Saw this last night and thought it was worth posting. Looks like some great mtb rides! original post at http://www.adventurecycling.org/landing_mtbrides.cfm
The Top Ten
Mountain Bike Tours in North America
Here, in ascending order of epic-ness, are the ten best multi-day day mountain bike extravaganzas in North America. Sure, there are other great rides, but the ones below are both time-tested and well-defined — they have clear routes, maps, etc. If you have other ideas about what should be on this list, please send your ideas to mtb@adventurecycling.org. We're always on the lookout for more big rides.
C&O TOWPATH
Running for 184 miles from Georgetown to just shy of Pittsburgh, this is a mostly flat and smooth dirt path up the Potomac River Valley. Historically interesting and scenic, it’s the perfect dirt tour for beginners. There’s great camping all along the trail.
Adventure Cycling is offering a new, supported, week-long spin along the C&O that also incorporates the Allegheny Passage, an almost-completed, 150-mile, unpaved rail-trail that connects to the end of the C&O.
Bike Washington also has a C&O Canal Biking Guide.
KATY TRAIL
At 225 miles, this is America’s longest rail-trail. Mellow mountain biking through rural Missouri along the Missouri River. A host of B&B’s and wineries along the route mean you can ride the entire Katy with a bike and credit card, and sample lots of heartland vino along the way. Some good mountain bike trails spur off the Katy as well.
The official Katy Trail website.
KETTLE VALLEY RAILWAY
360 miles of rivers, lakes, and mountains in remote British Columbia, this is probably the most epic rail-trail on earth. Forest fires burned a series of spectacular wooden trestles in 2003, but they have since been replaced. Not technically challenging, but remote and long.
Dan Langford has a great website on cycling the railway.
COLORADO HUT SYSTEMS
There are a few options here for hut-to-hut rides. The San Juan Hut System has two routes—one links Telluride to Moab, the other Durango to Moab. The jeep-road riding is not overly technical, but it is remote and often at altitudes over 10,000 feet. The huts are about 35 miles apart and are fully stocked with bedding and food. Lots of high alpine singletrack can be found near many of the huts as well. The 10th Mountain Hut System features a series of huts in the mountains near Aspen and Leadville. Lots of routes are possible.
Here is the official San Juan Hut System site; here is the 10th Mountain Huts site. A new hut system — Colorado Backcountry Biker — is based out of Fruita
KOKOPELLI TRAIL
142 miles of rollicking singletrack and jeep roads that link Grand Junction to Moab. If you ride it, you can finish on the world-class Porcupine Rim Trail into Moab. Most of the trail is on BLM lands; their Kokopelli website is here. This is also a very helpful site for Kokopelli trip planning.
Read a Kokopelli Trail story from Adventure Cyclist magazine.
WHITE RIM TRAIL
100-mile jeep road that links backcountry campsites through Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah. The Kodachrome scenery and easy routefinding make this one popular, so reserve your campsites early. The riding isn’t overly technical, but there are some tough climbs. Car support is possible.
Read a White Rim Trail article from Adventure Cyclist magazine.
MAH DAAH HEY TRAIL
Built with mountain biking in mind, this super-scenic, 97-mile singletrack will forever change your perception of North Dakota. Lots of badlands and fast, fun, moderately technical sections. Possibly the best four- or five-day ride in the country.
IMBA has a great Mah Daah Hey page. Dakota Cyclery is the nearest bike shop.
COLORADO TRAIL
471 miles of drunkenly scenic, high-mountain singletrack, but it’s tough (and sometimes impossible) to ride with panniers or trailers. Wilderness Area sections require road reroutes.
See the Colorado Trail homepage.
ARIZONA TRAIL
Though most of this 790-mile trail is open to bikes (Wilderness Areas and the Grand Canyon excluded), it has many obscenely technical stretches that are best left to hikers. Still, it's a outstanding route and a monster challenge. Andrea Lankford has written a great guidebook to mountain biking the trail, which highlights the best routes for mountain biking. This site is another great resource for riding the trail. You can also read an Arizona Trail story from Adventure Cyclist magazine.
