Discussion: Untamed New England
in: Adventure Racing; General;
Jun 13, 2012 2:40 AM
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My greatest hope at Untamed is to film someone doing something so strange everyone forgets about Bash's comments from the last race.
Smiley face.
I will see you there.
Smiley face.
I will see you there.
Jun 14, 2012 2:07 PM
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Good luck to all those racing! Race hard, stay healthy, don't get too lost, have fun :-)
Jun 19, 2012 1:51 AM
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Jun 19, 2012 4:04 AM
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Tico:
Can we get some top 5 or 10 predictions going?
Here are mine just off the top of my head (not very well thought out or scientific):
1) SnowPatrol Pantalones
2) DART Nuun
3) THULE
4) Denmark team w/ Sessel
5) Denmark team 2
6) Dave Lamb and JayXC
7) Paul & Karen
8) SOG w/ PLEBAN
9) I'm on point
10) a Canadian team
Maybe I'll refine these and add some of my reasoning tomorrow. I just wanted to get it started. I got some good insight as I've raced with or along side (shared some trail time in an xpd race) with at least one member of 7 of these 10 teams
Here are mine just off the top of my head (not very well thought out or scientific):
1) SnowPatrol Pantalones
2) DART Nuun
3) THULE
4) Denmark team w/ Sessel
5) Denmark team 2
6) Dave Lamb and JayXC
7) Paul & Karen
8) SOG w/ PLEBAN
9) I'm on point
10) a Canadian team
Maybe I'll refine these and add some of my reasoning tomorrow. I just wanted to get it started. I got some good insight as I've raced with or along side (shared some trail time in an xpd race) with at least one member of 7 of these 10 teams
Jun 19, 2012 8:35 PM
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Tiny:
Mine would be:
1. Thule
2. Team Snow Pants
3. Dare Devels
4. Sole
5. Gear Junkie/YogaSlackers
1. Thule
2. Team Snow Pants
3. Dare Devels
4. Sole
5. Gear Junkie/YogaSlackers
Jun 19, 2012 8:42 PM
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Bash:
Team "Snowpants" (aka Pentathlon des Neiges - Processia) is the top Canadian team at UNE and includes two of the racers who won the last UNE with Team WildernessTraverse.com. They're also defending champions of one of the most competitive adventure races in Canada, Wilderness Traverse. I wouldn't count them out of the top 5!
Jun 19, 2012 10:43 PM
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Tico:
I forgot about my friends the Slackers. They are a top 10 team for sure. And depending on how technical/long the pack rafting turns out to be they could easily be top 5 (there are 3 sections with pack rafting. They have loads of pack rafting expedition experience apart from the typical stuff found in most ARs.
DISCLAIMER: This is nothing but my meandering thoughts. None of it should be taken too seriously and no one should be offended in any way. Just thought it would be entertaining for the AR fans. It isn't often I am on the sidelines for an event like this!
1) Pentathlon Des Neiges - Processia
As Bash says they are the top CAN team by far. I have been following them on FB this year and they have 3 goals this year: WIN Untamed, WIN Wilderness Traverse, and get a top placement at Worlds in France. They have focused all their energy this year towards winning UNE, they have the fitness, Nav, tech skills/experience, and lady (I think. I don't know much about her) to go all the way and knock off the 2011 World Champs. Liza talks about their navigator / captain (she started her AR career with him) like one talks of Mike Kloser, Ian Adamson, and Davvy Crocket combined. After hearing the stories of him I coined, ‘WWBD?’ What Would Benoit Do? IT helped me put in 20+ hour training weeks this past winter.
2) DART nuun SportMulti
This is a bit of a personally driven pick as I train regularly with RVG and Mari Chandler. I raced a very full seasons with Mari (2010), 3 XPDs with Matt (Equinox Traverse 2010, Untamed 2010, APEX 2011) and 2 XPDs with RVG (APEX 2011, ARWS 2011). Their 4th Aaron Rin will add even more horsepower to this team than their typical 4 person team from last year and can give better support to both RVG and Matt than I could/did). Cyril has taken 2012 off from racing and is focusing on 24 hour MTB racing (he showed me up 2 weekends ago bettering my 21 laps by 1). Matt learned from his/my/our navigational mistakes at the 2010 UNE. The team is hungry after some less than expected finishes in 2011. They are fit right now! Matt has his Nav dialed, they are smart/experienced, and Mari (although has an injured thumb in a cast from a canyoneering fall at the Costa Rica Adventure Race) is a mule and will not be needing any tows from the boys. They are hoping to earn a spot to France as well. This 2nd position is all depended on the number of hotels and/or restuarants the teams comes across on course or distracting RVG from them. For every hotel/restuarant passed this placement falls by an equal amount!
3) Thule Adventure Team
2011 World Champs enough said, but why not #1? UNE is a very unique race from my perspective and doesn't always reward the best team, the experience that DART and Snow Pants have will trump the Champs. Mimi and Jack will drive the pace from the start, but Martin pushes the sleeplessness too far, and that could cause Per to make some costly mistakes in the Maine wilderness late in the race if it takes 72 hours or more to finish. If they can cross the finish line in less than 60 hours they could win. They already got their spot to France and are doing this race most likely to fulfill THULE sponsor obligations to do one race in the USA.
4) Salomon Trail Tour
Sessel is tough as nails and loves to race. She has raced down at her past few expedition races so hasn't seen the results she is capable of. She loves racing with these boys, but they don't do more than 1 or 2 expedition ARs each year. SO this is their race to go for it as well and with their 3rd?? place finish in 2010 they are primed to beat the other Denmark team (who I hear is the strongest team from Denmark). This ranking might be a bit high as I have an AR crush on Sessel and really want her to do well ;)
5) Untamed NE
Dave knows how to keep a team moving and is an ace on the maps with his grandpa reading glasses!! JayXC is fit, we all know that on AP from seeing his hours ranked above our own every day! (If Grant throws in a surprise swim, this ranking goes straight to #1 JayXC leads all ARers in Swimming hours!!) They spent a good portion of this year securing their female teammate and finally landed with CP0's Michelle. She is tough, but I don't know that she has the top end speed that Dave is used to racing with in Jenny Johnson. Dave lead his team to 2nd place in the 2010 edition, but I just have a gut feeling that the added competition this year will hinder their placement. I hope I am wrong on this one!
