[November 14th 2008] Some improvements explained for the 2008 edition

Okay, we've told you already that with this fourth edition, we wanted to put down a stable edition, based on the (very successful) 2007 one, without big changes or innovations. However, we have read your feedback, and we tweaked some issues for the better. Besides that, our organisation is divided in pilers that have to thrive for perfection within their branche, so they have come up with solutions and novelties too. If you put all of this together, you will notice we take another step ahead in the good direction. We've set a goal for ourselves, to make our race the textbook example for all off-snow (or even snow) races and if we can believe the feedback and ever growing startlist, we may assume that "direction" is a good one!

So, what can you expect?

• a bigger tent. Bigger, meaning twice as wide and a bit shorter. This should give you the feeling of a more roomy, but cosy square tent. We will provide adequate heating this time. The tent will be positioned in a more central area, close to the water point and toilets, allowing mushers from the more remote stake-outs to enjoy the nice ambiance!
• a simpler mushermeal. For many, our attempts were well meant but our culinary desire to serve "better-than-normal" food resulted sometimes in cold food or long waiting lines. Our new approach should give you cheaper (almost half the price), faster and enough quality food that meets the standards of a fine Belgian housemeal.
• more trails. The huge efforts prior the '07 race, are continuing to pay off. The trail system is hardened and copes better with the rain. We've requested to keep off the trails (plowing etc) until after the race, and so far they've listened to our demand. We've added a nice extra leg to our famous tour trail, allowing distances from 17km up to 28km, almost chooseable with 3km increments. The sprint trails will be clearly marked, and maps will be available. More trailposts will check if you're still on the right trail!
• reviewed stake out & start-finish zone. With the tent gone, we will combine the start & finish track on the same spot. Teams will thus finish closer to the stake-out, and will have more space to start with a wide curve. Tour trails will now also finish at the same site. Real time results from transponder time registration will be shown in the tent.
• improved ambiance and catering. Our tent will be better equiped, with heating, a professional sound system, adequate lights and a fully leveled floor. Our catering team will provide hot soup, hamburgers, freshly baked pancakes, famous Belgian beers etc etc. You don't want to miss that!
• child friendly. At our new "Puppy Corner", your children (under your supervision) can enjoy various activities, grime, a evening walk, bedtime stories and will be able to meet a very old man that comes from a very warm country, with a special surprise!
• faster administration. Exclusive online signup and preordering of additional mushermeals allows for faster starting lists and on site administration. Once you arrive, as of 20h, you can get your starting bib faster.

Come and see it for yourself! We will once again invite numerous amateur photographers, who will provide thousands of pictures for free (unique in our community!). Our time registration is state-of-the art. Our trails are amongst the best around. Our stake-out is of absolutely perfect quality (flat and dry). Don't miss this one!

The Pampa crew

[November 03rd 2008] Pampa training weekend 08 is over!

Yep, it was great again! 70 teams attended and had a good time ;) Check out some pics here: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/568430987gcWbdi

[October 19th 2008] Some more info about the '08 events

Hello dear guests,

These are some more novelties you can expect (after decisions on our board meeting past saturday evening):

training camp:
- smaller but cosier tent
- fixed price 10€ per starting bib (we expect everybody to only use his personal bib, we will do checks!)
- same comfort level as the race (toilets, bar, ...)
- guest speaker on Sunday morning (Sam & Dries, Iditarod 08 finishers)

race:
- no guest speaker, but guaranteed "ambiance" in the tent
- much cheaper musherdiner: 8€ per adult & 4€ per child
- same trail quality
- bigger tent with a better floor
- improved sound & lighting
- cart control coupled to automated timing
- experienced vet on site (during race hours)
- kids corner
- surprise guest

Check back very soon for more updates!

[October 03rd 2008] Pampa training weekend & race are taking shape

Well, you've waited for the news and it here it comes.

From Friday Oct 31st until Sunday November 2nd, you can enjoy our famous training camp. For those who never came: basically you'll get to train on one of the nicest and desolate off-snow trails and have fun on a superb stake-out. A laid back atmosphere is guaranteed, and there will be some nice seminars to attend - if you want to.

What's up for the race (6-7 December)? 2008 will be somewhat of a "classic" edition. Basically, we'll provide you with all the comfort and novelties we've introduced during the first three editions, with improvements here and there. Participants filled out a feedback form and we DID listen to your comments. Things to expect are:

- cheaper and less complicated musher meal
- same price for the race, but higher price for the training camp (10€ for the weekend)
- better time registration
- even better trail due to an experienced & autonomous trail preparation team
- experienced vet
- enthousiast bar team with more choice and cosy atmosphere in the big tent
- some "on the side" animation but no heavy presentations. Better sound & lightning
- a motivated welcoming team and revised stake-out layout

Oh by the way, our poster is almost finished - I'm curious wether you'll know who's on it (it's obviously a 07 participant).

You do not need to sign up for the training camp. We'll welcome you after 17hr on Friday. Just pay for each musher and you'll receive your number.

Sign up for the 08 event will start shortly after the training camp. Only online sign up will be allowed, and the meal(s) will have to be paid in front (bank).

See you there!

Tim

[November 05th 2007] Sign up now!

You know the way! Check out the sign up form in your own language and make all reservations right away. You can book your musher meals as well. Don't miss this event, probably one of Europe's biggest off-snow sprint&tour gathering! Your last checkpoint before the snow season! Are you ready? Go!

... and get a sneak preview of the startlist here!

[October 23rd 2007] Ask your questions to Dr Grandjean!

Submit all your questions to Dr Grandjean beforehand by using our feedback form!

[October 03rd 2007] Speaker Topic for the Training Camp is known!

On Friday, November 2nd, a vet from our sponsor, Royal Canin, will give a bi-language lecture on recognising symptoms in dog health problems. And of course, the vet will give tips on what to do when those symptoms occur.

More details on the exact hour and modalitities will be published as soon as possible!