GREAT DIVIDE ROUTE
The big, bad granddaddy of epic mountain bike routes. 2,490 miles of primarily jeep roads (with a dash of pavement and singletrack), it criss-crosses the Continental Divide countless times. Set aside at least two months for this behemoth; most people take 70 days. Now, with a new 221-mile Canadian extension, it’s bigger and better then ever.
Learn more here.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Speed Training Workout
David Bishop gave us a great workout this morning. Luke Rothey was the training superstar of the day. I say that because he nearly lapped me on the circuit described below:
Warm up - 100 yard acceleration drills (start slow, speed up to 80% effort, back off) between acceleration drills we did butt kicks, high steps, and leg lifts with extensions
Circuite #1 - 400 at 1-mile pace, immediately followed (no break) by 800 at 5k pace, (no break), 1 mile at marathon pace, then 800 at 5k pace, finishing with 400 at 1-mile pace.
Circut #2 - Repeat Circuit #1
The training going forward will be Monday strength, flexibility or plyometrics and Thursday cardio of some kind. We will rotate who will be in charge of both weekly activities on a weekly basis.
AWESOME!!
Warm up - 100 yard acceleration drills (start slow, speed up to 80% effort, back off) between acceleration drills we did butt kicks, high steps, and leg lifts with extensions
Circuite #1 - 400 at 1-mile pace, immediately followed (no break) by 800 at 5k pace, (no break), 1 mile at marathon pace, then 800 at 5k pace, finishing with 400 at 1-mile pace.
Circut #2 - Repeat Circuit #1
The training going forward will be Monday strength, flexibility or plyometrics and Thursday cardio of some kind. We will rotate who will be in charge of both weekly activities on a weekly basis.
AWESOME!!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
No Pain No Gain on the Podium (again)
The race began with a mad dash for the kayaks. It was only 20 or 30 yards from the starting line, but it was absolute chaos!. Of course, we had our strategy and it was executed perfectly with only a few significant exceptions. As the crowd of racers left the starting line our team was scattered and I got lost in the crowd. I stood at the top of the boat ramp in a bewildered stupor wondering how I lost my team mates and where was the kayak I needed to carry down to the water. When I finally came to my senses, I couldn't help but notice some guy standing waste deep in the river. It only took me a second longer to realize that it was my own team mate. Craig had apparently noticed I was missing and decided to carry the back end of two boats down to the water. My entire team was down at the waters edge with two kayaks, one missing team mate and Jason had accidently left the boat ramp with the kayak Craig needed to ride in. I quickly scrambled down the boat ramp picked up the back end of the kayak Luke was now sitting on and shoved it into the water. I jumped into my position in the back of the boat and can only wonder how Craig was able to board the raft he waded into the water to board. In the midst of the chaos I also dropped my paddle in the river and, it appeared to be sinking fast. My arm dove beyond the elbow deep in the river to retrieve it and the race was on.
No doubt Craig was freezing cold from his river experience and it didn't help matters that the air temperature was a balmy 35 degrees. We were all cold, but none as much as Craig. Still we paddled on down the river. Luke and I were very encouraged by our paddling skills, which appeared to be several hundred times better than the miserable paddling experience from the 2009 race. For the first several miles we were in 3rd or 4th place and within about 1 minute of the leaders. We did very well, despite the fact that our kayaks were missing back supports (one of the challenges of using a race mandatory vehicle and not one of your own choosing). Still we exited the water just a few minutes behind the head of the pack.
