Book Description
Recognized as the king of adventure racing, Ian Adamson has won all the world's major events and been named 'toughest man on the planet' by RailRiders Adventure Clothing. Now, with the help of Runner's World magazine, Adamson reveals strategies and secrets that have made him a household name in the sport. Offering assistance to beginners and useful tips to racing veterans seeking advice from the very best in their sport, Adamson offers his hard-earned expertise on: lWhat you need to get started lWhy teamwork is your most valuable tool lFoot work, cycling, paddling, rope work, and navigation lWhat to eat, how much to sleep, and how to steer clear of the dreaded hamburger foot lThe gear you need and how to get the sponsorship to make racing a reality Along with action photography, Adamson provides invaluable tips to master the fundamentals of racing while enjoying the adventure of a lifetime! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Readable, informative
If you are a fan of adventure racing (AR), the author's reputation is quite familiar to you.Adamson is among the very best adventure racers in the world, with loads of big race experience.

He is also a good writer.The book is clear and readable.Most of the material will not be new to you if you have significant experience already, but there are tips and tricks and anecdotes that are both entertaining and illustrative.

The sport is so varied and demanding that no book, and certainly not one as brief as this one, can be complete in its coverage of it.However, there is a lot of good, accessible information here and you will not regret including this book in your AR library.

Note that as to gear recommendations, the equipment available is changing very quickly, and some preferences are just personal, so update your information before spending a lot on gear if your only reason for buying was because Ian likes it.

Expert job
This book is a expert job by a man who knows his trade!Is a must to anyone interested in this subject.

An Adventuring Racing Classic
Whether you're a veteran or a rookie just starting out in adventure racing, this is one book you should never miss in your collection. This is a classic reference written in clear and understandable language by adventure racing's Michael Jordan.Each page contains a veritable treasure of information, from training, to equipment selection, to navigation and sleep management, culled from years of racing across the world in diverse terrains and climates.If there was only one book you can buy to learn about the history and discipline of adventure racing ---this is it.

OUTSTANDING BOOK!
I have read two other books on Adventure Racing that were published before Ian's book came out in the market. Those two books were also good, in fact Ian wrote the foreword on both. But Ian's book came out a cut above the rest. His book offered his and his teamates "winning strategies and experiences". The book was intelligently written and commanded authority on all topics discussed such as proper training, purchasing and use of the right equipment, proper nutrition, good leadership and teamwork skills, sleep strategies etc. For sure the book will inspire and guide beginner racers to the sport, and will further provide veteran racers of new knowledge and valuable proven race strategies and techniques from Ian and his awesome NZ and OZ teamates. Ian is truly one of the best adventure racers in the world along with his mates John Howard and Steve Gurney. To sum it all up, this is an outstanding book, I can't wait to buy the second edition.

adventure god
imagine you are shipwrecked on an island, and the only other companion you will find yourself with is an adventure racer, well, you better make sure that the fellow is ian adamson.his book on the sport is easy on the head and heart, written in a breezy, informative way. when he explains techniques and tips of the trade, it's not like you have to bash a few coconuts to figure out what he means. i recommend this how-to guide to both novices and experts, wanna-be Survivors (hey, there's a bunch of wilderness stuff here) and weekend warriors. thank your lucky navigational stars that ian has set forth in one volume years of accumulated wisdom as one of the toughest men on the planet. ... Read more

Book Description
Adventure sports have seized the interest of the world. According to the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) 189 million outdoor enthusiasts in the U.S. were involved in adventure sports and travel in 1998. Millions of Americans are heading outside for fitness, self-discovery, and a closer connection to the environment, and many are creating a lifestyle out of it. Adventure racing is a new multi-discipline sport that requires individual will, endurance, survival skills, outdoor savvy, and teamwork to be successful. The duration of adventure races varies from one-day races to two-week expeditions requiring both day and night navigation through harsh and challenging terrain. The sport requires the athlete be versed in a variety of outdoor sports, have individual drive and the highest team skills. In The Complete Guide to Adventure Racing, you'll learn: the best techniques for biking, paddling, and climbing, gear selection, proper use, and preparation, navigation and orienteering essentials, tips on nutrition, hydration and health, team strategy and logistics, a comprehensive listing of schools, races from around the world and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

