• PLATINUM "Expedition" LEVEL - an average of 10 training sessions per week (149 total workouts)
The emphasis in this challenge is consistency. A "training session" consists of any 30-minute or longer aerobic activity. It doesn't matter how fast you are in this session, so whether you're a beginner or a seasoned veteran, it's all about training time.
Check out more details HERE and Sign Up! [Posted: October 29, 2008]
2009 Events
Topo Adventure Sports is happy to announce two events that we will be hosting in 2009!
(1) The MAD COW - 6 Hour Urban Adventure Race - Downtown Columbus, OH, on June 27th, 2009.
(2) The TOAD - 4 Hour Beginner and 8 Hour Advanced Adventure Race - East Fork State Park near Bethel, OH on October 10th, 2009.
More details will be available soon and we will be updating our website to reflect these events for next year. We hope to see you all out for one or both of these events! [Posted: October 5, 2008]Welcome new visitors
Hello to everyone from Gearfest who stopped by the adventure racing booth and to anyone who may be a first time visitor to our site. At Gearfest, many people expressed interest in learning more about adventure racing and it was great to see the enthusiasim!
So, can YOU do an adventure race? The short answer is YES you can! As long as you can bike and run and have been in a boat you have the physical aspect down. Navigating with map and compass takes a little more work. Going to local Orienteering meets is a great way to learn and practice. If the interest is there we can hold some small navigation clinics and short mock races to help out as well.
Please use the message board to ask any questions you have that we didn't answer at Gearfest to your satisfaction. There are many experienced racers who would be willing to help you get ready to race and/or race with you and some of your friends to make the first one smoother. [Posted: October 5, 2008]
Gearfest, Saturday October 4th
Adventure racing will be well representated at this weekend's GEARFEST, hosted by Fiver Rivers Metroparks. Topo Adventure Sports and Central Ohio Adventure Racing will be sharing an exhibitor booth at Gearfest, helping spread the word about adventure racing. In addition, we will be announcing our race schedules for next year (Ohio is turning out to be a great location for adventure racing as there will be a great selection of races to run next year!). At Gearfest, there are tons of exhibitors showing off outdoor gear, sporting demonstrations, activities for kids, food/drinks, etc. If you can, stop by this weekend and say "Hi"! [Posted: October 1, 2008]
Primal Quest is NOW
Just a reminder that the biggest adventure race in the US is happening this week. Primal Quest began on Monday, 6/23, and will continue for 10 days! Teams with Ohio residents include ActionLearning.com, Sawbones, and MAAR, all of whom are still racing strong as of this writing. Discuss the race on the message board HERE. [Posted: June 24, 2008]
The John Bryan Jump Off
Central Ohio Adventure Racing's first event of the year is on Saturday, May 17th near Springfield, OH. The John Bryan Jump Off is a 3-4 hour adventure race at John Bryan State Park. If you're not already racing, have you considered volunteering? That's a great way to see, firsthand, what adventure racing is all about. [Posted: May 14, 2008]
FREE Mountain Bike Skill Builder
Are your mountain bike skills in need of a boost? Are they rusty from the winter? Well, this Sunday, April 13, is a great chance to improve. The guys over at Not So Fast Adventures are hosting a FREE mountain bike clinic at Lake Hope State Park. Learn more and register on their website. [Posted: April 8, 2008]
Planet Adventure 24-Hour Challenge
This weekend, the Planet Adventure 24-Hour Challenge is being run over in Story, Indiana. It's part of the Checkpoint Tracker series, so if you're interested, you can follow along on the leaderboards. There are a bunch of regional teams in the race as well as several top teams from other parts of the country. Reading about ongoing races is a great way to get a boost in motivation for your next race! [Posted: April 5, 2008]
Updated 2008 AR Calendar
Check out the freshly updated Adventure Racing Calendar. It contains a comprehensive (as far as we know) list of adventure racers in the local region (Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky). If you know of races that should be added, let us know via the link at the bottom of the calendar page. [Posted: March 19, 2008]
The Lepregaine, Sunday, March 16
On Sunday, March 16, Central Ohio Adventure Racing is hosting The Lepregaine, a 3-hour and 6-hour rogaine event. The event is at Salt Fork State Park over in Cambridge, OH. Go check it out!
The Toad and The Tadpole PHOTOS
Photos are now posted for The Toad and The Tadpole 2007. Check out the web album HERE. There are pre-race photos that were taken of (nearly) every team as well as quite a few action shots throughout the two races. Thanks to our photographer, Vanessa Hill and her sidekick Taylor for all of the great photos!
The Toad and The Tadpole RESULTS
The Toad and Tadpole 2007 Results can be found HERE (in Excel spreadsheet form).
THE TOAD
Congratulations to All-Terrain Females for their victory in the Toad with a very strong showing! Also with an impressive race and coming in second place was Gamera & Godzilla. In fact, those two teams were the only teams to finish the course as described in the pre-race instructions. Those instructions stated that teams needed to obtain at least 4 paddling checkpoints, 2 orienteering points from the first o-course, 12 bike checkpoints, 2 orienteering points from the second o-course, and finish within 8 hours. For the teams that weren't able to complete the course as described, we have ranked you on the basis of minutes per checkpoint (total number of minutes on the course divided by total number of checkpoints obtained). Special mention goes to Rod Sparks who obtained all of the checkpoints on the course except one, but didn't quite make it back to the finish in time -- arriving just 10 minutes late.
THE TADPOLE
Congratulations to Team No Name for their overall victory in the Tadpole! They were the only team to clear the entire course. Also putting in a strong showing was Tim Martin, who came in second place. Third place was a tight one with Team Traction edging out Metzger x 2 by just a minute to claim 3rd!
The Toad and The Tadpole
Thanks again to all racers who made it out to the Toad and Tadpole this past Saturday! We were glad to see all of you there and hope you all enjoyed the course.
We've been recovering from the race ourselves and haven't quite gotten the results fully tabulated. We plan to have them posted sometime on Tuesday (10/23). Also, we'll have photos posted in the next day or two. So, please check back soon! If you'd like, please feel free to post your race reports and comments on our message board.
In the meantime, you can check some of the people that helped us out for the race:
• Adventure-Racer.com provided most of the prizes that we gave away
• Central Ohio Adventure Racing (COAR) provided some of the controls markers and punches
• Central Ohio Orienteering (COO) also provided some of the control markers and punches