After a very rapid transition from kayak to bikes, Team No Pain No Gain was headed off for a long ride up Long Canyon and down to Gemini Bridges. As we dismounted our bikes at the repel transition we heard the sick sound of a tire deflating. Fortunately for us, it was not one of our own bikds, so we threw on our harnesses and ran to the top of the 300 foot cliff we were all prepared to jump off. It was only a few minutes later that all four of us found ourselves at the base of an incredible redrock cliff we had just descended by rope. We soon realized we had caught the only 4 person racing team that had managed to outpace us to that point and we realized we could pass them if our running legs were strong. It was Luke who decided to lead out and he chose a fast running pace and one that was sufficient to take over the 1st place spot very rapidly, a spot we held on to all the way back to our bikes, some 6 miles away.
When we reached our bikes and loaded our repelling gear back in our backpacks, we learned that the team that was right on our heels was the same team that had a flat tire. We quickly mounted our bikes and took off. Surprisingly, so did the team with the flat tire. They had inflated the tire with CO2 and were also already back on the trail and slightly ahead of us now. Though all of our legs felt a little more like lead than muscle, we all dug deep and pushed a bit harder to overtake the leader once again. But, each time we attacked, the leaders pushed harder as well. We were soon separated by a turn in the road and as we came around the bend we could no longer see our foes. They had found a new gear and pushed further ahead. Team No Pain No Gain pushed on. The balance of the race was a wind swept furious pace of asphalt and dirt. We barreled down Long Canyon and flew up Potash Road to the finish line.
We crossed the finish line in team record time and claimed a first place spot on the podium in our division and a second place spot overall. It was exhausting and it was fun! Another incredible year... And, another podium finish!
For those of you who missed it, don't miss it again! For those of you who have not attempted an adventure race, its time you give it a try!
I would be remiss if I failed to mention that Team Stretchy Pants (Rich & Brooke Coles, Jeff Morgan, and Brandon Nelson) set a team course record and loved every minute of it. I look forward to reading your race descriptions as well... Till next time. Game ON!!
No doubt Craig was freezing cold from his river experience and it didn't help matters that the air temperature was a balmy 35 degrees. We were all cold, but none as much as Craig. Still we paddled on down the river. Luke and I were very encouraged by our paddling skills, which appeared to be several hundred times better than the miserable paddling experience from the 2009 race. For the first several miles we were in 3rd or 4th place and within about 1 minute of the leaders. We did very well, despite the fact that our kayaks were missing back supports (one of the challenges of using a race mandatory vehicle and not one of your own choosing). Still we exited the water just a few minutes behind the head of the pack.
After a very rapid transition from kayak to bikes, Team No Pain No Gain was headed off for a long ride up Long Canyon and down to Gemini Bridges. As we dismounted our bikes at the repel transition we heard the sick sound of a tire deflating. Fortunately for us, it was not one of our own bikds, so we threw on our harnesses and ran to the top of the 300 foot cliff we were all prepared to jump off. It was only a few minutes later that all four of us found ourselves at the base of an incredible redrock cliff we had just descended by rope. We soon realized we had caught the only 4 person racing team that had managed to outpace us to that point and we realized we could pass them if our running legs were strong. It was Luke who decided to lead out and he chose a fast running pace and one that was sufficient to take over the 1st place spot very rapidly, a spot we held on to all the way back to our bikes, some 6 miles away.
When we reached our bikes and loaded our repelling gear back in our backpacks, we learned that the team that was right on our heels was the same team that had a flat tire. We quickly mounted our bikes and took off. Surprisingly, so did the team with the flat tire. They had inflated the tire with CO2 and were also already back on the trail and slightly ahead of us now. Though all of our legs felt a little more like lead than muscle, we all dug deep and pushed a bit harder to overtake the leader once again. But, each time we attacked, the leaders pushed harder as well. We were soon separated by a turn in the road and as we came around the bend we could no longer see our foes. They had found a new gear and pushed further ahead. Team No Pain No Gain pushed on. The balance of the race was a wind swept furious pace of asphalt and dirt. We barreled down Long Canyon and flew up Potash Road to the finish line.
We crossed the finish line in team record time and claimed a first place spot on the podium in our division and a second place spot overall. It was exhausting and it was fun! Another incredible year... And, another podium finish!
