Team GearJunkie/YogaSlackers is toeing the starting line as we write for the 2012 Gold Rush Mother Lode, held today, August 8th, and nonstop through the 12th. The five-day event involves paddling, biking, trekking and navigation in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of central California. It’s a part of the Adventure Racing World Series, an international circuit, and is one of the toughest domestic endurance events of the year.

Watch for reports on our Team site. (Also, you can see a video made by the team here from last year’s event, where we took 2nd place.) Below, our racer Chelsey Magness penned a quick sign-off before heading into the wilds. Take a read, and wish our squad good luck! —Stephen Regenold

August 7, 2012. . . Chelsey here reporting from the start of the Gold Rush Motherlode Race. Jason and I are in a bit of a whirlwind, as we just came from the Outdoor Retailer show where we were busy drooling over all the new gear. The show, while super fun for us, is not the best tapering activity to do before a big race!

We all feel super excited, ready and dialed in for the race. This race especially has a homecoming feel for us. This year our squad is Jason Magness, Paul Cassedy, Daniel Staudigel and myself, Chelsey Magness. Signing off!

—Follow Team GearJunkie/YogaSlackers on the Gold Rush Mother Lode site throughout the week.