I got the following email tonight from the folks at Primal Quest:

“Our sincere apologies for not officially communicating with everyone sooner regarding the status of the next Primal Quest Expedition Adventure Race.

Since the conclusion of Primal Quest Utah, we have been diligently trying to make arrangements to enable the race to take place in 2007 and beyond. As you know, PQ is a complex undertaking that requires substantial planning, financing and partnerships in order to maintain the high quality standard that PQ is known for. We realize placing the event on hold affects the racing community to a great degree, but please know we are continuing to explore every option in staging the expedition in the future and appreciate all the input we’ve received.

On behalf of our entire team, we sincerely appreciate your support and wish you success in the upcoming racing season.”

The Ultra O-gaine is now open for registrations. If you register on or before April 15th, it’s only $60 per person for the Ultra (24hr) course and $50 per person for the Half-Ultra (12hr) course. $60 for 24hrs of fun in the woods; I don’t think you’ll find a better deal around!

Ultra distance Orienteering and roGAINE; the Ultra O-gaine will be fraught with difficult navigation throughout the rugged terrain of Pine Log WMA. This prime 14,000 acre venue is a short one hour drive north of Atlanta. This area has some of the highest points in the greater Metro Atlanta area. With streams and peaks throughout, you will be shocked you are so close to Atlanta! This event will be similar to a traditional rogaine with a few surprises thrown in. You will spend the majority of your time off trail during both courses!

The Ultra O-gaine will be open to solos and teams of two and three. The event will offer two courses: The Ultra (24 hour) course and the Half-Ultra (12 hour) course.

We read each of your post event surveys last year and have listened to what you had to say. The event will feature less needle in a haystack points, but will still require precise navigation. We are working on a more central Hash House as well.

When: June 8-9, 2007
Where: White, GA. 1hr North of Atlanta

We are limiting this event to 100 people. Last year, we had 85 and turned a few away at the last minute. With teams from all over the East Coast including, AR, MI, NC, CT, TN, FL, GA, SC, MO, and KY, we think the event will sell out this year. Get in while you can.

Patrick and I hope to see you in June!

Yes, you read that correctly. I bought a MacBook last week and it arrived on Monday. I work on PCs all day long at my job so this is quite a change for me. What does this have to do with Checkpoint Adventures? Well, I’m a little behind on setting up online registration for the Ultra O-gaine because I’ve been busy setting up my new MacBook and transferring all the website code to my mac. I hope to have online registration up on Thursday though.

So far I’m loving my first mac. Like the commercials say, it just works. With Bootcamp and Parallels, I’ve still got Windows if I need it. Barring any unforeseen issues, I probably won’t go back to PCs. Wow…never thought I would say that!

I just got this email from the USARA and wanted to pass it on:

“The United States Adventure Racing Association is proud to present the 2007 Collegiate Nationals Adventure Race. On April 15th, 2007 top competitors will converge on Reno, Nevada to represent their Universities and battle it out for bragging rights as the collegiate national champions. Two member teams will mountain bike, trail run and paddle their way to victory. Categories will include coed, male & female. This event will be televised on CSTV.”

I’ve been critical of the USARA in the past for what I perceive as a lack of promoting the sport as a whole. I think this event is a good step in the right direction though. The earlier you get people hooked on your sport, the greater chance it has to flourish. AR is a cash hungry sport and generally people in high school and college are short on cash. Notice the conflict there?

I hope the race is a success. This is the first I’ve heard about it, but let’s hope word travels quickly and teams from around the country descend on Reno to take the championship. I’d like to see some type of scholarship associated with the race. Maybe the winning team gets their books paid for next semester or something. The price is only $90, so the price is right for the cash strapped college kids.

Yak, from Checkpoint Zero, has a new project. That project is the Checkpoint Tracker National Points Series. We decided to join Yak for his adventure this year and the Adventure24 is going to be a part of the Checkpoint Tracker National Points Series. What does that mean for you the adventure racer? Basically it gives you a shot at some cold hard cash if you finish well enough in the overall series. But what about the average Joe and Jane who are out racing just to finish? Well, there is something for you too. Being part of the Checkpoint Tracker National Points Series, the Adventure24 will also have online race coverage via Checkpoint Tracker. We’re excited to have race coverage this year and hope those at home enjoy it as well. We look forward to seeing everyone in July at the Adventure24!