Heat Wave #4 of the Desert Dash Adventure Racing Series started with perfect conditions--78 degrees, beautiful blue skies, and a crystal blue lake. There was a kid's race prior to the official Heat Wave 4 race. The kids raced in what was possibly the first ever kids adventure race, with racers as young as 8 years old participating. The winner of the kid's race was Jeffrey Hobbs Jr. (10), Aaron Hansen (9), and and Chris Larusso (10.)

The main event of the day, Heat Wave #4 started promptly at 9:45 am with a 4.3 mile trail run down the beach, through swamps and knee deep mud. The course took the racers through a grove of desert willows, creosote bushes, prickly pair cacti, and included a maze of washes and three water crossings. The racers did a short, but enjoyable coastering section, bouldering over rocks along the shore-line, and ran the last two miles of winding single track though creosote and rabbit brush. They entered the transition area and performed two mystery challenges before they were allowed on their bikes. Noelle2k.com, OutThereAdventureus.com, and Buddies on the Run, were the three top teams coming out of the run.

Once out of the transition and on the bikes they again did two mystery challenges, "Over and Under" and "Bucket Brigade." The mountain bike started with a fast jeep trail section then quickly turned brutal with a 1000 ft. "hike-a-bike" up a Bighorn Sheep trail to some deserted railroad tunnels. About two miles through several tunnels, the teams were cut loose to find their way back to the transition area using dead reckoning as their method of getting back. The instructions were " find your way back to the transition area and use the fastest route you can think of." The "hike-a-bike" took its toll though, and several teams opted to call it a day at this point. The all-male and Clydesdale divisions took the biggest hit here with 40% of them not finishing the race. The female division, though, shined with 100% of the teams completing the course.

After the "hike-a-bike" the teams were told to get all their rafting equipment and run one mile to the water launching area. They were then instructed to construct their rafts from the inner tubes and supplies they carried with them. They had to paddle, row, or swim their raft around a one mile course in the water. The Navy team Buddies on the Run excelled during this section. Their Navy experience paid off as they passed 8 teams on the water and took the overall lead. Team Conquer Adventures was hot on their tail, though, and the Navy boys were caught and passed on "the pig roast" mystery challenge. Conquer Adventures was first onto the blackjack table where each teammate had to win a hand of 21. Conquer Adventures did well by winning all three hands on the first deal, then quickly moved on to the newest mystery challenge, "Ding-a-ling," built by Intersky (builders of skylights for homes and businesses.) The objective was to ring a bell located 11 ft. high at the top of the structure. Teams weren't allowed to touch the structure or throw anything at the bell. Some teams stacked a teammate on their shoulders while other teams used objects to reach the bell. Teams then made their way over to the "pyramid roll" and on to the finish line. Team Buddies on the Run / Navy quickly made up time and finished 1 minute behind a very experienced and seasoned Team Conquer Adventures.

This is Conquer Adventures first overall win, and second win in the mixed class. They are inching closer to the points leaders, but will have the disadvantage of missing one race. Danny Moy of Conquer Adventures will be racing in the Eco-Challenge this year. Team Fun & Fit stayed consistent with another top 5 finish, placing 3rd. They are a well-prepared, consistent and fit team. Team WTF / Nemesis placed 2nd, keeping them 4th in series points. Athlete's Foot of Las Vegas placed 4th , keeping them 2nd in points.

The biggest surprise was rookie team Buddies on The Run with their strong finish. Other pleasant surprises were team Just Add Water, and the top female team Kal Koolstuff Ass Kickers. For the first time we had some three person all female teams. They were SheBeast/Santa Cruz, and team Motherlode. Team ArtForms Tattoo moved into second place in the all male division with their second consecutive podium finish. Team Oxygen Debt stumbled when one teammate couldn't get off work and they had to race in the Open (2 person) division. That gives ArtForms Tattoo a light at the end of the tunnel to try and catch them in the points series. With the series final in May worth double points, it should make things interesting.

The next race on April 21st will be for the Nevada State Championship. For the next two championship races there will be weighted points system. Heat wave 5 will be 1 � times more points. For example, 1st place will be worth 150 points, 2nd 140, 3rd 130 etc. It is a one-race Nevada state title and residents from any state are eligible. The Western Regional series final will be May 12th and will be a weighted points race also--double the points and double the points increments. (1st 200 pts, 2nd 180 pts, 3rd 160 pts, etc.)

Congratulations to those teams who raced in March, and good luck to those who will race in the last two heat waves. See you at the races!

For more information on the six-race series call (702) 431-4858 or email race organizers at [email protected].