If you're looking to find an urban adventure whilst pedaling on your bicycle, Milwaukeean Adam Baus has an event for you.
The Amazing Milwaukee Race on Bikes, to be held August 11th, takes teams of two on a course through unique city spots, while testing their speed, stamina and smarts.
Modeled after television's "The Amazing Race," the competition require racers to complete physical challenges, brain-teasers and clues.
Race director Baus has designed and directed several foot-based versions of race, and this upcoming event is his second race on bikes.
He says he designs the courses to help participants get to know the city of Milwaukee and its neighborhoods better, especially those places that are inaccessible by car or bus.
“It opens up the whole city to us because we can basically take you to really remote locations or really niche places," Baus says. "It just opens up everything to us.”
For those who are interested, here are some general facts:
- There are two routes this year: 30 miles and 15 miles. They are shorter than last year’s 40- and 20-mile routes.
- Participants need to be in teams of at least two. And yes, tandem bikes are allowed.
- There is no cap for the number of participants.
- The clues are in sequential order. In the foot race, the clues are scattered about, but by having them in sequential order, the route is easier and safer for the participants.
- Each participant will get a lanyard with a punch card to prove they reached the required destinations.
- It is easy to get lost, so the participants are strongly encouraged to stay on the suggested bike paths and to check in with the volunteers at checkpoints.
