Adventure Idaho racers on sleepless mission through Panhandle

ADVENTURE RACING — Five teams started the Expedition Idaho adventure race from the Silver Springs Resort early Sunday morning on a seven day quest to be first to cover nearly 500 miles through some of the most testing and beautiful terrain in North Idaho.

The event will end Aug. 16 as the weary competitors cross the finish line at the Brewsfest at the top of Silver Mountain Resort.

They’ll have to travel by mountain bikes, kayaks and on foot, using only maps and compasses for navigation on trails, river and cross-country.

The race is organized by Perpetual Motion Events from Coeur d’Alene, headed by David Adlard of Athol.

Expedition racing was born in the early 1970’s when a group of friends in Alaska challenged each other to race to a point over 600 miles distant without using any mechanized transport or roadways. The sport has grown into what many describe as the ultimate team
endurance sport; with a global reach and popularity and a well-established World Series.

The World Championships are held in a different country every year, including Costa Rica this year.

The first Expedition Idaho, held in 2011, was won by the then World Champions, Team Thule, who are based in France. Competitors usually compete in co-ed teams of 4, but Expedition Idaho also is open to teams of two and three also (but not solo
competitors for safety and practicality reasons).

Teams complete in this year’s race will be trying to qualify for next years Expedition Alaska.