6) DareDevils Adventure Racing
I don't know anything about them other than the fact that they are rumored to be even stronger/more experienced the Sessel's team.
7) Team Sole
After attempting to get a number of people to race with them unsuccessfully, they are goiracing as a duo. Kind of hard to find top racers to join you for an XPD in the middle of summer as most would be doing this event, the Gold Rush Mother Lode, or the Idaho XPD. They are fit, experienced, Karen will make Paul go fast, but without 2 other teammates and the tricky nav they will end of out of the top 5.
8) TeamSOG
Pleban won this race in 2009. Kristin Eddy is super fit Brian Mayer's training has been derailed a bit leading up to UNE with a bike crash earlier in the year and then some foot injury (plantar?). He also is inexperienced at this distance, and his drive that makes the SOG team so successful at shorter events my diminish on day 2. This team configuration (less Toby) won the USARA nationals in KY last year. They are really hoping to go big, but I think the team could pressure Pleban a bit into making some bad decisions. My advice to Brian (since I know he will see this) would be to push, pull, tow as hard as he can, but to not pressure Pleban and let him work his magic. If their team dynamics improved from last year's Nationals, this ranking could improve. Maybe even top 5. PS. If you don't know who Toby is, you should. He won the Jay Challenge in 2006. Beast!!
9) GearJunkie/Yogaslackers
I would like to put these guys higher, but I am not sure how much prep they have done for this event since placing 4th at the Patagonia XPD race. They have been on the road quite a bit doing their yoga, acrobatics, slacking thing. Their 4th is Jason's twin and he is a busy man that trains only 3 hours a week. BUT they got team dynamics down. Jason is married to Chelsea, Dan lives next door to them and Andy shares DNA with Jason. Strong paddlers and decision makers and no one out there will have faster pack rafting splits. BUT Jason can be hot and cold with his nav (CP Tracker Nationals 2011=cold). Look for them to go out hard and sleep more than anybody.
10) Odyssey Adventure Racing-ImOnPoint.org
Solid East Coast team that podiums at most all events they go to. They had some major issues at RTNX 2011, but they know how to move in the east coast mountains better. Jen Moos is strong and winning most MTB and Trail running races she shows up to in FL. Shane is a riot and will keep the team energized and moving up the ranks late in the race.
Wildcards (could crack top 10): Kinetic (experienced and placed well at UNE in 2009), Clinique du Pied Equilibre (fit and at least Jean Yves as raced UNE before) , GOALS ARA (never count out Mark Lattanzi and they got a ringer to add some horse power in JP), Adventure Racing Stockholm / SMS (they are from Sweden)
DISCLAIMER: This is nothing but my meandering thoughts. None of it should be taken too seriously and no one should be offended in any way. Just thought it would be entertaining for the AR fans. It isn't often I am on the sidelines for an event like this!
1) Pentathlon Des Neiges - Processia
As Bash says they are the top CAN team by far. I have been following them on FB this year and they have 3 goals this year: WIN Untamed, WIN Wilderness Traverse, and get a top placement at Worlds in France. They have focused all their energy this year towards winning UNE, they have the fitness, Nav, tech skills/experience, and lady (I think. I don't know much about her) to go all the way and knock off the 2011 World Champs. Liza talks about their navigator / captain (she started her AR career with him) like one talks of Mike Kloser, Ian Adamson, and Davvy Crocket combined. After hearing the stories of him I coined, ‘WWBD?’ What Would Benoit Do? IT helped me put in 20+ hour training weeks this past winter.
2) DART nuun SportMulti
This is a bit of a personally driven pick as I train regularly with RVG and Mari Chandler. I raced a very full seasons with Mari (2010), 3 XPDs with Matt (Equinox Traverse 2010, Untamed 2010, APEX 2011) and 2 XPDs with RVG (APEX 2011, ARWS 2011). Their 4th Aaron Rin will add even more horsepower to this team than their typical 4 person team from last year and can give better support to both RVG and Matt than I could/did). Cyril has taken 2012 off from racing and is focusing on 24 hour MTB racing (he showed me up 2 weekends ago bettering my 21 laps by 1). Matt learned from his/my/our navigational mistakes at the 2010 UNE. The team is hungry after some less than expected finishes in 2011. They are fit right now! Matt has his Nav dialed, they are smart/experienced, and Mari (although has an injured thumb in a cast from a canyoneering fall at the Costa Rica Adventure Race) is a mule and will not be needing any tows from the boys. They are hoping to earn a spot to France as well. This 2nd position is all depended on the number of hotels and/or restuarants the teams comes across on course or distracting RVG from them. For every hotel/restuarant passed this placement falls by an equal amount!
3) Thule Adventure Team
2011 World Champs enough said, but why not #1? UNE is a very unique race from my perspective and doesn't always reward the best team, the experience that DART and Snow Pants have will trump the Champs. Mimi and Jack will drive the pace from the start, but Martin pushes the sleeplessness too far, and that could cause Per to make some costly mistakes in the Maine wilderness late in the race if it takes 72 hours or more to finish. If they can cross the finish line in less than 60 hours they could win. They already got their spot to France and are doing this race most likely to fulfill THULE sponsor obligations to do one race in the USA.
