I’m sure there will be race
reviews following but for a different point of view, I’d like to review it from a
volunteer’s view-point. The race started out with a 2.7 mile run to the kayak leg.
From what I heard, the wind was howling and it made this leg very difficult. After the
kayak leg, another 2.7 mile run back to the transition area to begin the trekking leg.
Upon completion of the trekking leg, the mountain bike leg began and took you in a loop
back to the race finish at the transition area.
During the race, the temperature rose to 105 degrees. I was a volunteer
and was stationed at Trekking Checkpoint (TCP) #8 and also Mt. Bike Checkpoint (MBCP) #4
(about 50 meters apart). At MBCP #4, there was a special test (Team Challenge). Of the 34
teams that began, only 21 or 22 teams came through #8. The first team came through about
six hours after the 7:15 a.m. start and the last team through was about 4 or 5 hours
behind. Some of the later teams were really hurting on water. I was surprised at the lack
of preparedness on the part of some teams. They were carrying very little water. Several
of them had the small camelbaks instead of the 70-100 oz. capacity bladders. Also, 3 or 4
teams came through and none of them were wearing hats. I realize water adds weight to your
load, but without water, proper hydration, and protection from the sun, you will not
complete a long adventure rae, particularly one where the temperatures rise into the 90s
and 100s. So a little advice, don’t skimp on water and wear some type of head
protection.
Only 11 teams made it to MBCP #4 and at least two of these teams had
already had team members drop out by the time they got here. It was really interesting to
observe the team dynamics at this point. Just prior to reaching MBCP #4, the racers had to
negotiate a very steep and long ascent up the bluff overlooking the creek. This meant
putting your bike at high port, dragging it, pulling it, pushing it, cussing it, and
getting it up this hill/cliff. It was not an easy task and by the time most racers got to
the top, they were exhausted. Some just collapsed at the top and waited for their
teammates, others went back down to help their teammates. I heard many different comments
at the top of the bluff. It was interesting to note the teams that were still teams and
those that had deteriorated to the point of just being 3 individuals trying to finish a
race together.
I mean to take nothing away from the 11 teams that got this far. They
did do a lot of things right to get as far as they did and to complete the race, however,
they could have made it a lot easier on themselves had they been able to continue to
function as a team. After all team members got to the top, they were hit with a special
task. Most of the teams tackled the special event and completed it. Two or three said
"to heck with it, give us the penalty" and left, headed for the finish line.
These were the teams that had deteriorated to individuals.
This is a tough sport. The fact that so few teams made it through to
the finish in no way takes away from the quality of the race. What it points out is that
in order to compete successfully in this sport, you must be prepared.
If you are not actually participating in a race, think about volunteering as an
individual or as a team to help support the race. The race directors will appreciate it.
Also, it will help give you a better perspective of the sport and I know at least for me,
it made me see how a good team functions and how not to
function. I learned a lot just observing. So the
next time a race is set and you can’t race, volunteer. It will help you become a
better racer.
Finally hats off to Jim, Leiza, and Corey. Really good race. The race
was tough, as it should be, and Mother Nature was thoughtful enough to make it a little
bit tougher. I really appreciated the opportunity to volunteer and I thank you for
allowing me to be a part of the race. Good luck in the future.
