National Indoor Adventure Race
Everything for the Outdoors ... Under one Roof!
Rob / 11.03.2003
Last year’s first Outdoor’s Show was a victim of it’s own success and proved many people wrong. ‘Conventional wisdom’ said outdoor folk wouldn’t want to spend time in exhibition halls when they could be outside. The idea of a show where retailers, outdoor brands, and organisations like Tourist Boards and outdoor activity companies, were mixed up wasn’t going to work either. Well it did – in a big way! So many people turned up the aisles were packed and the doors had to be shut with huge queues outside, disappointing many. The overwhelming demand convinced the doubters and this year the show is two and half times as big, with many more exhibitors and incorporating ‘Climb 2003’ and ‘Canoe 2003’. The show offers something for everyone interested in outdoor activities from bird watching to adrenalin sports, with plenty of hands-on, have-a-go activities, lots of discounts and bargains, shiny new gear and celebrity speakers. And of course, at the heart of it all, going on virtually non-stop throughout the show, is the Indoor Adventure Race – the biggest attraction at the show.
There is plenty of interest for adventure racers, not least the chance to go on a shopping spree before the season really gets underway and to get some expert advice while trying a few activities out. If you are going along you can:
- Try the ‘Have-a-go’ Zone at climb 2003 and watch some of the climbing world’s ‘rock stars’
- Look in on Canoe 2003 for kit and training advice, listen to speakers in the ‘paddlesports workshop’ and see demos or try things out on the canoe pool.
- Go to the CTC area to test out some of the latest mountain bikes and see what’s new.
- Have a virtual thrill or two in the Adventure Sports area, where you can hang out in a paraglider while everyone watches you make a crash landing on the big screen.
- Go along to the Trail Magazine kit testing area where Gore-Tex have an interactive testing lab.
- Pick out a new tent for ACE Base in the tent city.
- Have a go on the indoor course in the Nike ACG Challenge and win some of their new kit.
