Subaru Urban Assault Race kicks off in LA

The first Subaru Urban Assault Race for 2006 will take place in Los Angeles, CA, on March 26. A cross between a bike race and scavenger hunt, the race involves riding to check points and taking part in various challenges. The race benefits local and national charities that promote an active, healthy lifestyle such as the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Now in its fourth year, there'll be seven races held in cities across the US - Los Angeles, CA (March 26), San Diego, CA (April 30), Dallas, TX (May 28), Ft. Collins (June 17), Austin, TX (June 25), Denver, CO (July 30), and Boulder, CO (August 27). According to organisers, the race has grown due to its popularity among first-time racers. "Although we created this event to be a cool change of pace from the same old road and mountain bike races, the Subaru Urban Assault Race has become huge, with 99% of the riders having never raced before", explains race director, Josh Kravetz. The race is run in pairs, with Co-ed, Male, Female, or "Family" categories racing 20-25 miles through 10 checkpoints, with the top team taking home a pair of fat-tyre cruisers.