There are two elements that can turn a good race into a great race...a good crowd and nice weather - we had both for the inaugural Buff Betty Womens' Adventure Race on October 24 at Paint Creek State Park near Bainbridge, Ohio.

Over 20 teams showed up, many of them first-time racers attracted by the promise of the warm and supportive atmosphere promised by this single-gender event. Navigation and rappelling clinics on Saturday provided the skills for Sunday's race and allowed for some socializing at the picnic afterwards.

The race began Sunday morning under perfectly clear blue skies with an "on-the-water" start to the paddling leg. Teams crossed Paint Creek reservoir in search of two CPs set on islands in the lake and another on the beach. More than one fisherman was perplexed as boat after boat of women sped past their favorite "fishin' holes". The portage back up the hill to the central TA was very popular and as close as this race got to any "special mystery events" THE Buff Bettys were first off the paddle, followed closely by the Gear Sluts and Team PushMePullYou.

Once back, it was off on the mountain bikes for a ride on the park's singletrack trail system, and a search for several CPs placed along the trails. The previous day's rain made the autumn leaves a little slippery, but no one seemed to have too much trouble, and soon the SupaChargedChicks came speeding in, having gone from 8th to 1st.

A short rappel at Harmony Wall was followed by the final foot navigation element.

Teams set off on foot in search of 8 CPs. The control points could be approached in any order, and although the rules dictated that all teams must return by 16:00 or be penalized, most teams were back well before then having visited all possible controls points. The SupaChargedChicks were first back after the orienteering section, but due to a misunderstanding about "optional" CP 10, had to take off on their bikes again for a quick out and back - in the meantime, THE Buff Bettys came cruising in with all 19 possible CPs visited and ironically enough, won the race.