4) Salomon Trail Tour
Sessel is tough as nails and loves to race. She has raced down at her past few expedition races so hasn't seen the results she is capable of. She loves racing with these boys, but they don't do more than 1 or 2 expedition ARs each year. SO this is their race to go for it as well and with their 3rd?? place finish in 2010 they are primed to beat the other Denmark team (who I hear is the strongest team from Denmark). This ranking might be a bit high as I have an AR crush on Sessel and really want her to do well ;)
5) Untamed NE
Dave knows how to keep a team moving and is an ace on the maps with his grandpa reading glasses!! JayXC is fit, we all know that on AP from seeing his hours ranked above our own every day! (If Grant throws in a surprise swim, this ranking goes straight to #1 JayXC leads all ARers in Swimming hours!!) They spent a good portion of this year securing their female teammate and finally landed with CP0's Michelle. She is tough, but I don't know that she has the top end speed that Dave is used to racing with in Jenny Johnson. Dave lead his team to 2nd place in the 2010 edition, but I just have a gut feeling that the added competition this year will hinder their placement. I hope I am wrong on this one!
6) DareDevils Adventure Racing
I don't know anything about them other than the fact that they are rumored to be even stronger/more experienced the Sessel's team.
7) Team Sole
After attempting to get a number of people to race with them unsuccessfully, they are goiracing as a duo. Kind of hard to find top racers to join you for an XPD in the middle of summer as most would be doing this event, the Gold Rush Mother Lode, or the Idaho XPD. They are fit, experienced, Karen will make Paul go fast, but without 2 other teammates and the tricky nav they will end of out of the top 5.
8) TeamSOG
Pleban won this race in 2009. Kristin Eddy is super fit Brian Mayer's training has been derailed a bit leading up to UNE with a bike crash earlier in the year and then some foot injury (plantar?). He also is inexperienced at this distance, and his drive that makes the SOG team so successful at shorter events my diminish on day 2. This team configuration (less Toby) won the USARA nationals in KY last year. They are really hoping to go big, but I think the team could pressure Pleban a bit into making some bad decisions. My advice to Brian (since I know he will see this) would be to push, pull, tow as hard as he can, but to not pressure Pleban and let him work his magic. If their team dynamics improved from last year's Nationals, this ranking could improve. Maybe even top 5. PS. If you don't know who Toby is, you should. He won the Jay Challenge in 2006. Beast!!
9) GearJunkie/Yogaslackers
I would like to put these guys higher, but I am not sure how much prep they have done for this event since placing 4th at the Patagonia XPD race. They have been on the road quite a bit doing their yoga, acrobatics, slacking thing. Their 4th is Jason's twin and he is a busy man that trains only 3 hours a week. BUT they got team dynamics down. Jason is married to Chelsea, Dan lives next door to them and Andy shares DNA with Jason. Strong paddlers and decision makers and no one out there will have faster pack rafting splits. BUT Jason can be hot and cold with his nav (CP Tracker Nationals 2011=cold). Look for them to go out hard and sleep more than anybody.
10) Odyssey Adventure Racing-ImOnPoint.org
Solid East Coast team that podiums at most all events they go to. They had some major issues at RTNX 2011, but they know how to move in the east coast mountains better. Jen Moos is strong and winning most MTB and Trail running races she shows up to in FL. Shane is a riot and will keep the team energized and moving up the ranks late in the race.
Wildcards (could crack top 10): Kinetic (experienced and placed well at UNE in 2009), Clinique du Pied Equilibre (fit and at least Jean Yves as raced UNE before) , GOALS ARA (never count out Mark Lattanzi and they got a ringer to add some horse power in JP), Adventure Racing Stockholm / SMS (they are from Sweden)
Jun 20, 2012 12:30 AM
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FB:
I wouldn't count AR A Decade Later out of the top 10... maybe even 5. I heard that Tracyn is fitter than ever (which scares me) and if she is in this to race win it hard and not 'just to race' ... I wouldn't want to be the guy on the team who slows her down :-) .. and those guys are no slouches. They have lot's of experience (more than most on the course)... even though they have been 'away' for many years.. most important is home field advantage.. they RD'd Appalachian Extreme through those very hills for several years.
The game is changed (gotten a little faster), but if they adapt quickly they will shock a few teams.
The game is changed (gotten a little faster), but if they adapt quickly they will shock a few teams.
Jun 20, 2012 12:02 PM
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Bash:
Course flyover video is posted.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6Cj4qiP5Ro&feature...#!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6Cj4qiP5Ro&feature...#!
Jun 20, 2012 12:07 PM
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Bash:
Wow, hope they've been practising their pack rafting!
Looks like such beautiful terrain. Jealous!!!!
Looks like such beautiful terrain. Jealous!!!!
Jun 20, 2012 2:12 PM
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WWBD! I love it. Not many people in Adventure Racing (or any sport for that matter) can list having been on their country's national XC skiing, mountain biking AND orienteering teams like Benoit can. A perfect mix for AR.
Having said that I'd never bet against the Swedes.
Having said that I'd never bet against the Swedes.
Jun 20, 2012 3:21 PM
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Tico:
Man, I am no good at this tracking buisness. No leaderboard updates, but it looks like maybe some teams are on the canoe section now and some are finishing up the stating trek/packraft? Do we know if teams packrafted or ran the road? It also looks like some teams left their SPOTs at the finish line and some are lost in the wilderness already!?!?! :)
I have seen Pete give these amazing play by plays from little info on races I have done before post race. Too bad he is racing this one. Bash? How is your schedule looking this week? :)
I have seen Pete give these amazing play by plays from little info on races I have done before post race. Too bad he is racing this one. Bash? How is your schedule looking this week? :)
Jun 20, 2012 3:22 PM
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Tico:
Also it doesn't appear that the tracking map has all the CPs?? Just TA's?
Jun 20, 2012 6:29 PM
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Yes, play-by-play commentary would be much appreciated! Appears that many of the current front-running teams are unexpected...or as Gratuitous points out the top teams might have SPOT issues. The white water rafting section looks amazing.
Jun 20, 2012 7:02 PM
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Tico:
There is great content being pumped out on Madathlete.com's FaceBook page. You should all 'like' (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/MadAthletecom/165...) them to see their pics and videos. I just saw a clip from with Martin Flinta (THULE) leading the charge off the start gun with pack raft fully inflated. Madathlete is on the ground in Maine reporting live! Here is the answer to my question regarding running v paddling to CP1 from Madathlete...
