Stony Creek Adventure Challenge

New for 2025, shorter challenges! 

• In response to popular demand, we have replaced the 4-hour challenge with a 1-hour challenge, in addition to the popular 2-hour challenge!  The 1-hour challenge will be even better suited for our youngest students!  We may bring back the 4-hour event at Pontiac Lake, if there is a demand, but the request for shorter events was clear in the feedback. If you’re interested in a 4-hour Challenge, reach out to Mark Ware at [email protected].
• Shorter events allow us to complete them in a Half-Day!  The event will be done before 1:00 pm!  We know that we all have busy lives, and this allows you to go on to the next Summer event!

What is the Adventure Challenge?  

Adventure Challenges are based on Adventure Racing, but “ultra short” (Adventure Races can go on for days!), and the competition is fun and light-hearted. Time and points count, but no podiums, medals, or prizes. Disciplines will include:

• Mountain Biking
• Trekking (walking / running)
• Land Navigation (using a map and compass to find control points). 

Adventure Challenges are timed events for teams of four, with a predetermined time cutoff. Our events typically have a 1-hour or a 2-hour cutoff.  The “challenge” is to find as many control points as possible within the time limit.  No navigating experience is required; all of the navigation is beginner level.

Participation is in teams of 4 only, made up of students, students with coaches, and coaches.  

Coaches:  We invite you to register in all-coach teams, as well as on teams with students.  Many students want to race against you, as well as with you!

Part of the “adventure” is that, prior to the day of the event, you will know little more than where and when to meet for the pre-race meeting, and the duration of the event.  No markers, flags, or signs will direct you where to go during the race. You will use race instructions, maps, and a compass to determine where to go, and punch your passport to show that you were there.  There WILL be one “Challenge Update” that will come out by email less than a week prior to the event with final instructions before the day of the event.

Registration for a TEAM event is different than registration for an individual event:
You may register several ways:

• With a complete 4-person challenge team (you have a full team),
• Request to be put on a team with a friend or two (you have a partial team), or  
• Request to be put on a team (you don’t have a team).

Students under 6th grade (for the upcoming school year) will be put on a team with one or more coaches.  We try to put coaches on challenge teams with students from the same MiSCA team.  

We have found that some students are hesitant to register for the event without a team.  We understand.  You don’t want to end up on the wrong team, or with strangers while your friends are on another team.  We are flexible, and will work with you to accommodate requests.  For those without identified teammates, we will assure that you will be put on an appropriate team for you!  

Have your intended teammates not yet registered?  Register today, anyway!  Teammates do not have to register or pay at the same time!  If you have a team or a partial team in mind, be sure to enter the names of those that you intend to be on your team when prompted in the registration process!  If you already have a team name, even better!  Include that, where prompted, also!

So don’t wait to register!  Register today, and we’ll coordinate your team later.

• Registration is required by noon on Monday before the event, but may fill up much sooner.
• In the last week before the event, watch your email!  Further information is coming!
• All team members must be in 6th grade or above (for the upcoming school year), or have a coach on the team.
  • Note: The age requirement is the SAME for 1-hour and 2-hour events – 6th grade or above or with a coach on the team. 

Event Schedule:

• 09:00 am: 2-hour challenge check-in, hand out event paperwork
• 09:30 am: 2-hour pre-challenge meeting
• 09:45 am: End of pre-challenge meeting, start of team strategy, 1-hour challenge check-in begins
• 10:00 am: Start of the 2-hour challenge
• 10:15 am: 1-hour pre-challenge meeting 
• 10:30 am: End of pre-challenge meeting, start of team strategy sessions
• 10:45 am: Start of the 1-hour challenge
• 11:45 am: Cutoff for 1-hour challenge; pizza available
• 12:00 pm: Cutoff for 2-hour challenge; pizza continues to be available
• 12:30 pm: Results announced for both challenges
• 01:00 pm: Event complete

Required Gear List: [GOOGLE DOCS]

Parents are encouraged to attend, but may participate in the events only if they are (Level 1 minimum) coaches (must register for the event as well).

The registration fee is $20 per student, or $10 per coach, which includes lunch.

Anything else to do?

Enjoy everything the park has to offer before you head out for the day!

• swim at the beach or soak in some rays
• organize some bike games
• enjoy the singletrack trails and other park offerings
• socialize with those from other teams