For those of you who missed it, don't miss it again! For those of you who have not attempted an adventure race, its time you give it a try!
I would be remiss if I failed to mention that Team Stretchy Pants (Rich & Brooke Coles, Jeff Morgan, and Brandon Nelson) set a team course record and loved every minute of it. I look forward to reading your race descriptions as well... Till next time. Game ON!!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
last team standing...
Die Hard? too busy - Wild Mule? too tired - Circumnavigators? - too lazy...
Glad all of you could make it for the race this year and make good on all your threats to dethrone us from the podium...When team No Pain No Gain is dropping the 300ft repel on the course this weekend I hope you're at least enjoying a tall coke, skiing on some slush, or at least watching other people do something great.
Glad all of you could make it for the race this year and make good on all your threats to dethrone us from the podium...When team No Pain No Gain is dropping the 300ft repel on the course this weekend I hope you're at least enjoying a tall coke, skiing on some slush, or at least watching other people do something great.
Monday, December 7, 2009
2010 Adventure Races
Adventure Nuts –
Ryan Ashworth and I have been brain storming some ideas for race venues for an adventure race next year. We have limited our search to 12 to 24 Hour races within a one day drive of SLC.
Here are the options we have come up with so far:
1. AXS Moab Moab March 27th
Awesome race. May be fun to try another venue. Hard to beat though in terms of driving distance and monster rappel.
http://www.gravityplay.com/adventureracing/moab.html
2. Grizzlyman Greenough, Montana April 17th
http://grizzlymanrace.com
there will be two separate races. With finish times estimated at 8-10 hours, The GrizzlyMan Adventure Race will be a qualifier for 2010 USARA Nationals! The Black Bear Challenge will be a slightly less intense 4-6 hour course for racers interested in an introduction to adventure racing. The Black Bear will include no paddling or water navigation. Both races are sanctioned USARA events. Racers can compete solo or as 2 person teams (non-relay).
3. AXS Buena Vista Buena Vista, CO May 8th
Jason and I tried this race a couple years ago. The whitewater was AWESOME! I don’t think there is a better race in terms of kayaking whitewater. The mtn bike trail was poorly planned, but we went their first year in that venue. Hopefully they changed the bike portion. It was a very tough race with a tear jerker of a rope challenge at the end.
http://www.gravityplay.com/adventureracing/buenavista.html
4. Desert Winds Lake Mead May 8th
http://www.desertwindsadventureseries.com/desert-winds.html
This is the 4th year this race is running. Swim, trek, paddle (no bikes)
5. The Crucible Coeur D’Alene, ID June 13th
http://www.adventuresportsweek.com/main.asp?pID=129
This race looks like it is well run and has some mojo. About a 12hour drive from SLC. This one is part of a 10-day event called Adventure Sports Week. Includes Mtn Biking, Trail Running (climbing?), ropes section, “wet obstacles”, swimming, kayaking, intellectual test, and “possible fitness or skills test. Sounds pretty fun.
6. Big Blue Lake Tahoe July 31st
http://www.bigblueadventure.com/pub/main2.asp?daEvent=24&daPageName=INTRO
Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Orienteering. Click the links at the left of the webpage after going to the link to see race details, etc…
7. 120% Testosterone Killroy, WY Sept 25th (This one is funny!)
http://www.usmultisport.com/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=2089
1 mile class 3 rapids swim, 18 mile 10% grade bike, 4 mile beach run, 100 foot tree climb
8. CheckpointTracker - Check out www.CheckpointTracker.com for other race options all over the US.
There are also several races in California, but I have not included any of them due to the driving distance and time commitment. Also, please don’t assume we have exhausted the race venue options. I would love to hear of any other ideas for other races. So do your own research and email your suggestions.
Registration dates are rapidly approaching. Please take a few minutes to check out these race options (and others) and email the group with your thoughts. Feel free to forward this email and invite others.
Would anyone be interested in a lunch event to discuss the options and decide on a race?
