---

Odyssey Endorphin Fix Third Stop for the Suzuki XL7 Adventures Ride-and-Drive Tour

Press Release / 09.04.2007

American Suzuki Motor Corporation, Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center present the Endorphin FIX “Toughest 2 Day Adventure Race in the U.S.”

Elite adventure athletes from the U.S., Canada, & South America will be treated to a heaping helping of WV hospitality as they gather for the 16th Edition of the Endorphin FIX Adventure Race, widely touted as the “Toughest 2 day race in the US”. Canaan Valley Resort will host the race activities including Event Headquarters with registration, ropes/climbing testing area, the Suzuki XL7 Adventures ride-and-drive tour and an assortment of family activities starting on Friday April 20th. Later that evening the Bear Paw Lodge will be the starting line, as teams take off under the cover of night with headlamps blazing. The route, traveling through several WV counties, will include mountain biking, trekking, navigating, whitewater paddling, and a return visit to Nelson Rocks Preserve Via Ferrata, counted among many racers’ favorite climbs.

Known for its life-enthusiast-based brand philosophy, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), visiting the Odyssey Adventure Race at Canaan Valley will offer attendees the chance to experience their own “Way of Life,” without having to be a racer. “This is an exciting way to further communicate our ‘Way of Life’ brand spirit, while also demonstrating to consumers first hand, the versatility of the XL7,” said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing and PR, ASMC. “Suzuki’s brand is designed for free-spirited and active lifestyles, and Canaan Valley is the perfect location to fully reflect our heritage as a company that builds exciting, fun-to-operate vehicles, from automobiles to motorcycles.”

Canaan Valley Resort is the ultimate vacation destination. Nestled amid more than 6,300 acres of state parkland -- on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest -- the inspiring West Virginia resort is surrounded by picturesque mountain terrain and breathtaking countryside. Smooth rolling hills, outstanding facilities, and temperatures 15 degrees cooler than surrounding areas make Canaan Valley Resort a favorite among families and conference groups. Enjoy several team-building activities, including skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking, climbing, hiking, and our world-class golf course while staying in the award winning lodge and cabins.

“Canaan Valley is the perfect area for these types of races, and the Resort is a first-class venue out of which to host our event,” said Ronny Angel, race director and President of Odyssey Adventure Racing. “The athletes will love the sweeping vistas and high alpine valleys; the Endorphin FIX promises to be a visual pleasure while giving racers an intensely physical run for their money.” “This season’s course will definitely live up to the EFIX ‘s reputation," says course designer, Joy Marr. “As in many OAR events, elevation gain and loss will play an integral part in how well racers survive, but it’s the 2 nights out that often makes or breaks a team. Consequently, the rewards of crossing the finish line after experiencing the Odyssey Endorphin FIX, is always a large and colorful feather in any adventure racer’s hat!"

The Suzuki XL7 Adventures ride-and-drive tour, which kicked off March 2 at Daytona Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Fla., will visit eight popular lifestyle-based destinations over the next three months, from motorcycle shows to extreme sporting events and competitions.

Suzuki XL7 Adventures Schedule
March 2 – 10 Daytona Bike Week Daytona Beach, Fla.

March 28 – April 1 Arizona Bike Week Scottsdale, Ariz.

April 20 – 21 Odyssey Endorphin Fix Canaan Valley, W.Va.

May 27 Ski to Sea Bellingham, Wash.

Note: Four additional Suzuki XL7 Adventure tour stops will be added in the coming months.