LOS ANGELES (June 11, 2002)- The morning fog quickly dispersed as racers began arriving and preparing themselves for the event quickly approaching. The racers had clear blue skies, perfect weather for the weekend adventure. Racers scurried throughout the transition area conversing with fellow teams, discussing the possibilities of what this epic day for adventure would bring. This year was the second time the Hi-Tec Adventure Race would make a stop in Stony Creek Metro park, in Shelby Township, MI, giving the people from the greater Michigan area a taste of adventure. Teams arranged themselves at the start line with boats in hand, eager and ready to hit the water for the kayak section of the Detroit Hi-Tec Adventure Race. A blast from the cannon signaled the start and teams headed to the water for their 1.5-mile kayak segment. As competitors approached what they thought was the finish of the kayak section of the race, they were presented with Special Test #1, the Kayak Portage. Teams emerged from the water only to carry their boats approximately a quarter of a mile to the other side of the small island protruding into Stony Creek Lake. They then got back in their kayaks for a short paddle into the beach. Immediately after finishing the kayak, teams were faced with Special Test #2, The Electric Fence. Teams were challenged to get all three team members over the 4foot structure without touching it. Team members used their other teammates' backs as stepping-stones or platforms, gradually elevating team members high enough to clear the structure. Elite teams hoisted the third team member over but the majority of the teams worked with other teams to overcome the structure. After teams completed the Electric Fence they were sent to the transition area to pick up gear for the mountain biking section. Shortly after embarking on their mountain bikes, teams came upon Special Test #3, the Mountain Bike Water Crossing. Teams had to hoist bikes over their head as they trudged through the chest deep water. Once back on land, teams were forced to navigate through high weeds and plants to finally find the beginning of the 10.5-mile mountain biking section. The amazing winding trails presented teams with both single track and wide-open trails throughout Stony Creek Metro Park. The elite teams reached the Mountain Bike Water Crossing again on their way back while competitors with later start times were initially hitting the crossing. Teams exchanged words of encouragement, displaying a key aspect of adventure racing. After returning to the main site, teams were required to complete Special Test #4, The Peg Board Challenge. Teams were given six wooden dowels, which could be used to get the entire team across the structure. The wooden holes placed sporadically across the structure provided outlets for the dowels to be placed. Teams had to evaluate how to use the dowels and the holes accordingly to efficiently get the team members across. Athletes looked like Spiderman with their limbs extended to the limits of their reach, shaking from adrenalin and fatigue. Once through the Peg Board challenge, teams headed to the beach to find Special Test #5, The Railroad Tie Pull. Two team members had to navigate a 200lb. railroad tie through the sand with the third team member remaining on the tie at all times. Teams pulled their team members through the sand and through the water. Some teams opted to ride the railroad tie similar to a surfer while others just took the chance to rest and laid on the structure. Once teams completed this test, they were met with a 3-mile trail run. Teams ran down the shoulder of the road and eventually on the cut path through the grass. The grass was difficult to run through because of the coarseness of the blades and the unstable footing of the ground below. Just when teams thought they were at the turn around spot for the run they were presented with Special Test #6, Orienteering. The Orienteering section of the event defined the true meaning of adventure. Teams had to locate 3 different control areas according to the map and course they were provided. Inevitably teams had to wade waist deep through water crossings and navigate through dense swampy-like terrain to locate the buckets containing the keys they needed to complete this section of the race. Once orienteering had been accomplished teams were headed back for another 3 miles of trial running back to the main site. Upon retuning to the main site teams came across special test #7, The Balance Walk. One team member was to be blind folded and all three team members had to constantly hold on to the 9-inch Circle of Love (a 9 inch circle of rubber). All three members couldn't be on the same beam at any time or the team would fail the test. The structure had parallel beams far enough away from each other, forcing teams members to lean on one another for stability and balance. Most teams worked together with other teams to get through the structure. Once the Balance Walk was completed teams headed to Special Test #8 the 12-foot Wall. The looming wall is intimidating alone, but the feeling is intensified when teams are presented with this task hours into the race after they have already completed kayaking, mountain biking and trail running. Adrenaline pumping and muscles fatigued, teams know the wall represents the last physical and mental challenge they must over come before earning the bragging rights of completing the Detroit Hi-Tec Adventure Race. The race was a close race for the elite teams with Team Hi-Tec and Team Balance Bar exchanging the lead a few times throughout the course of the race. Team Balance Bar came off the mountain bike section in the lead, but the crowd watched Team Hi-Tec surpass Team Balance Bar for the last time as they completed the Peg Board challenge quickly. Team Hi-Tec will be presented with the signature Paul Mitchell leader jersey and will compete in the Hi-Tec Adventure Race in Atlanta, Sunday, June 23, 2002 displaying their leader status. Team Hi-Tec finished in 3:01:38, Team Timex was second finishing in 3:08:01, Team Red Bull finished in 3:13:51, Team Guinness had podium finish with 3:16:39 and Team Balance Bar is fifth with 3:24:23. The race will continue to the third stop of the 2002 Hi-Tec Adventure Racing Series in Atlanta, GA, June 23rd, 2002. Future stops for the Hi-Tec Adventure Racing Series will continue to Dallas, TX (July 13th), Sacramento, CA (August 18th), Hartford, CT (September 8th), Richmond, VA (September 29th) and the Series final in Los Angeles, CA (October 19th). Images from the event as well as results with team names are posted on the web site at www.hitec-ars.com. Please tune in to see the Detroit Hi-Tec Adventure Race scheduled to air on the Outdoor Life Network Wednesday, July 31st, 10:30 pm Eastern Standard Time.