Maybe it's the allure of the British Virgin Islands in December. Or the challenge of a course designed by world champion adventure racer Ian Adamson. It could even be the $125,000 purse. Whatever the reason, Expedition BVI, the first adventure race ever held in the British Virgin Islands, is garnering a lot of interest. In the three weeks since the new race was first announced, Expedition BVI organizers have received phone calls and e-mails from more than 100 teams.

"We've received calls from across the United States, as well as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Finland and France," says race director Don Mann of Odyssey Adventure Racing. "There's even a team from India that wants to race."

Whether they're from India or Indiana, teams don't have to wait any longer to sign up for Expedition BVI. Registration for the race opened July 30th, but some spots are still available. That's because, unlike other races that demand racing resumes, Expedition BVI is strictly democratic.

"We've invited the top international teams, so we're keeping some spots open for them" says producer Russ Antonacci. "Otherwise, it's first come-first serve."

First-come, first-serve … and no long waiting period, either. Once a team has registered and paid the $500 deposit, organizers will guarantee its spot in the race within 48 hours. That means no waiting for weeks or months to find out if you're BVI-bound.

Expedition BVI is not only open to rookie racers, but is also open to athletes facing challenges beyond inexperience. The Challenged Athletes Foundation has been chosen as Expedition BVI's official charity. This non-profit organization provides physically challenged athletes with grants for training, competition and equipment needs, including everything from prosthetics to plane tickets. In seven years, the organization has raised almost two million dollars.

Expedition BVI is doing more than making a charitable donation to the Challenged Athletes Foundation. It's also encouraging challenged athletes to compete.

"Why should an athlete be excluded from adventure racing because of a birth defect or accident?" asks Mann. "A challenged athlete is still an athlete, and it's our job to include them in our sport. If those of us who organize these races don't set the direction of the sport, who will?" he asks.

Organizers are also going to make the race financially accessible, at least for a few challenged athletes.

"The first two teams to sign that include a physically-disabled racer get free registration," says Antonacci. "That includes ground transportation, accommodation at the Prospect Reef Resort in Tortola, equipment rental and Rail Riders Hydro-T quick dry shirts."

Dubbed "the fun adventure race," Expedition BVI comes at the tail end of a long adventure racing season. It's no surprise, then, that competitors are beginning to view the race as an unofficial season closer. What better way to wrap your AR year than with a race in the British Virgin Islands?

Expedition BVI begins December 8th, 2001 in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

For more information on Expedition BVI, log on to http://www.expeditionbvi.com