The third race of the 2000 Series, held Saturday an hour outside of Atlanta at Ft. Yargo State Park, started off brutal and stayed brutal throughout thanks to the hard work of organizers, staff and volunteers.

The 290 three-person teams began the race with the never-before-seen Monkey on Your Back special test, in which teams were given a "pet rock," in the form of a red brick, and required to carry it for the duration of the run. Team Tequila Sunrise II may have had a few too many as its "pet" landed — never to be recovered — at the bottom of the lake after a stumble on the bridge. The team was able to continue despite having failed the special test.

"Praise the Lord for C02 pumps," was the grateful retort of many participants, and those with the tiny hand-held models regretted the choice. Faulty re-installations deafened and dismayed several teams, and caused a good many spectators to shake their heads in sympathy when the occasional explosions resonated through the park.

The Monkey Bars presented a clear and present danger, approximately six, 2.5-inch bars, mounted on a wooden frame, seven feet above the ground, had to be crossed by each team member, unassisted. This special test proved not only difficult, but also confusing for many teams. Even though climbing on top of the "structure" was off limits, some teams didn't realize this did not apply to the bars themselves. Ultimately, the teams physical skills were not tested on the Monkey Bars, but each individual's patience and willingness to work as a team.

Race Promoter Michael Epstein brought back the Blindfolded Trolleys special test, which had not been seen at a Hi-Tec race for three years. Picture a pair of railroad ties with three rope loops on each tie, serving as footholds. Another rope is then placed on each end of the railroad tie for hand-held support. Team members were required to place their feet in the footholds and "ski" across the dirt for 10 yards, turn around and go back. Oh, and another catch — two members were blindfolded. Teams accomplished the test by having the "seeing" member shout out when to lift the left or right leg. The tenacity of these teams was amazing as they lumbered along in the spirit of the gait of Herman Munster.

At 12 feet tall, The Wall special test appeared to be the greatest source of frustration to both the the short and the upper body slackers. Some teams spent 10 minutes attempting the wall. However, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, teams were able help other competitors over the wall.

Team Balance Bar, coming into the series with a perfect record, was plagued by errors, which ultimately cost it the win. Trouble with the special tests and Sylvia Corbett's freakish accident, in which she was knocked off her bike by a tree branch, brought Team Balance Bar's undefeated season to an end. However, despite the difficulties, the team finished in 2nd place, proving Team Balance Bar is still a team to be reckoned with.

Team Exide Batteries, formerly Team Nature's Garden, rallied to take the title. Member Cassy Byrne, "the human sponge," who after a 6th place Miami finish soaked up six bags of IV fluids, finished strong and satisfied, along with teammates Butch Ulrich and Steve Kramer. This was Kramer's first race with the team and he now plans to remain a member for the duration of the series.

Team Hi-Tec took 3rd and, after three races, has maintained its 2nd place national point standing. Hi-tec member Karen Lundgren, considered to be one of the world's top-female adventure racers, had nothing but accolades for the course and her teammates David Kelly and Will Burkhart.

Female division champions, Team Heineken, also had a great race. Members Jodi Zwicky-Porter, Darcie Willingmyre, and Dominique Ulrich, wife of Team Exide Batteries' Butch Ulrich, say their ability to communicate and focus propelled them to this victory. Corporate honors went to Team Mex-Eco, formed by Georgians Victor and Tony Serrrano, and Mexican native, Guillermo Romero. The local corporate winners, The Butt Crack Babies, arrived a minute-and-a-half behind and had to be burped by the EMTs on duty.

Massachusetts-based Team Shugendo claimed 1st place honors in the Male Division despite a troublesome under-inflated kayak. Mark Ceppetelli, Steve Moscoffian, and Len McAleer have logged a number of races together, and the team's cohesiveness was evident today as it posted the 6th-best time of all the teams entered.

Georgia-based Team Nads showed they still have some as they captured the Masters Division with a two-minute lead over 2nd place Team Van Michael. Team Fados, a group of transplanted Brits recorded the fastest time by a local team. Paul Drury, Samantha Allen, and Brett Nixon raced for Fados, an Atlanta-area Irish pub.

Hi-Tec again produced an incredible race for teams and onlookers alike. The special tests brought the brainteasers Hi-Tec is known for being able to surmount and the course tested all teams true athleticism in adventure racing. With the next Hi-Tec race not until July 16, fans and teams will have to wait to find out whether Team Balance Bar is able to re-group and reignite its dominance, if Team Exide Batteries will hold the podium, or if there will be a new team to beat.

— MountainZone.com Correspondent