I loved this, and have purchased copies for others.
As an adventure racer who recalls when Don Mann owned Odyssey AR, I recall his midnight encouragement at CPs.At Primal Quest in Moab in 2006 Don was just as enthusiastic.This books carries some of that sincere, enthusiastic voice.His energy kept me running for years.I recall running together on the backstretch of the JFK 50 mile ultramarathon.We talked about books.Some time later, Don shared his enthusiasm for me by writing a testimonial for my book.For anyone interested in learning about our sport I strongly encourage you to read this book.Doug Gray, PCC, and author of Passionate Action: 5 Steps to Extraordinary Success in Life and Work

Largely disappointing
firstly this reviewer is a racer and has quite some experience in the various disciplines of AR (adventure racing) so bear that in mind.

The book is quite well laid out covering most things you might expect in AR.The exciting glossy cover belies the lower quality paper and pictures used within- no smart glossies inside, rather some average b/w photos.

The information inside is fine but can largely be found elsewhere with a quick google search.Still a good repository of information.

If you are looking for some guidance re AR equipment, training, techniques, tips and have not looed for the same on the web, this will be a useful book, if you have looked then it is something to have on the bookshelf.It is not of sufficient quality to have out on the coffee table as a conversation piece!
My 2cents.

Great reference book on the sport
I new to AR (3 races to date) and was looking for a good reference book on the subject.This book exceeded my expectations.It is well organized and filled with practical information and detail.It has section with tips and advice from experienced racers, there is also first person accounts of races and experiences.It is also a great price for all the information you get.

Get Out There and Do It!
The adventure racing world waited a long time for a resource as comprehensive as this one.It is no surprise that we were finally provided this resource by the man who founded Odyssey Adventure Racing, a company that produces more races than any other US AR company and also offers a great racing academy.

One of the best features of The Complete Guide to Adventure Racing is that rather than giving us "the gospel according to Mann and Schaad", it provides multiple views from various experts on controversial topics such as nutrition, strategy, team dynamics, and sleep management.You may occasionally find that the contributors disagree with each other, which only serves to underscore the strategic nature of the sport.

What I didn't expect was inspirational content in addition to the detailed information of this text.By including first-person stories from other racers, race directors, and observers, the book becomes a "good read" in addition to an instructive one.It makes you want to get out there and register for the first race you can find.Buy this book and you'll see what I mean!

Get Out There and Register!
The adventure racing world waited a long time for a resource as comprehensive as this one.It is no surprise that we were finally provided this resource by the man who founded Odyssey Adventure Racing, a company that produces more races than any other US AR company and also offers a great racing academy.

One of the best features of The Complete Guide to Adventure Racing is that rather than giving us "the gospel according to Mann and Schaad", it provides multiple views from various experts on controversial topics such as nutrition, strategy, team dynamics, and sleep management.You may occasionally find that the contributors disagree with each other, which only serves to underscore the strategic nature of the sport.

What I didn't expect was inspirational content in addition to the detailed information of this text.By including first-person stories from other racers, race directors, and observers, the book becomes a "good read" in addition to an instructive one.It makes you want to get out there and register for the first race you can find.Buy this book and you'll see what I mean! ... Read more

Book Description
Take the ultimate endurance challenge! Adventure Racing is the complete guide to the skills, equipment, strategies, navigation, and nutrition used by the top adventure racers around the globe.

Start with the right gear to perform your best—even in desert, rainforest, and subzero environments. Then learn the skills for trekking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, and mountaineering.

Insights on team strategy, use of support crews, map reading, and magnetic deviation will keep you on track. And the right fuel for changing conditions, medical know-how, and survival skills will keep you in the race.

Profiles and stories from the top races and adventure racers provide a taste of the exciting challenges of the sport. They'll inspire you to test yourself time and again in the most addictive team endurance sport on the planet. ... Read more

Book Description
Written by two endurance athletes, Adventure Racing covers the sport from its origins in New Zealand 20 years ago through today. It delves into the nuts and bolts of navigation and orientation, mountain biking, trekking, rope skills, and paddling. Information on nighttime racing and training, how to prevent injury and illness, fuel and hydration, and what to expect after a race are included. This book also offers appendices with sample gear list, race instructions, support crew list, and volunteer gear list. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A good place to start learning about adventure racing!
"Adventure Racing, The Ultimate Guide" By Barry Siff & Liz Caldwell

Barry Siff and Liz Caldwell, both experienced adventure racers with resumes that include 11th place finish in the Eco-Challenge in 2000, 9th place finish in the Raid Gauloises in 2000 decided to put together their collective experience and write a book to help introduce and educate people about adventure racing. The book was very good, educational and informative especially if you are interested in getting into adventure racing.

