The Bass River Adventure Race is ready for year two! After last year’s success, Josh Connelly and Cross-Fit Allendale are doing it again! We’re excited to be sponsoring this adventurous event.

What Is Adventure Racing?

If you’re new to the concept, adventure racing is a multi-sport challenge that involves navigating to checkpoints using a map (no compass needed!). The Bass River Adventure Race has sections for hiking, biking, and paddling. It’s a perfect mix of the outdoors and strategic teamwork. And don’t worry—it’s not a hardcore triathlon. This race is beginner and family-friendly, with no swimming or complex orienteering required.

Who Should Join?

You! Whether you’re a casual biker, a weekend warrior, or someone just looking for a new outdoor challenge, this race is for all fitness levels. One of the best parts? Checkpoints are optional. That means you can go at your own pace—walk, hike, jog, or push it hard. Want to chase every checkpoint? Go for it. Prefer to just explore the course and soak it all in? That works too.

Last year even saw families with teens teaming up and having a blast. Teams can consist of two or three people, and unlike other races, you stick together the whole time. It’s a true team experience—you choose your own route and strategize how to approach the course.

What’s New This Year?

This year brings two race options:

• 4-Hour Course: All within Bass River Recreation Area—great for beginners or those looking to stay closer to home base.
• 6-Hour Course: Expands beyond Bass River to include the IDEMA Trail and other Ottawa County parks, offering more ground to cover and extra checkpoints (10–15 more than the 4-hour course).

Both routes feature roughly 5 miles of beginner-friendly mountain biking, winding through interconnected loops with manageable turns and minimal elevation—perfect if you’re new to the sport.

Why You Should Do It

It’s like a giant scavenger hunt in the woods, blending fun, fitness, and exploration. Whether you’re looking to switch up your normal routine, test your outdoor skills, or just spend a day in nature, this event offers something for everyone.

So grab a teammate who’s either ready to push the pace or just enjoy the ride, and get ready to create some memories. You never know—even Bigfoot might show up.

Stay Adventurous!

Mark Deering