Pack Rafts inflated. Ready to run through the starting arch to the nearest put-in. Two strategies emerged; 1: Run 2k down a fire road to CP 1 and put-in there or 2: put-in 100 meters from the start line and paddle like mad. At CP 1, it seemed like a draw. No clear winning strategy choice.
Pack Rafts inflated. Ready to run through the starting arch to the nearest put-in. Two strategies emerged; 1: Run 2k down a fire road to CP 1 and put-in there or 2: put-in 100 meters from the start line and paddle like mad. At CP 1, it seemed like a draw. No clear winning strategy choice.
Jun 20, 2012 7:55 PM
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I can't believe that this race wasn't in the cards this year for our team - it looks awesome! In any case, here are my picks:
1. Thule
2. SpongeBobSnowPants.com
3. Salomon Denmark
4. DART
5. FB's Favourite team - AR a Decade Later
1. Thule
2. SpongeBobSnowPants.com
3. Salomon Denmark
4. DART
5. FB's Favourite team - AR a Decade Later
Jun 20, 2012 9:01 PM
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Tico:
Top 14 teams within 30 mins of eachother at CP 6. 8 of the top 10 are in my top ten predictions with AR a Decade Later and Kinetic squeezing in and Dare Devils and ImOnPoint out. I don't know how long/challenging this MTB stage is, but should see some changes in the top 10 for sure. We will see what happens tonight at CP 12 (end of MTB section).
Jun 21, 2012 12:04 AM
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Okay here are mine but man is it tough to pick, so many speedy veterans out there.
1. Snowpantsadventureracing
2. Thule
3. Salomon Trail Tour
4. DART
5. Kinetic - because I want to see a kitten in the top 5
I am sad to miss this one.
1. Snowpantsadventureracing
2. Thule
3. Salomon Trail Tour
4. DART
5. Kinetic - because I want to see a kitten in the top 5
I am sad to miss this one.
Jun 21, 2012 3:08 AM
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Bash:
Back after a day away from the computer (gasp!) In addition to MadAthlete, a Friend of Snowpants is broadcasting good info on Facebook. To see it, like: http://www.facebook.com/PentathlonARTeam
Latest update - Wed. at 10:50 p.m.: Team out of the ropes section. A blown tire combined with a missing CP7 have made them lose places. Now that CP7 was cancelled after their call, we hope they won't be penalized against teams who didn't have to do it. They are strong on the trek, even more at night so they should be able to climb back up in the ranking.
Latest update - Wed. at 10:50 p.m.: Team out of the ropes section. A blown tire combined with a missing CP7 have made them lose places. Now that CP7 was cancelled after their call, we hope they won't be penalized against teams who didn't have to do it. They are strong on the trek, even more at night so they should be able to climb back up in the ranking.
Jun 21, 2012 5:59 AM
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Tico:
This is a bummer. I just found out from the SnowPants field guy that there were time credits issued for the waits at the ropes. That coupled with the credits / penalties associated with whatever mix up happened with the placement of CP7 will make for a tricky time telling what place teams are really in. I feel bad for Grant with CP7. SnowPants guy said his team found the control 1km off after 30 mins of searching and other teams skipped it. A similar issue happened at the USARA Nationals in Santa Barbara in 2006ish. It made for some very unhappy teams. No matter how the penalties / credits get issued teams will get screwed, but Grant is the best RD I know of to try and make things fair. Part of the issue at the USARA race is that Dan Barger told teams during the race that missed the misplaced CP that they would be unranked (so those teams stopped racing competitively), but in the end Barger realized the CP was incorrectly located and gave every team credit for it and no credits to teams that searched high and low and actually found it. Kind of hard to give time credit to a team that searches for it and finds it in the wrong place If it isn't within 100 meters or so, you got to move on. I wonder what made Benoit search for 30 mins to find it 1 km off!?!??! Would be nice to get the whole story...
Jun 21, 2012 1:11 PM
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ughgh I hate watching races from home. It takes too long to try to decipher what is going on. Such is the sport I guess.
Jun 21, 2012 2:14 PM
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Yikes, misplaced CP, total bummer! If the CP was misplaced (I'd still wait for confirmation from the RD) I think the fairest solution is to subtract every team's time from the CP prior to the next correctly placed CP from their total.
Looks like a great course!
Looks like a great course!
Jun 21, 2012 2:53 PM
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Anyone else having trouble displaying the "route history" on the UNE course map & tracking? Can only see current location of teams.
Jun 21, 2012 2:59 PM
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I couldn't get route history last night either (chrome on win7).
Jun 21, 2012 3:20 PM
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Not having any luck with the route history either. If anyone is able to use it properly, let us know. Thx!
Jun 21, 2012 3:59 PM
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No route history for me either and I can't find any info on the teams that have withdrawn or are continuing unranked, I know two of those teams.
Jun 21, 2012 4:24 PM
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Trying to follow Bugsinteeth and not sure if their GPS is working.
Jun 21, 2012 4:26 PM
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Bash:
So sad - Team Archipela (including Attackpointers T. Rex and KPoire) has withdrawn due to a "teammate with an injury". Apparently "everyone is fine".
Jun 21, 2012 6:42 PM
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Bash:
I think that usually says UNR? But yes, I think it means they are still racing unranked.
Jun 21, 2012 7:04 PM
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Bash:
Another Canadian racer out. :( From Jason Cunningham on Facebook: "My new air splint comes with crutches and everything. Unfortunately the race did not go as planned. Team Enigma goes on. I am on ice and beer duty for the next couple days."
Jun 21, 2012 7:23 PM
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I can't even get on the d*mn website. Pulling my hair out here. Guess I better just race next time.
Jun 21, 2012 8:25 PM
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It appears as though 30 hours into the race, 3 teams have had to withdraw while 4 teams continue on unranked. 42 of 49 teams remain! There have been a few updates on the site for the top teams but curious to know how other teams are doing. Showing thunderstorms in the area now.
Jun 21, 2012 8:32 PM
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Sounds like it's almost as hot there as it here in Toronto.
