Black Dome’s Asheville Outdoors Guide

Team Black Dome / Sport Factory takes 2nd at brutal CP0.

The weather was the story of the weekend at the 2008 CheckpointZero 30-Hour Adventure Race. sub-freezing temps, high winds and snow made mincemeat out of a highly competitive field. Several of the top ranked teams never saw the finish as the conditions forced withdrawal after withdrawal.

“The paddle was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.” said The Dome’s Dwight Shuler…”Definitely on my list of shit I don’t ever want to do again.” said Team Black Dome 2’s Jay Curwen.

Both Black Dome teams saw each other off and on all weekend with each fighting for a place at the front of the 77 team field… Eventually, some mistakes and miss-fortunes conspired to knock the team of Curwen, Chris Brown and Michelle Hobson out of a possible podium spot. But, they were able to link up with the team of Shuler, Paul Humphries and Erinna Wever to give what support they could in an effort to place one of the teams as highly as possible.

Stregth and determination took the day as Black Dome / Sport Factory (Shuler/Wever/Humphries) overtook all but the out-of-this-world Team EMS (1st) to take 2nd overall…The other Black Dome team was still able to crack the top 10 with a 7th place showing.

Check www.checpointzero.com for full results.

…and www.trailblazerar.com for stories…

Black Dome is proud to partner with Roswell based coaching service, The Sport Factory as well as manufacturers like Inov8 Footwear, Patagonia clothing, Native Sunglasses and Princeton Tec lighting systems, to present the 2008 Black Dome / Sport Factory elite AR squad.

Made up of some of the south’s top adventure athletes, Team Black Dome/Sport Factory hopes to not only be a factor at regional races, but to cap the 2008 season with a powerful showing at the USARA National Championships, held in Blue Ridge, GA.

Meet the team:

Jay Curwen – Former navigator for Team Litespeed, Jay comes from a professional triathlon background and has competed for the United States at several world championships. Jay was the navigator for Team Litespeed during their 2002 USARA National Championship win. The Hawaiian Ironman, Mild Seven Outdoor Quest and Beast of the East are just a few of Jay’s past events.

Jay’s blog.

Chris Brown – One of the best navigators in the sport, Chris has raced with Team CheckpointZero and Racemetrics…always at or near the top of the podium. Chris began his career as an elite level mountain biker. His AR resume includes top finishes at all southeastern races as well as a finish at Eco-Challenge Borneo.

Michelle Hobson – Michelle comes to Black Dome as a hired gun…she regularly races for CheckpointZero…but, when allowed out for fun, she hooks up with her old teammate, Chris Brown. Michelle is one of the strongest women in the south and is obviously a sought after addition to any team.

Dwight Shuler – A stellar athlete, Dwight brings enthusiasm, strength and raw determination to Team Black Dome…Dwight saw 2007 as one of his best seasons yet with strong showings at Xterra events, trail & road races and adventure races alike…

Erinna Hegarty – “Rinna” comes from an endurance mountain biking background and has won multiple 24 hour titles…She has also competed at an extremely high level in the AR world with Team Bear North. Most recently, Rinna scored a top 5 podium spot at the 40 mile Mount Mitchell Challenge.

Her Biowheels profile

Monica Curwen – With elite level skills and a background in competitive cycling, running, triathlon and adventure racing. Monica is a welcome addition to any team. She was a staple of the team prior to 2008. And as Jay & her new baby (Gibson) becomes less dependent…she will step back into a lead roll…