FROG Races
...a.k.a. Backyard Challenges

Backyard Challenges (BYCs) are unique to Colorado FROG. They are small, challenging training races located in the Front Range of Colorado. BYCs are planned, directed, and hosted by FROG members. Typically they range from 6 to 18 hours, and include events you'll encounter in most 'official' races. They are designed to be accessible to new racers, providing an opportunity to experience adventure racing without breaking the bank, yet challenging to experienced racers who want to train and hone their skills.

Beginner Training Day - April 13, 2008 - Lakewood, CO

Where: Green Mountain, west parking lot off of South Rooney Rd

When: 9am

What: Three clinics 1) Intro To Adventure Racing - including gear, transitions, teamwork, etc. If you have an upcoming race bring that information. 2) Navigation - A short lecture on how to read a map and use a compass. Then put those skills to work in the field. 3) Mountain Biking - Sara will lead a mountain bike excursion to include tackling obstacles such as rock gardens and water bars.

Who: Everyone is welcome from beginner to experienced. Feel free to take part in any or all of the clinics. 

Gear List: Bike, helmet, and biking gear including tube, multi tool, pump etc.
Camelbak or water bottles
Food
Trekking shoes
Compass
Paper and pen
A UTM coordinate ruler (check out REI or ARGEAR)  I will bring a few extras
Camping chair or pad
Sunscreen

Contact: Email Sara Delano for additional information

Cost: No Cost

Backyard Challenge XVIII - April 28, 2007 - Monument, CO

FAWAP 3 - August 26, 2006 - Winter Park, CO

Backyard Challenge XVII - April 27, 2006 - Lakewood, CO

Backyard Challenge XVI - August 5, 2005 - Lakewood, CO

Backyard Challenge XV - June 18, 2005 - Lakewood, CO

Backyard Challenge XIV - May 8, 2005

Backyard Challenge XIII - March 19, 2005
Tom Urban brought us a truly wintery experience at 12,000+ feet on Loveland Pass. Without snowshoes, teams were crawling through the snow on some sections.
info | results | report | gallery

FAWAP 2 - "There's Gold in Them Thar Hills" - October 16, 2004
Michael Ciavatta put together a challenging 18-hour course that included a climb of 13,223' Mt. Audubon.
info | results | report | gallery

Backyard Challenge XII - "Full Moon Fracas" - September 28, 2004
Mountain biking and orienteering under a full moon, with a post-race party included!
info | results | report | gallery

Backyard Challenge XI - August 22, 2004
This short BYC was held near Sugarloaf Mountain west of Boulder. Designed for beginners, the course included a significant amount of off-trail trekking, along with mountain biking on a variety of terrain. Thanks to Michael Ciavatta for organizing the event, his first BYC.
info | results | report | gallery

Backyard Challenge X - June 20, 2004
A sprint race in Boulder! Mark Bockmann put this one together, and it had a little bit of everything: inline skating, trekking, rock climbing, mountain biking, a bike skills test, and whitewater tubing.
info | results | report | gallery

Backyard Challenge IX - March 6, 2004
Tom Urban brought us this short winter adventure in Georgetown, which included...HUMAN DOG SLEDDING!
info | results | report

Backyard Challenge VIII - May 31, 2003
This BYC took place at Chatfield Reservoir south of Denver. Course designer John Freudenberger included an amazing 100-ft tyrolean traverse.
info | results | report

FAWAP - May 17, 2003
What's a "FAWAP"? It stands for NO Fee, Aid, Wimps, Awards, or Permits. It's like a BYC, only different. This one was brought to us by Adam Feerst, and took place in Evergreen.
info | results | report

Backyard Challenge VII - April 19, 2003
Jeff Kunkle organized a fun, challenging course in Colorado Springs. The weather offered some surprises and dumped several inches of new snow on the racers shortly after they started the trekking section.
info | results | report

Backyard Challenge VI - June 16, 2002
David Weber put together a tough, trekking-intensive race northwest of Lyons.
info | results | report | gallery

Backyard Challenge V - April 28, 2002
A Backyard Challenge with lots of climbing! Steve and Cammie Muller designed this course to start in Boulder and finish miles away (and thousands of feet higher) in Nederland.
info | results | report