PS Congrats to Jason Miller on his 10 hour finish in the Arizona Ironman!
Ryan Ashworth and I have been brain storming some ideas for race venues for an adventure race next year. We have limited our search to 12 to 24 Hour races within a one day drive of SLC.
Here are the options we have come up with so far:
1. AXS Moab Moab March 27th
Awesome race. May be fun to try another venue. Hard to beat though in terms of driving distance and monster rappel.
http://www.gravityplay.com/adventureracing/moab.html
2. Grizzlyman Greenough, Montana April 17th
http://grizzlymanrace.com
there will be two separate races. With finish times estimated at 8-10 hours, The GrizzlyMan Adventure Race will be a qualifier for 2010 USARA Nationals! The Black Bear Challenge will be a slightly less intense 4-6 hour course for racers interested in an introduction to adventure racing. The Black Bear will include no paddling or water navigation. Both races are sanctioned USARA events. Racers can compete solo or as 2 person teams (non-relay).
3. AXS Buena Vista Buena Vista, CO May 8th
Jason and I tried this race a couple years ago. The whitewater was AWESOME! I don’t think there is a better race in terms of kayaking whitewater. The mtn bike trail was poorly planned, but we went their first year in that venue. Hopefully they changed the bike portion. It was a very tough race with a tear jerker of a rope challenge at the end.
http://www.gravityplay.com/adventureracing/buenavista.html
4. Desert Winds Lake Mead May 8th
http://www.desertwindsadventureseries.com/desert-winds.html
This is the 4th year this race is running. Swim, trek, paddle (no bikes)
5. The Crucible Coeur D’Alene, ID June 13th
http://www.adventuresportsweek.com/main.asp?pID=129
This race looks like it is well run and has some mojo. About a 12hour drive from SLC. This one is part of a 10-day event called Adventure Sports Week. Includes Mtn Biking, Trail Running (climbing?), ropes section, “wet obstacles”, swimming, kayaking, intellectual test, and “possible fitness or skills test. Sounds pretty fun.
6. Big Blue Lake Tahoe July 31st
http://www.bigblueadventure.com/pub/main2.asp?daEvent=24&daPageName=INTRO
Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Orienteering. Click the links at the left of the webpage after going to the link to see race details, etc…
7. 120% Testosterone Killroy, WY Sept 25th (This one is funny!)
http://www.usmultisport.com/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=2089
1 mile class 3 rapids swim, 18 mile 10% grade bike, 4 mile beach run, 100 foot tree climb
8. CheckpointTracker - Check out www.CheckpointTracker.com for other race options all over the US.
There are also several races in California, but I have not included any of them due to the driving distance and time commitment. Also, please don’t assume we have exhausted the race venue options. I would love to hear of any other ideas for other races. So do your own research and email your suggestions.
Registration dates are rapidly approaching. Please take a few minutes to check out these race options (and others) and email the group with your thoughts. Feel free to forward this email and invite others.
Would anyone be interested in a lunch event to discuss the options and decide on a race?
PS Congrats to Jason Miller on his 10 hour finish in the Arizona Ironman!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Moab Xstream 2009 Video
I guess you tube has killed the audio on our Moab Xstream 2009b video (and it isn't nearly as cool without it!). So here it is again in living color and (fingers crossed) with living audio too. AND, pasted below are some of your comments:
Comments from Scott Swallow:
All,
Team "CircumNavigator" had an excellent time on the course this past weekend. We were all first-timers to the race and realized that there are some things we will have to change for next year.
Here are a few of those changes:
1. Arrive on time to the race (the race began for us around 8:25 am) oops!!
2. Keep blown tires to a minimum (we had three in the first 2 hours of riding)
3. Perhaps hauling 4 liters of water is a little excessive
4. Learn how to steer a two man kayak before race day (we are pretty good at going in circles)
5. Save the expense of eating at Pasta Joes until after the race (I threw up twice that night) Who would of thought?
Anyway, we had so much fun and can't hardly wait to do another race. I would be really interested in that 100 mile bike race. I think it is outside of Durango. A good trainer for that could be the White Rim. Any interest?
