Apex Outdoor Gear is bringing you this years Summer Groove. Now part of the Checkpoint Tracker series.
Race description is below. All new and up to date info will be posted here for your viewing pleasure!

Team List - As of 7/26/10

Gear List - Updated 3/8/2010

Registration Open-
Register online
Register by email or mail
(if you are receiving a discount for participating in multiple AOG races please register via email or mail. discounts cannot be applied if registering online)

Update 2 - 7/23/10
Registration and Start area listed below now!
Camping info: Modern sites at Gun Lake are $24/night. Rustic tent sites at Deep Lake are $12/night. Both are with in a few miles of the start. If you are not camping at Gun Lake you can still use their showers after the race for only $2.

Update 1 - 7/3/10
Sign up now! The more fun we can have. Also note the discount to racers participating in more than one AOG race this year.
The groove location has been announced: we will be stomping on the grounds of Yankee springs recreation area. That yankee springs of rolling hills and fields of briars. The brutally beautiful single track, enough orienteering points to carry over into the next race and introducing one of the most unique paddling sections offered in one of our races. All total to a grand course that will have you cursing yourselves(remember don't blame us!).
The race briefing will be part of the race course! So the race/briefing will start at 0300. Get ready to think and strategize on the run. Also, it's going to be a hot day so plan accordingly. There will be water stations on the course but you have to be prepared to take care of yourself. A post race get together is in the works with some delicious post race food and prizes from our sponsors. In a response to your feedback, it will be a big step up from previous Apex post race parties and prizes. We can always use volunteers. It's a great way to see friends and family out on the course, contact us even if you can only help a couple hours.

Date: July 31st, 2010
Location: Yankee Springs Rec. Area / Immediately west of Hall Lake along the north side of Gun Lake Rd. But, before the dirt road that cuts through to the Long Lake Outdoor Center. There is a building sitting in a small clearing. That is registration and the start.
Length: 15hr Adventure Race
Disciplines: Mountain Biking, Orienteering, Trekking, Paddling & Ropes
Divisions: Solo, 2 person coed, male (MM), female (FF) and 4 person coed
Who: Intermediate to Advanced
Racer Check-In: Friday, July 30th 6 - 9pm
Race Briefing: 3:00 am (yup, you read that right A.M.)
Race Start: Immediately following briefing
Race Cutoff: 6:00pm
Post Race Prizes: 15-30 minutes following cutoff. A post race get together is in the works with some delicious post race food and prizes from our sponsors. In a response to your feedback, it will be a big step up from previous Apex post race parties and prizes.

Event Cost:
Per Person - $110.00 - The cost includes canoe rental, race swag, post-race food, and some sweet prizes. Solo racers will be responsible for their own kayak.
$100 if you participated in the Stark Raving Mad AR (see registration notes)

About The Race:
The Summer Groove Adventure Race IS West Michigan AR. The race started in 2003 as the first of it's kind in the area. The race has always had a unique start (remember Pentwater's 3am swim? Or the mass canoe start on the crowded White River?). And this year will be no different. The briefing will be part of the race. So however long it takes you to plan will be part of your total race time. Or will you just take off without planning and wing it? It's up to you and your team to decide. No support crew is required. This race will test you; your skills, endurance and sanity.
Are you up for the challenge?

Disciplines:
Teams will be required to carry the gear on the mandatory gear list which is posted here.

Trekking / Trail Running / Orienteering:
The total on foot distance will be between 8 - 12 miles, more depending on route choice and optional points. Navigation will be on 1:24,000 and/or 1:30,750 scale maps. Some optional CP's will be given as UTM's

Paddling:
There may be multiple paddling sections in this race. Racers should prepare for a short portage too. If you plan on using your own kayak paddle and PFD, you may be asked to carry those with you during certain sections of the race. Paddling will be on a river and/or lake. There will be a minimum of 5 miles of paddling. Canoes are provided for all 2 and 4 person teams. Racers may NOT use their own sweet, ultralight and fast canoes. Solo racers are the only ones that are responsible for their own kayaks.

Mountain Bike:
The mountain bike stage(s) will be around 30 miles in length. The course will include single track, dirt and paved roads. Maybe a little "hike-a-bike" too.

Fixed Ropes:
If a fixed rope section becomes available, more details will be presented. No certifications will be required for the fixed rope section.

Contact: Groovey at groove@apexoutdoorgear.com with any questions about the 2010 Summer Groove.