From FB - Teams are starting to surfer from the high temperature. Hope they have enough sun lotion, water and electrolytes. +32C at the minute.
Hope it breaks for them soon.
Cool video of the ropes course - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4Qwd0ye6mc
From FB - Teams are starting to surfer from the high temperature. Hope they have enough sun lotion, water and electrolytes. +32C at the minute.
Hope it breaks for them soon.
Cool video of the ropes course - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4Qwd0ye6mc
Jun 21, 2012 9:20 PM
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WOW - Team BugsinTeeth just jumped from 39th to 28th! Good work team BiT!!
Jun 21, 2012 9:39 PM
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Bash:
Yahoo BiT!!! Leanimal, I'm having trouble with the website too. Sometimes it seems that it's not working but I think it's just really, really slow to respond. I've never had trouble with the ARWS site before and I'm wondering if it's because I'm using Mac/Safari now instead of PC/Firefox. I'm going to fire up a PC tonight to see. Maybe our country medium-high speed Internet isn't up to the task. Anyone else having problems?
Jun 21, 2012 9:54 PM
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Bash, I am just using IE and having the same issues. It seems to respond every 10 refreshes (tells you how productive I have been this afternoon).
Jun 21, 2012 9:56 PM
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Just more info on BugsinTeeth. They completed the MTB-O section in 3 hours, 20 minutes. Difficult to tell how that compares to others. Hopefully their track starts moving soon.
Jun 21, 2012 10:13 PM
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Note from the website: TEAMS ARE MOVING INTO NIGHT #2 OF 2012 UNTAMED NEW ENGLAND RACE - Website technical difficulties are being worked on -- but our priority are the 49 race teams on the course
Jun 21, 2012 10:16 PM
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Bash:
On Twitter just now from @Untamed_Adv
"Is this mic on? Backup communication for #UntamedAR is now THIS Twitter account until we sort out web difficulties..."
Your best bet on Twitter is just to search on the #UntamedAR hashtag.
"Is this mic on? Backup communication for #UntamedAR is now THIS Twitter account until we sort out web difficulties..."
Your best bet on Twitter is just to search on the #UntamedAR hashtag.
Jun 21, 2012 10:16 PM
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Twitter update: Thule ahead by about an hour over Sole. Both on Alpine Trekking leg, trying to finish the trek before dark!
Jun 21, 2012 10:32 PM
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Bash:
According to Vincent from 2 hours ago, race staff told him that Kinetic is out with an injury. No news on that from Race HQ though, and they've provided a recent list of teams that have withdrawn or become unranked.
Jun 21, 2012 11:44 PM
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[The website works for me generally, just slow to refresh, but the times the trackers updated are in the future :-) ]
Jun 22, 2012 1:35 AM
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1L:
Thanks for the note about Twitter Bash. I've been going from window to window trying to get something to load. I was guessing it's all the fans home from work clogging the pipeline. There is so much real time coverage (when it works) and I'm amazed!
Great news for BiT! They are doing really well!
Team Discov-AR has a Cdn contingent with Mj and Pete Dobos. They are a media team and are providing periodic blog updates. http://discov-ar.com/wordpress/ It's not really covering all the teams but it's got nice snippits from the race.
Great news for BiT! They are doing really well!
Team Discov-AR has a Cdn contingent with Mj and Pete Dobos. They are a media team and are providing periodic blog updates. http://discov-ar.com/wordpress/ It's not really covering all the teams but it's got nice snippits from the race.
Jun 22, 2012 2:00 AM
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Tico:
Looks like Thule finished the Alpine Trek in a crazy fast time!
By stringing together the last few FaceBook posts by SnowPants mystery guy this is what I got...
Thule out of Alpine Trek at 2100 local time
SnowPants started Alpine Trek at 2015 local time (with an expected finish time of 5 hours. That puts 2nd place SnowPants finishing the Alpine Trek @ 0115 on Fri and about 4h15m behind Thule (not sure about time credits for ropes, but I am guessing Thule has at least a 3 hour lead)
Dart has a large ropes credit of 2h10m and are 'virtually' only 10-15 mins behind 2nd place. I am guessing SnowPants will get this info tonight at the end of the Alpine Trek from their FB posting guy, but I wonder if DART will be able to know this. They probably know their ropes credit and SnowPants' real race time, but they probably don't know what SnowPants' ropes credit is. INTENSE!!! Bummer they can't be going at it side by side. 10-15 mins at night in 'Alpine' looks close and makes teams really push trying to catch or hold off the headlamps in the distance!!! I'm fired up!! Do DART!!!!! APers on that team are DARTvg and mhayz
By stringing together the last few FaceBook posts by SnowPants mystery guy this is what I got...
Thule out of Alpine Trek at 2100 local time
SnowPants started Alpine Trek at 2015 local time (with an expected finish time of 5 hours. That puts 2nd place SnowPants finishing the Alpine Trek @ 0115 on Fri and about 4h15m behind Thule (not sure about time credits for ropes, but I am guessing Thule has at least a 3 hour lead)
Dart has a large ropes credit of 2h10m and are 'virtually' only 10-15 mins behind 2nd place. I am guessing SnowPants will get this info tonight at the end of the Alpine Trek from their FB posting guy, but I wonder if DART will be able to know this. They probably know their ropes credit and SnowPants' real race time, but they probably don't know what SnowPants' ropes credit is. INTENSE!!! Bummer they can't be going at it side by side. 10-15 mins at night in 'Alpine' looks close and makes teams really push trying to catch or hold off the headlamps in the distance!!! I'm fired up!! Do DART!!!!! APers on that team are DARTvg and mhayz
Jun 22, 2012 2:07 AM
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FB:
Watching sucks!... it sucked in the 90's, it sucked in the 00's and it sucks in the 10's... and if I live that long it'll suck in the 20's....
Jun 22, 2012 2:09 AM
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FB:
WOW... I finally have my answer for "why do you (still) do that stuff?" !!