Comments from Craig Romrell:
Some of my thoughts from the race:
"How did he do that? moment" - watching the solo winner bike up the steep sand section and pass our team within the first hour of the race.
Best part of the race: 275' rappel in 9.8 seconds
Worst part of the race: miles 6-9 of the kayak
What I wish I brought less of: water, food
What I wish I had another of? 8 oz coke, that was some sweet nectar after the run, snickers bars were good too
Worst choice of words by race official: "we've had a fall"
Thoughts of mine (Josh Jensen):
1) I totally agree with the Kayak comment….That DEAD HORSE took a BEATing!
2) I would also add the initial ascent up the canyon was BREATHTAKING….in MANY WAYS!!!
3) SPENCER FINISHED THE RACE….NO QUESTION ABOUT IT!!!!!! (the only difference was we rode a kayak and he rode the ambulance….TEAM WILD MULE CROSSED THE FINISH LINE AS A TEAM!!!
4) I also packed too much food and liquid (BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY RIGHT?)
5) Coke would have been good Craig…..wouldn’t that be considered contraband??? (just like on TREK…right Dave?)
6) As far as the rappel goes…Spencer DROPPED IT LIKE IT’S HOT! (That rope must have been smokin’ at the end of that drop!). A staff member warned that going that fast can lead to a broken ankle...we’re glad he’s ok!
m ,
Comments from Scott Swallow:
All,
Team "CircumNavigator" had an excellent time on the course this past weekend. We were all first-timers to the race and realized that there are some things we will have to change for next year.
Here are a few of those changes:
1. Arrive on time to the race (the race began for us around 8:25 am) oops!!
2. Keep blown tires to a minimum (we had three in the first 2 hours of riding)
3. Perhaps hauling 4 liters of water is a little excessive
4. Learn how to steer a two man kayak before race day (we are pretty good at going in circles)
5. Save the expense of eating at Pasta Joes until after the race (I threw up twice that night) Who would of thought?
Anyway, we had so much fun and can't hardly wait to do another race. I would be really interested in that 100 mile bike race. I think it is outside of Durango. A good trainer for that could be the White Rim. Any interest?
Comments from Craig Romrell:
Some of my thoughts from the race:
"How did he do that? moment" - watching the solo winner bike up the steep sand section and pass our team within the first hour of the race.
Best part of the race: 275' rappel in 9.8 seconds
Worst part of the race: miles 6-9 of the kayak
What I wish I brought less of: water, food
What I wish I had another of? 8 oz coke, that was some sweet nectar after the run, snickers bars were good too
Worst choice of words by race official: "we've had a fall"
Thoughts of mine (Josh Jensen):
1) I totally agree with the Kayak comment….That DEAD HORSE took a BEATing!
2) I would also add the initial ascent up the canyon was BREATHTAKING….in MANY WAYS!!!
3) SPENCER FINISHED THE RACE….NO QUESTION ABOUT IT!!!!!! (the only difference was we rode a kayak and he rode the ambulance….TEAM WILD MULE CROSSED THE FINISH LINE AS A TEAM!!!
4) I also packed too much food and liquid (BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY RIGHT?)
5) Coke would have been good Craig…..wouldn’t that be considered contraband??? (just like on TREK…right Dave?)
6) As far as the rappel goes…Spencer DROPPED IT LIKE IT’S HOT! (That rope must have been smokin’ at the end of that drop!). A staff member warned that going that fast can lead to a broken ankle...we’re glad he’s ok!
m ,
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
GAME ON!!! Moab Adventure XStream Race
Get freaking pumped!!! Pack tomorrow and travel Friday, it is GAME TIME!!
