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near the banks of a broad lake. The lake’s placid waters reflected the emerald glory of the trees lining its shores. Half a mile ahead they spotted a big A-frame building with a line of docks in front of it.
    â€œFire Lake Lodge, dead ahead,” Frank said.
    â€œBeat you there,” Joe replied, digging into his bike’s pedals. The younger Hardy shot ahead momentarily; then Frank recovered from his surprise and sprinted after him.
    Soon the two were racing neck and neck toward the lodge checkpoint, a long tentlike pavilion with a table across the front. A helicopter sat on a wide swath of lawn behind the tent, and several cameras were set up near the table.
    Vince Bennett stood next to the table, all smiles. He called to the brothers as they hit the brakes and skidded to a stop.
    â€œLooks like a tie to me,” Bennett said. “Whoa! Watch out.” He backed up as Michael Lupin braked in right beside the brothers.
    â€œNever count the old man out,” Lupin said, a slight grin cracking his bearded face.
    â€œGood to see you, Michael,” Bennett said. “You, too, Frank and Joe. Hey, Joe, I thought we lost you at the bottom of the mountain. Great comeback. Great footage, too. The race sponsors are gonna eat that up. It’ll look super on TV.”
    â€œI wasn’t thinking of TV when my brakes failed,” Joe said, a bit peeved.
    â€œOf course you weren’t,” Bennett said. “And I don’t mean to imply that you shouldn’t be more careful in the future. I don’t want anyone hurt in this race. But danger’s part of the game, isn’t it?”
    â€œDanger’s part of life,” Lupin interjected. “Check me through. I want to get some grub and take a shower.”
    â€œI’ll leave you to it, then,” Bennett said. “Don’t forget to check your kayaks and other equipment tonight.” He turned and walked toward the helicopter.
    The race officials quickly processed Lupin and the Hardys, giving them room assignments and tentative starting times. All three checked their bikes into the equipment rack, where their support crews would pick them up later. Then they headed for the lodge. As the three competitors walked, Frank said, “Nice sprint at the end there, Mr. Lupin. You nearly caught us.”
    Lupin almost smiled. “I’d have been here long ago if I hadn’t blown that tire on a sharp stick. You boys did pretty well, too—considering your early setback.”
    â€œWe’re in this for the long haul,” Joe said.
    â€œYeah,” Lupin replied. “Me, too. I don’t like quitters. I’d better check my hired crew. They should be okay, but . . . well, they’re not my regular trainer.” He turned left at the A-frame, heading for a smaller building marked Support.
    Joe and Frank entered the high-ceilinged lodge and quickly found their rooms. Jamal and Chet were hanging out, waiting for them.
    â€œGlad you both made it,” Jamal said.
    â€œWhen we saw the mountain footage, we had our doubts,” Chet added.
    â€œJust a little sabotage with my brakes,” Joe said. “Nothing to worry about.”
    â€œSabotage?” Jamal and Chet said simultaneously.
    â€œSomeone loosened the cable grips,” Frank said. “Though we can’t imagine why.”
    â€œTo make the race more exciting?” Chet suggested. “Joe looked great on TV.”
    â€œThat’s pretty extreme,” Jamal said. “I know the resort wants big publicity, but Joe could have been seriously hurt.”
    â€œAnd that kind of publicity they don’t need,” Joe said. “We’ll just have to double check all the equipment from now on.”
    â€œThere’s not much you can sabotage on a kayak,” Jamal said.
    â€œWe’ll still need to be careful,” Frank replied.
    â€œAre you guys hungry?” Chet asked.
    â€œFamished,” Joe said.