... keep posting stuff here please, I have been having similar frustrations trying to follow
... keep posting stuff here please, I have been having similar frustrations trying to follow
Jun 22, 2012 2:43 AM
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Tico:
SnowPants expected to be off the Alpine Trek between 0130 - 0330. They have a 2 hour credit compared to Thule. SnowPants made 1.5 hours of mistakes today.
Jun 22, 2012 2:48 AM
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Bash:
Snowpants mystery guy
Vincent Fraser. I met him last year when he came with the team to Wilderness Traverse. Great guy - he was helpful to us at Race HQ.
Vincent Fraser. I met him last year when he came with the team to Wilderness Traverse. Great guy - he was helpful to us at Race HQ.
Jun 22, 2012 2:52 AM
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Tico:
After the Alpine Trek there is...
8 mile MTB
O-relay
18 mile MTB
29 mile Paddle (team's with some sleep could have a lot more success here)
38 mile Trek/PackRaft
Where will teams make their move?
8 mile MTB
O-relay
18 mile MTB
29 mile Paddle (team's with some sleep could have a lot more success here)
38 mile Trek/PackRaft
Where will teams make their move?
Jun 22, 2012 3:03 AM
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More on the Team Kinetic injury..
Team Kinetic injury made by a male teammate. Désolé mais personne ne sait de qu'il s'agit encore. Slow!
Team Kinetic injury made by a male teammate. Désolé mais personne ne sait de qu'il s'agit encore. Slow!
Jun 22, 2012 3:05 AM
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1L:
Oo! Pentathlon Des Neiges has been over taken. Average Joes jumped to second. ... If I've got the latest update.
Jun 22, 2012 3:10 AM
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Update on Team BugsinTeeth!
#untamedar Team 11 is doing great! They called in to HQ using their mandatory satellite phone from the top of the Carrabassett Range (Leg 3).
Glad to hear an update from them!!
#untamedar Team 11 is doing great! They called in to HQ using their mandatory satellite phone from the top of the Carrabassett Range (Leg 3).
Glad to hear an update from them!!
Jun 22, 2012 3:37 AM
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Bash:
I saw that and wondered why they would call in - unless they were supposed to call. At the last Untamed NE, we were required to call in from a particular phone booth that served as an unmanned CP.
In case there are any non-French speakers, the comment about the Team Kinetic injury is that nobody knows yet which male teammate is injured.
In case there are any non-French speakers, the comment about the Team Kinetic injury is that nobody knows yet which male teammate is injured.
Jun 22, 2012 3:41 AM
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1L:
There's a note from Discov-AR's blog that someone's sprained an ankle. :(
Jun 22, 2012 3:43 AM
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1L:
Can Average Joes be in 2nd? They are missing the activity icons for CPs 11 & 19.
Jun 22, 2012 3:59 AM
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Bash:
Oh NO - re the sprained ankle. The blog says that someone is "going to pick them up". Maybe someone put a curse on our country after two Canadian teams finished in the top four at the last Untamed NE. :(
Jun 22, 2012 5:20 AM
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Bash:
Can Average Joes be in 2nd? They are missing the activity icons for CPs 11 & 19.
They're now listed as Unranked.
They're now listed as Unranked.
Jun 22, 2012 5:27 AM
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Bash:
From Race HQ at 5:48 p.m.
Team 5 (Kinetic) just came into CP19. They are raring to go on the mountain bike section. They want everyone at home to know, they are doing great! No injuries!
That's quite awhile ago but it seems unlikely that there would be *two* injury rumours about the same team. Hopefully they are just fine!
[Edit: It appears that times on the news flashes are 6 hours earlier than they happened. So this is recent news. Good!]
Team 5 (Kinetic) just came into CP19. They are raring to go on the mountain bike section. They want everyone at home to know, they are doing great! No injuries!
That's quite awhile ago but it seems unlikely that there would be *two* injury rumours about the same team. Hopefully they are just fine!
[Edit: It appears that times on the news flashes are 6 hours earlier than they happened. So this is recent news. Good!]
Jun 22, 2012 5:35 AM
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Bash:
From Race HQ at 1 a.m. (assuming a 6-hour time "change" on their posts)
Teams were credited for time spent waiting for the ropes course, a misplaced CP(7) and time waiting for rafts. These results are regardless of division; noted beside team. Since we are getting good access to the website, we'll try to integrate these values into the leaderboard shortly. I did this calculation offline and have the following unofficially mid-course results. Go teams go!
These times are at CP20, the start of the alpine trekking.
Place Team adjusted time
1 Thule 34 (P) 13:58,
2 Sole 13 (O) 15:18,
3 Pentathlon des Neiges 1 (P) 17:00,
4 DART 18 (P) 17:25,
5 Untamed NE 3 (P) 18:10,
6 Clinique du Pied Equilibre 14 (P) 18:25,
7 SOG 4 (P) 19:22,
8 Odyssey-Imonpoint.org 27 (P) 19:31,
9 Salomon Trail Test 2 (P) 20:38,
10 Gear Junkies/Yoga Slackers 21 (P) 20:44,
Teams were credited for time spent waiting for the ropes course, a misplaced CP(7) and time waiting for rafts. These results are regardless of division; noted beside team. Since we are getting good access to the website, we'll try to integrate these values into the leaderboard shortly. I did this calculation offline and have the following unofficially mid-course results. Go teams go!
These times are at CP20, the start of the alpine trekking.
Place Team adjusted time
1 Thule 34 (P) 13:58,
2 Sole 13 (O) 15:18,
3 Pentathlon des Neiges 1 (P) 17:00,
4 DART 18 (P) 17:25,
5 Untamed NE 3 (P) 18:10,
6 Clinique du Pied Equilibre 14 (P) 18:25,
7 SOG 4 (P) 19:22,
8 Odyssey-Imonpoint.org 27 (P) 19:31,
9 Salomon Trail Test 2 (P) 20:38,
10 Gear Junkies/Yoga Slackers 21 (P) 20:44,
Jun 22, 2012 5:47 AM
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Bash:
Btw, Clinique du Pied Equilibre didn't get much attention in the race predictions but they were 3rd at Wilderness Traverse in 2010 and for this race, they've recruited one of the fastest women in Canadian AR, Ursula Tracz. Looks like it's working!