I am excited. Weather.com shows the temperature at a high in the mid 60's and a low in the mid 30's. Great race conditions. The morning start will likely be a little bit cold. Since we don't know what event will be starting the race try to plan some options for clothing in the morning. If we start in the Kayaks, plan to be wearing some warm clothing that you could drop at the end of the Kayak (fleece is good) at your gear box. If we start out biking, you may want to have removable bike sleeves to pull off as you warm up (climbing hills on a bike gets the blood flowing, but barrelling down hill gets you chilled). Bring some options and you can make the call the night before.
Attached is the gear list from the race website. Get your individual gear, but also make sure to review the list with your team to be sure everything is covered on the team items. Below is a list of items to consider bringing. Some of these suggestions may be on the list attached, but some will not be.
Rapelling Gloves - You need a thick pair of leather gloves to protect your hands while you rappel. The rope gets hot and will burn your hands if you don't have this. Last year I think I wore my biking gloves underneath some thick leather garden gloves and that worked fine. You may be carrying the golves, harness, etc... on the run outside of your pack. The last 2 years the rappel and run have been in the exact same location. Both years our team has opted to leave our packs and gear at the bottom of the rappel and then run to the top just carrying our harnesses, golves, a water bottle (1 or 2 to share for the whole team), and running with our helmets ON, since a helmet is mandatory for the rappel (it will help a lot if you fall 300 feet :-).
Shoes for Kayaking (along with extra socks) - Your feet will probably get wet and you don't want to run in wet shoes afterwards. I have worn Keen sandals, others have purchased cheap water sock type shoes. You will need to carry the kayak around 100 yards or more and then enter the water. Something you could run/walk in that can get wet. The extra socks may be needed after the kayak.
Kayak paddle and life jackets. Although the race does provide the kayak, the paddle and life jacket are NOT provided at the race. You can rent these at the UofU Outdoor Rec (that is where we are getting some of ours) or REI (we have used these before too). I think they are both the same essentially. You could also where a water ski lifejacket, but it will be a lot larger and more likely to rub on your arms.
Sunglasses
Biking shorts - I have worn tri-shorts the last couple years and these work great. Biking shorts are a little too much like a diaper when you are running. Whatever is comfortable.
New Gear for this year. Our team is going to try out the concept of connecting our bikes together during the uphill portions of the race. I spoke with a guy who has raced on Team Nike and he says this is something that really helps to even out the varrying paces of the 4 riders on the uphill portions of the race. We will be using retractable dog leashes to teather ourselves temporarily together. We have not completed these devices and have no idea how hard it will be to do this....
Gear boxes - you will need 3 or 4 big tupperware type boxes to leave at a gear drop location. All your drop items are supposed to be in the boxes. It is usually a really good idea to leave some Gatorade or water in your gear box. it is also a good idea to drink a lot on the kayak from a bottle that you can leave behind or throw away after (to keep your liquid supply in your camelback as full as you can for time away from your gear boxes, etc...)
CAMERA - Don't forget to bring at least one camera. Even if it is just for before and after photos. Brian and Craig have, in the past video-taped portions of the rappel. REMEMBER, I really want your photos and comments on the blog xstreamsports.bolgspot.com . It is just fun to have a location to keep track of the memories. The camera will record the physical memories and scars and the journal entry should capture the emotional scars and pride of accomplishment.
In terms of food for the race: I have read that you can only take in about 200 calories per hour while you are racing. You will burn more calories than you can eat during the race. Many racers like to carbo-load in advance and eat like a horse afterwards. Most recommedations I have heard are to start carbo-loading 2 or 3 days in advance. About now is a good time to start. Also, it will also really help to, in the words of Greg Randall, "Drink like a fish for several days before the race" (again that could start today).
In terms of Friday, it is really helpful to check in as early as possible (around 5 or 6 pm) so that you have time to organize your gear and pack your race bags and boxes. This year it looks like they want us to leave our gear box the night before (instead of the morning of like last year).
Let me know if you need any information or help with anything.
IT IS GO TIME!
