Monday, March 28, 2011

We Did It! We completed The Great Urban Race


Finnegan's River


We had a great time participating in the Great Urban Race.  We met at  Finnegan's River, a restaurant/bar with a huge outdoor area near downtown Miami.  You can go there by boat or by car because it is on the Miami River.  We met around 11:30am to register and pick up our team number, t-shirts and get ready for the race.  At noon, teams gathered around the stage to listen to instructions and receive the clues in a sealed envelope.  We spent about 45 minutes to 1 hour figuring out the answers to the clues and planning our route. 



Since we were not permitted to use anything but public transportation, our route was limited.  We opted for using the Metromover, and thought it was best to go as far out as we needed and then work our way back.  I think I've ridden on the Metromover a handful of times since they built it.  I don't have a need to visit downtown often and when I do I go by car.  We are used to going everywhere by car.  I must admit, I thought the Metromover was convenient, fast and safe.  As a bonus you are able to see gorgeous vistas of Miami along the way.   

View from Finnegan's River

The clues led us to some interesting destinations in the city. 

We visited Brickell Park, Creative Food Company, Schlitz Park, Gusman Theater, Miami Skin Boutique and Spa, Democratic Republic of Beer, Miami Cafe, The main Library, The Scoot, Skate and Bike Company, and Bayfront Park.  We had to do a few physical challenges (not strenuous by any means) and we had to solve additional puzzles at many of the stops.  We finished the entire race by 3:30pm.
The only suggestion I have is to hold the race earlier in the year when the temperature is not so hot in Miami. The heat was a little bothersome.
We had a great time and saw many parts of the city we wouldn't normally see.  This was a wonderful experience and I recommend it highly.  The Great Urban Race takes place throughout the country in many cities.  Participate if you can, you won't regret it!


Future Race Dates throughout the U.S.
4.9.2011 - Houston, 4.9.2011 - Atlanta, 4.16.2011 - Los Angeles,  4.23.2011 - Nashville,  4.30.2011 - San Jose, 5.7.2011 -Boston, 5.14.2011 - Washington DC, 5.21.2011 - Memphis, 6.4.2011 - Virginia Beach, 6.4.2011 - Indianapolis, 6.11.2011 - Portland, 6.11.2011 - Brooklyn, 6.18.2011 - Toronto, 6.25.2011 - Madison, 6.25.2011 - Orange County, 7.9.2011 - San Francisco, 7.9.2011 - Pittsburgh, 7.16.2011 - St. Louis, 7.16.2011 - Vancouver, 7.23.2011 - London, 7.23.2011 - Chicago, 7.30.2011 - Minneapolis, 7.30.2011 - Kansas City, 8.13.2011 - Columbus, 8.13.2011 - Salt Lake City, 8.20.2011 - Seattle,
8.20.2011 - Manhattan, 8.27.2011 - Denver, 9.10.2011 - Charlotte, 9.24.2011 - Philadelphia, 10.8.2011 - Orlando, 10.15.2011 - Dallas, 10.22.2011 - San Antonio, 10.29.2011 - San Diego, 11.12.2011 - New Orleans Championship



Don't forget to leave your comments below!

Downtown Miami and American Airlines Arena