Great work by APer JayXC on Team Untamed NE in 5th!
Great work by APer JayXC on Team Untamed NE in 5th!
Jun 22, 2012 9:59 AM
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There are some race videos here. I shot the start from the seaplane.
http://www.youtube.com/user/UntamedAdventure.
http://www.youtube.com/user/UntamedAdventure.
Jun 22, 2012 11:34 AM
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1L:
Bugs in Teeth is in the background of the Mad Athlete interview video: http://discov-ar.com/wordpress/gear-sponsor-madath... They are looking like they aren't slowing down!
Jun 22, 2012 2:00 PM
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Bash:
From Pete Dobos of Discov-AR on Facebook half an hour ago:
"Untamed New England 2012 is a wikkid-awesome course, and we've lucked out big-time with the weather. Actually, it's been a bit on the too hot and muggy side, but there's lots of water all over the course to fill up bottles or soak your head.
More updates to come on the Discov-AR FB page."
"Untamed New England 2012 is a wikkid-awesome course, and we've lucked out big-time with the weather. Actually, it's been a bit on the too hot and muggy side, but there's lots of water all over the course to fill up bottles or soak your head.
More updates to come on the Discov-AR FB page."
Jun 22, 2012 2:31 PM
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revy:
Clinique du Pied also recruited Todd Nowack who is super strong so not surprised that they are doing well with that lineup.
Jun 22, 2012 3:26 PM
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FB:
I had a a couple of sphincter clenching moments watching the zip line!!
In the one video the 'zipper' grabs the line in front of the 'zipping device' and I cringed at past memories of people getting fingers chewed up in 'flying fox' wheels, but then I realized they must be just using 'biners.... but still potentially painful.
Then I watched a guy launch himself and instictively grab the line in front of the 'zipping device'.... this time I could clearly see it was Paul Romero (who should know better) and that they are just using 'biners on the line. His face is priceless as he instictively grabs the line and consciously battles his instincts and keeps letting go of it to save his fingers.. classic!!
In the one video the 'zipper' grabs the line in front of the 'zipping device' and I cringed at past memories of people getting fingers chewed up in 'flying fox' wheels, but then I realized they must be just using 'biners.... but still potentially painful.
Then I watched a guy launch himself and instictively grab the line in front of the 'zipping device'.... this time I could clearly see it was Paul Romero (who should know better) and that they are just using 'biners on the line. His face is priceless as he instictively grabs the line and consciously battles his instincts and keeps letting go of it to save his fingers.. classic!!
Jun 22, 2012 3:44 PM
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Bash:
Just thought I'd try to pull together all the info sources into one comment.
Official live coverage site. There have been some issues with the website but there is still a lot of good info here - leaderboard, quick updates from Race HQ, SPOT tracking (although it doesn't seem to be working as well as usual), videos, etc. The folks at Race HQ have been doing their best to keep us informed, and when they had Internet issues, they started posting on Twitter as well.
Twitter for hashtag #UntamedAR. Includes updates from Race HQ plus other people involved in the race. (I'm logged into Twitter - not sure if this link will work for everyone?)
Blog for media team Discov-AR
Facebook page for Team Pentathlon des Neiges - Processia
Facebook page for MadAthlete.com
Videos from race videographer (and Attackpointer) Randy Ericksen
Anything I've missed?
Official live coverage site. There have been some issues with the website but there is still a lot of good info here - leaderboard, quick updates from Race HQ, SPOT tracking (although it doesn't seem to be working as well as usual), videos, etc. The folks at Race HQ have been doing their best to keep us informed, and when they had Internet issues, they started posting on Twitter as well.
Twitter for hashtag #UntamedAR. Includes updates from Race HQ plus other people involved in the race. (I'm logged into Twitter - not sure if this link will work for everyone?)
Blog for media team Discov-AR
Facebook page for Team Pentathlon des Neiges - Processia
Facebook page for MadAthlete.com
Videos from race videographer (and Attackpointer) Randy Ericksen
Anything I've missed?
Jun 22, 2012 3:49 PM
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Bash:
Update on the media team, Discov-AR. Clay Abney didn't start the race due to a stomach bug but planned to join them when he felt better. So far, that hasn't happened. Unfortunately Pete Dobos (LosDobos on AP) twisted his ankle quite badly yesterday so he's skipping the trek up Sugarloaf Mountain and hopes to rejoin the team later. Mike and Stefani are carrying on.
Jun 22, 2012 3:56 PM
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Bash:
My favourite race pic so far... Hardcore racer Benoit (Pentathlon des Neiges) getting a good luck cuddle at a TA from his son Maxime.
Jun 22, 2012 5:35 PM
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Bash:
I can't believe I didn't know this before but Vincent is married to Stephanie on Snowpants. No wonder he's such a terrific field guy for the team!
Jun 22, 2012 6:54 PM
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They are estimating Team Thule will cross the finish line at 8 pm this evening. I believe that will put them around 46 hours to complete the race. Very impressive.
Jun 22, 2012 6:59 PM
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Tico:
Dart Adventure-Racing just started the penultimate stage - a long lake paddle. They are ~1 hour out of 2nd place (Équipe de raid: Pentathlon Des Neiges - Processia) After this 29 mile paddle they have a 38 mile trek/packraft. Crunch time!! I think Paul Romero and Karen Lundgren are ahead of both teams, but they are only a duo and Pentathlon and Dart seem to be closing the gap.
Looks like AR a Decade Later is about 10 years back in the pack!! ha ha FB, sorry the old guys aren't representing! (I kid...I kid!!)
Looks like AR a Decade Later is about 10 years back in the pack!! ha ha FB, sorry the old guys aren't representing! (I kid...I kid!!)
Jun 22, 2012 7:23 PM
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Tico:
WAIT! Looks like Pentathlon just now checked into CP#30. DART was there about 1 hour ago. So DART is in 2nd with Pentathlon 1 hour behind in third. Their time credits are about equal.