The Good: Great source of information for beginners and experienced racers alike. Good color photo's in the center. The section that detailed the gear list was very interesting. There isn't too much to elaborate on. If you are interested in adventure racing this is a good place to start.

The Bad: I wish they would have spent a little bit more time on shorter races.

Overall: This book is a good place to start for people interested in adventure racing. Pick it up and give it a try.

Adventure Racing--General Thoughts on Three Guides
I bought three books as I prepared for my first race (a sprint, which my team won thanks to the good advice found in all three of the guides discussed below): Don Mann and Kara Schaad's Complete Guide to Adventure Racing, Ian Adamson's Runner's World Guide to Adventure Racing, and Barry Siff and and Liz Caldwell's Adventure Racing: The Ultimate Guide.Of these, I found the Complete Guide good to start with, Adamson's book a standard guide to go back to again and again, and Siff and Caldwell's an ongoing delight.

The layout of Mann and Schaad's work is good for those just starting--lots of sidebars, whitespace, and basics.Adamson has professional prestige and his book is filled with the opinions/wisdom of someone with hardwon wisdom.I sensed though that as a high profile professional adventure racer, he is obligated to sponsors.His gear recommendations, which I gobbled up at first, began to seem more like celebrity endorsements by the end and I began to wish there was a more objective equipment guide.I have no doubt that Adamson's equipment recommendations are excellent; I would have liked to have gotten a better sense of comparison, though, to help me better understand why a Paladin harness was the recommendation rather than an Alpine Bod-- ie. what are the little things I am really looking for when I go out and buy gear for a discipline I don't yet do?

On Siff and Caldwell, I think the text portrays fingertip wisdom as good as Adamson's and the color photo section is great.Having read all three a couple of times through, I find myself picking up Siff and Caldwell and browsing it more than the others.

Mann and Schaad are on the bottom of the pile. I think that has something to do with the layout--which hints of Idiot's guides.I've certainly not worn out their advise but the layout has gone stale.

Recommendations:If you are completely new to the sport, and to more than one discipline, get the Complete Guide and read it first.Once you are hooked, you have to have the other two.

One area that these books don't purport to cover well is land navigation. A great book for learning those skills is Burns, et. al. Wilderness Navigation.I have taught from it several times in college level classes and it is a better fit for adventure racing than for what I have been using it (fundamental map reading and compass navigation).

Excellent Guide Book
This book has been an invaluable guide and should be considered mandatory reading for both racers and crew.

I've competed in one 24 hour adventure race, crewed for another and am preparing for my 2nd 24 hour race which is a couple of weeks away.The practical advice and suggestions that Barry and Liz present are excellent and have prepared me for what to expect in nearly every facet of my races.I particularly like their section about team dynamics and the importance of racing with people you like.

Adventure racing is not a sport to be taken lightly given the length and duration of races as well as the multiple disciplines involved.Research and education are crucial and this book is an excellent start for all of us budding adventure racers.

Excellent Guide Book
This book has been an invaluable guide and should be considered mandatory reading for both racers and crew.

I've competed in one 24 hour adventure race, crewed for another and am preparing for my 2nd 24 hour race which is a couple of weeks away.The practical advice and suggestions that Barry and Liz present are excellent and have prepared me for what to expect in nearly every facet of my races.I particularly like their section about team dynamics and the importance of racing with people you like.

