Meet Jared an (AR) Athlete from Eugene, Oregon.

Adventure racing (AR) has been described as an Easter egg hunt for adults. AR is traditionally a
team sport with events of 6, 12, 24, or 72+ hours in length. In most races, you and your mates
use a map and compass to search for checkpoints through the wilderness, up and down
mountains, at night, during the day, by foot, by bike, while paddling whitewater and maybe some
rope work if you’re lucky. AR is, without a doubt, exhilarating, challenging, and outside the
mainstream. Maybe it’s for you!

I started adventure racing in 2010 when I joined Team Halfway There (THWT) in Washington,
D.C. In 2012, THWT earned fourth in the nation according to the United States Adventure
Racing Association. In 2016, I moved to Oregon for a doctoral program and discovered that
Bend is a destination for AR in addition to delicious beverages, skiing, climbing, etc. Bend Racing 
runs several races a year for beginners and the more advanced. Bend Racing will hold an
Adventure Racing World Series race in 2019. Mark your calendar – it’s going to be epic.

On April 22, 2018, I competed in Bend Racing’s Spring Sting as a solo racer. For 6-hours, I
navigated by foot and bike through snow, mud, mountain streams, and into a dark cave to collect
the most amount of points in the shortest amount of time. I didn’t win the race, but I did clear all
the standard checkpoints as well as bagged some “pro” points (i.e., harder to find checkpoints).
At the finish line, I found myself in a hot tub with a beer – so, I guess I did win.

I proudly wore some Bunks + Brews swag throughout the race. Every time I come to Bend, I
stay at Bunks + Brews. As a student, the price is right. Plus, Bunks + Brews is a short distance
from downtown and offers a tasty DIY breakfast. But the best part of staying at Bunks + Brews
is the community, whether it’s fellow travelers or the Bunks + Brews Crew themselves. Maybe
I’ll see you at the magical, mystical Lucas House soon!

Keep on keeping on.
Jared