I am excited. Weather.com shows the temperature at a high in the mid 60's and a low in the mid 30's. Great race conditions. The morning start will likely be a little bit cold. Since we don't know what event will be starting the race try to plan some options for clothing in the morning. If we start in the Kayaks, plan to be wearing some warm clothing that you could drop at the end of the Kayak (fleece is good) at your gear box. If we start out biking, you may want to have removable bike sleeves to pull off as you warm up (climbing hills on a bike gets the blood flowing, but barrelling down hill gets you chilled). Bring some options and you can make the call the night before.
Attached is the gear list from the race website. Get your individual gear, but also make sure to review the list with your team to be sure everything is covered on the team items. Below is a list of items to consider bringing. Some of these suggestions may be on the list attached, but some will not be.
Rapelling Gloves - You need a thick pair of leather gloves to protect your hands while you rappel. The rope gets hot and will burn your hands if you don't have this. Last year I think I wore my biking gloves underneath some thick leather garden gloves and that worked fine. You may be carrying the golves, harness, etc... on the run outside of your pack. The last 2 years the rappel and run have been in the exact same location. Both years our team has opted to leave our packs and gear at the bottom of the rappel and then run to the top just carrying our harnesses, golves, a water bottle (1 or 2 to share for the whole team), and running with our helmets ON, since a helmet is mandatory for the rappel (it will help a lot if you fall 300 feet :-).
Shoes for Kayaking (along with extra socks) - Your feet will probably get wet and you don't want to run in wet shoes afterwards. I have worn Keen sandals, others have purchased cheap water sock type shoes. You will need to carry the kayak around 100 yards or more and then enter the water. Something you could run/walk in that can get wet. The extra socks may be needed after the kayak.
Kayak paddle and life jackets. Although the race does provide the kayak, the paddle and life jacket are NOT provided at the race. You can rent these at the UofU Outdoor Rec (that is where we are getting some of ours) or REI (we have used these before too). I think they are both the same essentially. You could also where a water ski lifejacket, but it will be a lot larger and more likely to rub on your arms.
Sunglasses
Biking shorts - I have worn tri-shorts the last couple years and these work great. Biking shorts are a little too much like a diaper when you are running. Whatever is comfortable.
New Gear for this year. Our team is going to try out the concept of connecting our bikes together during the uphill portions of the race. I spoke with a guy who has raced on Team Nike and he says this is something that really helps to even out the varrying paces of the 4 riders on the uphill portions of the race. We will be using retractable dog leashes to teather ourselves temporarily together. We have not completed these devices and have no idea how hard it will be to do this....
Gear boxes - you will need 3 or 4 big tupperware type boxes to leave at a gear drop location. All your drop items are supposed to be in the boxes. It is usually a really good idea to leave some Gatorade or water in your gear box. it is also a good idea to drink a lot on the kayak from a bottle that you can leave behind or throw away after (to keep your liquid supply in your camelback as full as you can for time away from your gear boxes, etc...)
CAMERA - Don't forget to bring at least one camera. Even if it is just for before and after photos. Brian and Craig have, in the past video-taped portions of the rappel. REMEMBER, I really want your photos and comments on the blog xstreamsports.bolgspot.com . It is just fun to have a location to keep track of the memories. The camera will record the physical memories and scars and the journal entry should capture the emotional scars and pride of accomplishment.
In terms of food for the race: I have read that you can only take in about 200 calories per hour while you are racing. You will burn more calories than you can eat during the race. Many racers like to carbo-load in advance and eat like a horse afterwards. Most recommedations I have heard are to start carbo-loading 2 or 3 days in advance. About now is a good time to start. Also, it will also really help to, in the words of Greg Randall, "Drink like a fish for several days before the race" (again that could start today).
In terms of Friday, it is really helpful to check in as early as possible (around 5 or 6 pm) so that you have time to organize your gear and pack your race bags and boxes. This year it looks like they want us to leave our gear box the night before (instead of the morning of like last year).
Let me know if you need any information or help with anything.
IT IS GO TIME!
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