Adventure racing is not a sport to be taken lightly given the length and duration of races as well as the multiple disciplines involved.Research and education are crucial and this book is an excellent start for all of us budding adventure racers.

great pictures
This was my first Adveture Racing book. I really enjoyed it.I learned some very useful information.My hi-lighter was used quite a bit. The pictures are spectacular!They will be hanging on my bedroom wall soon. ... Read more

Book Description
The world's first training book for adventure racers and multisporters. The book is a distillation of the knowledge and experience of some of the world's very best adventure racers, legends like John Howard, Ian Adamson, Steve Gurney, Robert Nagle, Cathy Sassin and Viv Prince. Whether you're starting out or looking to sharpen your performance, you'll gain the benefit of the accumulated knowledge of the titans of the fastest growing team sport in the world today. Avoid the pitfalls, learn simple, practical tips to better health, nutrition and the selection of gear. Discover the history of the sport and find out how a Race Director chooses his course. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good Primer
This book would be an excellent choice for those just getting started in adventure racing (AR) or contemplating trying it and intending to do multi-day events.Experienced racers will also find some good tips, but might want to look for a more technical book if they want detailed information.It is a fast read and is well-written.

How to Survive and Thrive in Adventure Racing
This is just the sort of book I was looking for.There is plenty of information for racers at all levels.Newcomers to adventure racing will benefit the most I guess, but the interviews with top racers do give away a few secrets that will help established racers.Steve Gurney's section on skills and techniques will prove very useful and it was fascinating to learn more of the history of the sport.

All the advice, whether on training, equipment, medical preparation or nutrition was easy to read, simple, practical and very useful.The full colour pictures are also very good, painting pictures that words can't convey.

This is a book that belongs in every adventure racer's library.

Informative, but lacking
This book is written from a mainly Kiwi (New Zealand) perspective, and focusses on the Souther Traverse. It does a pretty good job of explaining the origins of adventure racing, but lacks the bigger, more global reach oftoday's races.This book is informative, but is still lacking.Like"The Toughest Race on Earth", this book also lacks in explainingthe true training and lifestyle of today's racers. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Arkansas Business, published by Thomson Gale on October 15, 2007. The length of the article is 1258 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Adventure racing hones professionals skills.(SPORTS)
Author: Katie Stockstill
Publication: Arkansas Business (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 15, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 24Issue: 41Page: 15(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
Four novels include: High Stakes, Smokescreen, Rat Race, Bonecrack ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from JOPERD--The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, published by Thomson Gale on August 1, 2006. The length of the article is 2957 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Adventure racing CORE: a nontraditional approach to the physical education lesson.(cooperative obstacle-racing experience)
Author: Dan Dejager
Publication: JOPERD--The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 77Issue: 6Page: 25(5)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Arkansas Business, published by Journal Publishing, Inc. on February 7, 2005. The length of the article is 337 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Ozark Extreme Adventure Sports.(hosts adventure racing, sports event)(Brief Article)
Author: Amber Dillon
Publication: Arkansas Business (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 7, 2005
Publisher: Journal Publishing, Inc.
Volume: 22Issue: 5Page: 24(1)

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thompson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
Seldom is a successful manufacturer willing to share the inside story of how it established a new racing program in a new series, or dealt with the ups and downs of engine development. It is all the more unusual when that manufacturer has had the bitter disappointments followed by astonishing successes that American Honda and its racing department, Honda Performance Development, experienced in ten years of racing in the CART racing series. But in A Winning Adventure: Honda's Decade in CART Racing, Honda has agreed to do just that. Join authors Gordon Kirby and John Oreovicz as they tell the complete story of Honda's remarkable turnaround and unprecedented success through frank interviews with key Honda managers and engineers, as well as champion drivers like Alex Zanardi, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Gil de Ferran. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An excellent book for Honda racing fans
If you enjoy hearing how an engine was developed for CART by some of the team members which developed the Honda engines that took Senna and Prost to F1 championships, then you will enjoy this book. It details info from the engineers at Honda and in the US and how they underestimated the complexity of CART and had to re-group and re-design the engine after failing to qualify for Indy. It is a book about the "inside" story. Not quite enough pictures about the engine or its internals (top secret I suppose), and a few too many of CART cars, but the text is where it's at with this book. An enjoyable read if you are a Honda racing fan.

A must for the Honda Racing Fan
This publication is of a very high standard in both content and production. Make sure you have a sturdy coffee table as it is a weighty volume.
Not only does it cover the Honda years in CART, but also gives an excellent overview of Honda's determination to succeed in all forms of motorsport both past and present.
Absolute value for money and a must for anyone who appreciates Honda's dedication to quality and winning. ... Read more