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Sea2Summit this weekend

Spots are still open for the 2002 Nike ACG Sea2Summit Adventure Race, a point-to-point, multi-day, multi-sport challenge from Minaty Cove to Whistler.

Spots are still open for the 2002 Nike ACG Sea2Summit Adventure Race, a point-to-point, multi-day, multi-sport challenge from Minaty Cove to Whistler. More than 2,000 participants, support crews, volunteers and staff take part in this annual event, which is entering its seventh year.

The race takes place this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7 and 8, with three stages on each day. Special challenges, like Tyrolean traverses and rappel lines, are also included at various stages that test problem solving abilities and teamwork. There’s no word on where these challenges might spring up, but the organizers of this year’s events are hinting heavily that a trip into the Britannia mines might be involved.

You can race with a team of four, a team of two or if you’re really ambitious, as a solo competitor.

Day 1, Stage 1 – This is a 19 kilometre paddle by kayak, canoe, or any other sea-worthy craft that does not have oar locks. Competitors leave by mass start from Deep Cove at 7 a.m., travelling north up Indian Arm.

Day 1, Stage 2 – Competitors get out of their boats and onto their bikes for a 55 km ride up the Indian River Valley. The first 23 km are uphill, climbing more than 900 metres. This is followed by a 10 km downhill, and then some singletrack riding to the next transition stage in Squamish.

Day 1, Stage 3 – If done correctly, this trek is about 15 km. Participants will be given a map and have to navigate their way on foot over rugged terrain using their wits and a compass. If athletes miss a checkpoint, penalty time will be tacked on to their total time. A basic understanding of orienteering is required. Courses will be available to participants registering for the race.

Day 2, Stage 4 – The second day of competition continues with another 55 km mountain bike ride up the Cheakamus Canyon and includes some technical riding.

Day 2, Stage 5 – Stage 5 takes place in one section of Stage 4. It is a Score Orienteering challenge, sometimes called "Rogaining" after a hair regeneration treatment. Athletes will have an hour to hit as many checkpoints as they can – if you are more than an hour, you will be penalized. Different checkpoints will be worth different points based on their difficulty level, and total points will determine what time penalty, if any, is assessed to the participants.

Day 2, Stage 6 – The final stage is a 12 km trek on Whistler Mountain from the base at Creekside to the village across some steep and rugged terrain. Going down is harder than going up.

You can still register online at www.sea2summit.com until the end of day Friday, in person at the Loggers Sports Grounds in Squamish from 2 to 8 p.m. The race was sold out, but organizers opened up another dozen spots for teams and individuals on Wednesday.