Another exciting Summer Groove has been completed. This year's course definitely lived up to the "crazy challenging" description. Racers dealt with night orienteering, unexpected fog for single track biking, 2 canoe portages, 2 ropes courses, more orienteering, plotting utm's the WHOLE way and even more... orienteering. We've had some great feedback and we hope that all of the racers had a wicked sweet time! Hope to see you all again next year!

Results Posted:
Final Scoring
Final TA times

Photos from 2011 Summer Groove (provided by Smith Tech Group)
-- you are able to purchase from the above link

Apex Outdoor Gear is super excited to bring you this years Summer Groove. Bound to be an exciting time and crazy challenging.
Part of the Checkpoint Tracker series this baby offers up an open division, mystery swimming, single track biking, utm plotting and a two sweet rope sections!
Race description is below. All new and up to date info will be posted here for your viewing pleasure!

Update 6/14/11 - Part of this years Groove's proceeds will go to help Kent County Search and Rescue. Our donation, with your help, will go towards more extensive training for this group of volunteers. Say "hi" to them out on the course.... you never know when you might need them!

Update 6/27/11 - Biking requirements have been bumped. Please be prepared to bike 30-40 miles. This will not be a consitent slog and will be broken up.
- Be ready to plot UTM's on the fly. Map scales are not yet finalized.
- You will need one drop bag per team clearly labelled with your teams name on it. This drop bag can have anything you would like in it to resupply roughly half way through the race.

Update 7/8/11 - New Sponsor added! We are pleased to have American Cycle and Fitness on board this year donating prizes along with time in volunteering.
- Updated Gear List! New items added: Notepad, Pen/Pencil, Bungee's/Straps and zip-ties for securing glowsticks
- Recreational Passport required per vehicle! MI residents are all set if you renewed your lic. tab and included the $10 for the annual pass. If you have not done so you will need the $10 for a pass. Out of stater's, you will be allowed to purchase an $8 day pass that will be good for Friday and Saturday.
- We like you guys sooo much that we will transport paddles to the paddling section for you. Please make sure they are clearly labeled!
- Solo racers and Open division, we will pick up your boat from you at the start and deliver it to the paddling section.

Update 7/16/11 -
1. Paddling clearification.  
Solo racers will all be in kayaks.  Your bikes will be transported for you. Open racers will be allowed their own canoes.  If you need a rental and still want to race open, let me know.
Everyone else will be in provided canoes.  
ALL RACERS - you paddles and pfd's will be transported for you to the paddling start.  They MUST be labelled clearly with team names.
2. UTM'sWe cannot stress enough that you will be plotting UTM's.  It is not hard, but you should practice before hand.AOG sells a couple of plotting tools that are around $5 and make life easier.  You can make your own plotting tools if you opt to.Scales are in the final workings and we are expecting to stay with 1:24,000 and 1:50,000.  We will let you know for sure soon.
3. RopesAll ropes sections require helmets and gloves.  All other safety equipment is provided and you do not need to carry any of it with you.The ropes will not be "scary", but the CP's are required so at least one team member must attempt.  Both members are encouraged to participate.

Gear List - As of 7/8/11

Registration is now open! (link below goes to Active.com)

You can also register via mail.
Fill out this form and mail a check in.

Date: July 30th 2011 12am
Location: Ionia State Recreation Area, Sessions Lake Penninsula (NE corner of Sessions Lake
Length: 15hr Adventure Race
Disciplines: Mountain Biking, Orienteering, Trekking, Paddling & Ropes
Divisions: Solo, 2 person coed, male (MM), female (FF) and 2 person OPEN
Who: Intermediate to Advanced
Racer Check-In: 8-9 p.m. July 29th
Race Briefing: 11:30 p.m. July 29th
Race Start: 12 a.m. July 30th
Race Cutoff:3 p.m. July 30th
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:
-- $95 per person ($110 after July 9th)
Includes:
-Running cap from GreenLayer
-Hammer Gel
-Heed on the course
-2 week membership to AIM Fitness
-Awesome Prizes like: Rab Vapour-Rise Lite Jacket , $50 Gift Certificates to American Cycle & Fitness, Black Diamond Headlamps.... and more!
-Post-race food
-Canoes, paddles and PFD's.
-Climbing equipment use.

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 pitch black single track mountiain biking from last year?). And this year will be no different. 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:
As much as you want! Approximately 5 - 8 miles on foot.
Please be well versed in plotting UTM's and be ready to plot on the fly. Map scales will be made available soon.

Paddling:
Approximately 10-15 miles of paddling is expected. Open division racers are allowed to use their own canoes. If racing solo you are responsible for supplying your own kayak.

Mountain Bike:
The course will include single track, dirt and/or paved roads. Maybe a little "hike-a-bike" too. Plan on riding a total of 30-40 miles based on course taken. Biking will be broken up and not a consistent ride.

Fixed Ropes:
Tyrolean Traverse and rappelling. Gear will be provided. Helmets are required during ropes course and bike helmets will suffice.
No certifications will be required for the fixed rope section.

Contact: Groovey at groove@apexoutdoorgear.com with any questions about the 2011 Summer Groove.


LAST YEARS INFORMATION:

Final Scoring Posted
Split Times Posted