TOP 12 OUTDOOR EVENTS THIS MONTH -BY BOAT, BOOT AND BIKE

THE DIRTY DOZEN

1. 2007 WHITEWATER SLALOM NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: AUGUST 34, DEEP CREEK LAKE, MD.

On August 4th they’re going to roll out the red carpet at the Adventure Sports Center International, because the largest whitewater race in the United States is coming to town. And that means all the biggest stars in the industry are sure to be there strutting their stuff-including the U.S. National Team. So it’s going to be a little like the Grammys of paddling. Only wetter. And legitimate.

www.adventuresportscenter.com

2. MOUNTAIN MAMA: AUGUST 4, MONTEREY, VA.

Collect all four! The Mountain Mama brings more options to the table than the back of a cereal box. With four magically delicious distances to choose from, this ride promises to be good to the last drop. And if you really feel like being spoon-fed after the race, go for the Century-2 states, 3 counties, 9 mountains, over 100 miles and 13,720 feet of climbing-sure to have you singing that John Denver song before you can cross the finish line. You know, “…Mountain Mama, take me home…”

www.bikemountainmama.homestead.com

3. XTERRA PANTHER CREEK OFF-ROAD TRIATHLON: AUGUST 5, MORRISTOWN, TENN.

In the chaotic, unruly realm of off-road multisport, XTERRA is not just a means of getting to the race. XTERRA is the race, and always dares to go where the wild things are. Unleash your fury where the pavement comes to a screeching halt at Panther Creek State Park. Athletes will claw their way along 800 meters in Cherokee Lake, 15 miles on double and single-track trails, and 4.5 miles on dirt trails.

www.riversportsadventures.com

4. THE NIGHT TRAIN: AUGUST 11, FONTANA VILLAGE, N.C.

“All aboard the Night Train.” If Marvin Gaye were planning to ride this 12-hour mountain bike race, perhaps that would be his battle cry. But no worries, it can still be yours. Just remember that riders must always wear helmets for safety and when the sun goes down, there will be absolutely no turning the lights down low while on the course. But once the race is over, you can always get your noodle going at the free Fiber Wise Pasta Dinner. Let’s get it on.

www.ridethenighttrain.com

5. FOOL'S GOLD MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE & FESTIVAL: AUGUST 17-19, DAHLONEGA, GA.

The folks behind the Source BURN 24 Hour Challenge have struck it rich this time with the introduction of Georgia’s first and only 100-mile mountain bike race. And they’re prepared to share the wealth-grub, brews, lodging, and tunes for an entire weekend if you register for the Race+Festival option. Thar’s gold in them thar hills and this race has hit the jackpot.

www.55nineperformance.com

6. 12TH ANNUAL WILD 100: AUGUST 18, SHENANDOAH, VA.

If you ever loved the Choose Your Own Adventure series, then this is your chance to get your nose out of the book and onto the trail. At the Wild 100, you are the protagonist and hero. Your mountain biking adventure begins and ends at the Elk River Touring Center, and the only plot you have to follow involves finding six checkpoints that are already plotted for you. The race may last deep into the night. Come prepared so that you do not become the dude or damsel in distress before you make it to the last page. www.ertc.com

7. 18 HOURS ON THE FARM "SCOUTS HONOR": AUGUST 18-19, GOOCHLAND, VA.

Get your chain gang together and register for 18 Hours on the Farm. No, you’re not signing up for mandatory community service or time in the slammer. Scouts Honor. But if you want to make off with the cash, you had better make a dash for it when that whistle blows. This endurance mountain bike race will feature fun fire roads, tough technical climbs, and sick downhill single-track on a virgin venue just twenty-five minutes west of Richmond.

www.cobblestonebikes.com

8. WESTERN CAROLINA ADVENTURE RACE: AUGUST 18, MODOC, S.C.

“There’s no such thing as can’t.” The folks at Kando Adventures are at it again in the Palmetto State. Designed to last approximately twelve hours, the Western Carolina Adventure Race will have racers covering more terrain in the Edgefield and McCormick counties than the United States Postal Service. But then, how many mailboxes could there possibly be on the lands and waters of the Sumter National Forest and surrounding S.C. State Parks?

www.kandoadventures.com

9. HEAD TO HEAD DOWNRIVER RACE: AUGUST 24, CHARLOTTE, N.C.

“The seventh installment of the U.S. National Whitewater Center Race Series is sure to be the most entertaining race yet. Paddlers will not only race to beat the clock but also try to outlast their competitors as they battle head-to-head. Coined a "citizen slalom," this race will have both downstream and upstream gates to paddle through. The mass start down the center's wilderness channel will add even more challenge. www.usnwc.org

10. SPRINGMAID SPLASH & HOSPICE EXTREME CHALLENGE: AUGUST 25, SPRUCE PINE, N.C.

This 10K course is like an ambitious amphibian’s paradise. Runners will cross a thigh-deep river four times. If you’re even a distant relative of the Wicked Witch of the West, sit this one out-you will get wet. You'll also get muddy, as the trail climbs up Springmaid Mountain then drops steeply back to the river. It's one of the most exhilirating, exhausting, and exciting 10Ks you'll ever run. www.mitchellraces.com

11. RICHMOND SPRINT TRIATHLON: AUGUST 26, RICHMOND, VA.

If crashing waves, thrashing toes, and flying ‘bows aren’t your thing, then you can breathe easy at the Richmond Sprint Triathlon-the perfect opportunity to get your feet wet on the triathlon scene. To start the race, entrants will dive right in at fifteen-second intervals and proceed to snake their way across four lanes for a total of four-hundred meters.

www.richmondmultisports.com

12. 30TH ANNUAL PEOPLE'S BANK MIDNIGHT FLIGHT: AUGUST 31, ANDERSON, S.C.

We’re all familiar with the Midnight Flight. It’s that thing your college roommate used to do to escape the mid-morning Walk of Shame. But this one is different. The People’s Bank Midnight Flight offers 1-mile, 5K and 10K options-all of them fast courses with a thrilling indoor finish before cheering crowds. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Midnight Flight is a summer classic.

www.andersonroadrunners.com