The most widely anticipated expedition race of the year is nearly upon us and the excitement is mount- ing. Competitors have spent months preparing mind and body for the test that lies ahead. They will soon be sublected to all the brutal punishment that this race is intended to dish out. But don't cry for them ... Argentina will host this year's Discovery Channel
Eco-Challenge Race™. On December 1, 1999, over 216 com- petitors, representing 34 nations, will begin a grueling 300- mile journey across the Barlloche region of Patagonia. The area Is world renowned for its towering granite spires, snow- capped volcanoes and thundering cascades that plunge thou- sands of feet to the valley floor below. The course promises to be as brutal and unforgiving
as It Is stunning. As the athletes travel deeper into this rugged windswept land of rock, Ice and snow, they will navigate mountain slopes and glaciers, rappel cliff faces, ride horse- and kayak across vast mountain lakes. Sound tempting? Of course It does. Who could resist
the thought of tramping around through all that primeval
