**And before I get way sidetracked and tell you about the fun stuff, let me clarify about the testicles thing: yes, there is a unique dish here in Colorado called Rocky Mountain Oysters. Yes, they are bull testicles and people eat them, but I swear, it’s really not normal! It’s one of those “traditional” Colorado things that no one actually eats. And, for the record, I’ve never tried them either… I’ve eaten everything else on the planet but no bull balls as of yet!**
Talk about a tangent! Moving along….
The Oyster Urban Adventure Racing series that began in Denver in 2003. Someone apparently referred to the race as a “ball buster” and thus the name began! The race is now in cities across the US and I have seriously been dying to try it for years! And, guess what? I am allllllllll registered for this summer!
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It’s a team event, and you have the option of doing the full course or the half course. Of course, Cindy, Craig and I have to do the full course which apparently covers 20-30 miles of Denver is is supposed to take 4-6 hours.
You see, no one really knows what happens in the race because the course is a secret right up until the actual event! Teams run all over the city, looking for clues, solving riddles, and encountering obstacle courses. Running and cycling are guaranteed, but some of the other potential activities include kayaking, creeking, golfing, rafting, shopping, rock climbing, eating, skating, canoeing, trivia, and bowling. Smart phones are required, as is a little bit of cash in case an RTD bus becomes necessary.
Now, here is the problem I foresee already: quite honestly, Cindy and I suck at navigation! In the mountains and the wilderness, I am a rock star and I never get lost…. but when it comes to the actual city, I am a nightmare! Cindy and I did an orienteering race together once and I had to relieve her of map duties when I looked over and she was analyzing the topo upside down! (True story!) Luckily, Craig is a police officer so I assume he has to be good at that kind of stuff, right?!
I’ve never done an urban adventure race, but I’m told it’s like the Eco Challenge in a city. Who knows if that is true or not, but I’m very excited to find out!