Meet the RD: American Adventure Sports

After an exciting start to the The North American Adventure Racing Series (NAARS), the series continues with the Prestige Race, the American Adventure Sports Yough Xtreme on April 27^th, 2013.  This race is held in beautiful Ohiopyle State Park in western Pennsylvania as a 5-hour (Sport Class) and the 10-hour (Elite Class).  Only the 10-hour race will count towards the ranking points for the series. 

This challenging adventure race includes mountain biking, trail running, kayaking and orienteering for approximately 30 miles (for the Sport Class) or 60 miles (for the Elite Class). This "sprint" race is suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced adventure racers and promises you the thrill of a lifetime.

Teams of one, two, three, or four people will be trekking, orienteering, mountain biking, kayak paddling for a combined 60+ miles.

Doug Crytzer, President and Founder of American Adventure Sports, is the Race Director of the Yough Xtreme AR. He has been producing high-quality, and challenging Adventure Races since he started the company in 1997. Here is part of his story.

What are the biggest challenges you face as an RD in your area?

Definitely the weather - it's ever changing and unpredictable. That’s why it is so important
that our athletes be prepared for any situation when competing.

What can participants expect...that you're willing to share?

Ha, ha. This is a fast tempo race that's lots of fun. Even though it’s one of the oldest
sprint races in the country, it’s always a challenging and beautiful course.

What is the biggest change from last year's race?

Though the Yough is held in the same park every year, it’s a different rac

What advice do you have for training or just from general experience in
the AR world?
In adventure racing, the fastest team doesn't always win and the slowest team doesn't always lose.  You must race with your teammates, don't race your teammates - team synergy is a force multiplier. You also have to control the mental aspect of the race by avoiding the highs and lows emotionally.

e every time. The entire course changes creating a need for a new strategy each year. 

And remember that being lost, getting a flat or swamping a boat, doesn't mean your race is over. Train like you race. Who Dares Wins! And of course, Body maintenance, body maintenance, body maintenance!