The following announcement is from ATRA Single-track Corporate member EX2 Adventures. Since the year 2000, EX2 Adventures has produced quality outdoor adventure experiences for the greater Washington DC metropolitan community.
Hello from EX2 Adventures!
Even though we just wrapped up our 2015 season, it’s hard to contain my excitement for the 2016 EX2 race line up. In the New Year, we have 18 action-packed races planned including 5 brand new races, new venues, and the return of cross country mountain bike racing. It’s going to be an amazing year!
The 2016 EX2 Race Calendar is now online. The 2016 website will go live within the next two weeks and registration will open soon after that. Stay tuned.
Race highlights for 2016:
Backyard Burn (KEEPERS) – Well into their second decade in existence, the 5 and 10 mile Spring and Fall Backyard Burns are staples in the diets of thousands of local trail runners. New venue, Pohick Bay will join the BYB favorites in 2016 – Lake Fairfax, Laurel Hill, Fountainhead, Riverbend, and Hemlock. Both series have been shortened to four races each and some venues will be ran only once in 2016. These races often fill up well before race day. So, sign up early to claim your spot for these uber-popular events!
Pohick Bay (NEW VENUE) – Situated on Gunston Cove and adjacent to Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge and Gunston Hall, home of Founding Father George Mason, Pohick Bay is steeped in beauty and history. The trails are excellent, the water views are amazing, and bald eagle sightings are common. Don’t miss this fantastic new addition to the SBYB.
EX2 Rendezvous Run and Ride (NEW RACE) – In both Spring and Fall, the EX2 Rendezvous will bring together trail runners and mountain bikers for a full day of adventure sports mayhem. We will start the day with a half marathon and 10K followed by a cross country mountain bike race in the afternoon. Race in either or both – you choose.
Reservoir Relay (NEW RACE) – The Reservoir Relay will include 18 miles of trail running awesomeness in Western Fairfax County. The race traverses the Occoquan Reservoir and will be divided into three linear segments measuring 5-7 miles each. Race solo or leap frog the three segments on a 2 or 3 person relay team where the active runner and the ‘on deck’ runner will swap car keys for timing chip. For two person teams, one team member will complete any two segments of the race.
Fountainhead Off-Road Half Marathon/10K (KEEPER) – First arriving on the EX2 calendar in 2013, this fun, beautiful, and very challenging course is a trail runners’ dream and was an instant sold out hit!
Blue Crab Bolt (KEEPERS) – The summertime fun will kick-off in Maryland with these Saturday morning 5K and 10K trail runs. Race in one or all three. For our DC and VA trail runners, these are some of the best trail systems in the DMV and are closer than most think. If you have not raced in these before, give it a try – you will not be disappointed.
XTERRA EX2 (KEEPER) – Escape the summer city heat and head to the mountains for the 13th Annual XTERRA EX2 Off-Road Triathlon and Duathlon. Consistently voted by racers as one of the top 5 XTERRA races in the country, XTERRA EX2 is one event you can race year in and year out. Join us at beautiful Rocky Gap State Park for one incredible weekend of action!
Hemlock Half (NEW RACE) – If you like the Hemlock BYB then you are going to love the Hemlock Half Marathon/10K. Experience Hemlock in a new light as you negotiate beautiful streamside single-track, challenge yourself on demanding hill climbs, and discover seldom used trails. Prediction – this will be a big time keeper!
Fountainhead Trail Tri (NEW RACE) – Paddle, mountain bike, trail run – elite or sport class – solo or relay team. Elite will mountain bike the entire 14 mile Fountainhead MTB Trail System, including the BLACK LOOP. Sport will be challenged with 10 miles on the Green and Blue loops only. Kayak the amazing waters of the Occoquan Reservoir and run the rugged Blue and White trails at Fountainhead. This will be an epic day!
As you can see from the highlights above, we have big plans for 2016, our 17th year producing excellent experiences! We are very excited and hope you will join us for the adventure, challenge, and fun!
Enjoy the Holiday season.
Jim Harman
Race Director
EX2 Adventures
