Course Info
Overview—The 2013 edition of the 7 Hills 3 Rivers Adventure Race takes the best of previous courses and throws in a few new twists. You’ll find more, challenging single track bike trails, more swamp muck, steeper climbs and more off-the-beaten path checkpoints. As always, we’ll have some trying, sometimes ludicrous, mystery challenges so come with good humor and be prepared for anything. The course covers approximately 11 miles by bicycle, five miles on foot and four miles by boat.
Ft. Norton Knee Knocker (bicycle)—At five miles, it’s a mile shorter than last year’s version, but even more challenging. Out is the cross-river swim on the Oostanaula; in is a one-mile, twisting, bump and grind assault of new single-track bike trails around Jackson Hill. Throw in a few off-the-beaten-track checkpoints, and this year’s Knee Knocker will leave you weak in the knee.
www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=489032
Tiger Trail Hilltopper (bicycle with an on-foot detour through the Silver Creek Swamp and an ascent of Mt. Aventine)—We got such positive feedback last year about the Silver Creek Swamp, we decided to throw more muck into the madness for 2012. Look for an even swampier descent into the mire…hey, we’re just giving you what you asked for! The cycle portion will dish out an even nastier ascent of Walker Mountain…if you can stay on your bike for all of it, you’ve ascended to superhero status. The total route, including detours, measures almost seven miles.
www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=489017
Mt. Aventine Agony (your choice…ascend by foot or on your bike)—Another of the detours on the Tiger Trail Hilltopper portion of the race course, it is aptly named. Choose the bike or go on foot, either way, it is agony. From the banks of Silver Creek, you’ll ascend 160 feet in less than a quarter mile. www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=489019
Myrtle Hill Madness (foot)—President Woodrow Wilson’s wife and rock legend Jim Morrison’s grandparents are buried at Myrtle Hill. Though it’s only a half mile out and back, it will feel longer. Think of it as climbing the stairway to heaven, but make sure you come back alive.
www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=489020
Three Rivers Rumba (boat and by foot at Marshall Forest)—Pray for a dry September! If the river’s up, this 3.7 mile paddle can be the most difficult portion of the race. The route takes you on all three rivers, including a mile and a half downstream on the Coosa to Marshall Forest where undisclosed checkpoints await you.
http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=371561
Clocktower Cardiac (foot)—This 1.5-mile tour “Between the Rivers” takes you to Rome’s iconic landmark—the Clocktower—where all manner of challenging surprises await you.
*Each section of the race must be accomplished by the assigned mode of travel, with the exception of Mt. Aventine Agony which may be attempted either on foot or by bicycle.