Jun 22, 2012 7:29 PM
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Tico:
I am guessing top 5 is...
THULE
SOLE
DART
PENTATHLON
IMONPOINT
They could be the only teams to still be on the full course (which is interesting since I thought Grant made the race 4 days to allow for plenty more teams to finish the full course. I have asked Vincent to post times for all teams through CP#30 (start of 29 mile paddle)...
THULE
SOLE
DART
PENTATHLON
IMONPOINT
They could be the only teams to still be on the full course (which is interesting since I thought Grant made the race 4 days to allow for plenty more teams to finish the full course. I have asked Vincent to post times for all teams through CP#30 (start of 29 mile paddle)...
Jun 22, 2012 10:49 PM
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Tico:
It is very interesting that pictures are showing Mari Chandler and Aaron Rinn on their Turners on Day 1, but Day 3 pictures are showing both of them on Trek bikes. I wonder what happened? Mari's bike was making all kinds of squeaks on a Memorial Day ride we did together.
Jun 22, 2012 10:53 PM
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I read somewhere that a 'female teammate's bike broke and is on a shiny new red one'.
Jun 22, 2012 11:37 PM
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Bash:
From Race HQ Quick Updates:
"Have we mentioned that team 18 raced the last couple bike legs with a shiny red mountain bike? Their female's bike busted Wed morning!"
"Have we mentioned that team 18 raced the last couple bike legs with a shiny red mountain bike? Their female's bike busted Wed morning!"
Jun 23, 2012 3:01 AM
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Dart nuun lucked out and were able to rent some bikes. The shop is normally not open on Thursday. Clay never got rid of his bug and headed home to see the Dr. I spent the day getting my ass kicked by Stef and Mike on the trek. But we had fun.
Jun 23, 2012 1:46 PM
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Bash:
Thule crossed the finish line at 2:55 a.m. Now the race is on for 2nd place! Since Thule already has a free entry to the AR World Champs, 2nd place will likely get a very good prize.
Jun 23, 2012 1:49 PM
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Bash:
SPOT trackers aren't working well but it sounds like Snowpants recovered a lot of time in the final paddle/trek legs and is expected to arrive next in 2nd.
Jun 23, 2012 2:21 PM
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Bash:
Nope, Danish team Salomon Trail Tour moved up even more and just finished in 2nd place. The two teams were rumoured to be racing close together so there should be another finish shortly.
Jun 23, 2012 2:22 PM
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Bash:
Oops - forgot Snowpants has a 2:10 time credit compared to Salomon's 30 minute time credit, so they may still be in 2nd if the rumours on their position are true.
Jun 23, 2012 2:29 PM
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Bash:
For those who missed it, Team Kinetic is racing unranked after missing CP18. No injuries though, contrary to earlier reports. There were two Canadian teams with injured male teammates that day (Jason Cunningham on Mountain Hardware/Enigma and Pete Dobos on Discov-AR) which likely led to the confusion.
Jun 23, 2012 3:43 PM
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Tico:
DART gets second. Pentathlon gets 3rd.
@Untamed_Adv: Sitting down? With time credit team 18 (who just finished) 1 min ahead of Team 1 (who also just finished). 2nd & 3rd Premiere Div!!!!!
@Untamed_Adv: Sitting down? With time credit team 18 (who just finished) 1 min ahead of Team 1 (who also just finished). 2nd & 3rd Premiere Div!!!!!
Jun 23, 2012 4:07 PM
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Bash:
Although Team Snowpants is disappointed, they told organizers, "It was a race like the old days - major expedition style."
Jun 23, 2012 8:44 PM
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It really is too bad that there had to be a whole time credit thing but it sounded like a great race course.
Jun 24, 2012 2:01 AM
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So happy to hear that Pentathlon (I do love calling them Snowpants though :) and DART got spots for Worlds. Two very worthy teams that should be there to show what they can do. Bummer that time credits had to be used in the race, that makes things a little messy.
Anyway, congrats Pentathlon and DART (and Thule)!
Anyway, congrats Pentathlon and DART (and Thule)!
Jun 24, 2012 2:15 AM
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1L:
It's not totally clear from the website - is everyone in now? I'm guessing they are but the updates stopped a while ago. Anyone know for sure?
Jun 24, 2012 2:37 AM
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Bash:
I can't tell either, 1L.
Controversy! (As Phatty would say...)
"The fourth finishers (third place currently in the four team co-ed division) are Pentathlon Des Neiges whose finish time after credit adjustment is just after 9:00 with Salomon Trail Tour finishing about twenty minutes later. There is some controversy over the finish times for Pentathlon and Salomon, for which Salomon is considering submitting a written appeal. The possible appeal stems from a decision made by Pentathlon during the ropes course portion of the race. There was only space for two teams to complete the ropes course at a time. Thus, while teams were waiting to complete this, their wait time was considered “off the clock” and subtracted from their finish time. Pentathlon made a decision to allow teams to go ahead of them and complete the ropes instead of getting on the ropes course in the order in which they arrived. This gave them time “off the clock” to rest and eat. Is this strategy or a rule infraction? If Salomon does submit a written appeal to argue this point, an independent judging panel that does not include the race director and was selected before the race began, will make a decision regarding how best to handle this situation. As things currently stand in the 4 person co-ed division, however, First place goes to Thule, DART Nuun is second, Pentathalon third and Salomon fourth. Regardless of time adjustments, credits, appeals or strategy, all five finishing teams deserve a great deal on congratulations on completing a difficult course with grace."
Controversy! (As Phatty would say...)
"The fourth finishers (third place currently in the four team co-ed division) are Pentathlon Des Neiges whose finish time after credit adjustment is just after 9:00 with Salomon Trail Tour finishing about twenty minutes later. There is some controversy over the finish times for Pentathlon and Salomon, for which Salomon is considering submitting a written appeal. The possible appeal stems from a decision made by Pentathlon during the ropes course portion of the race. There was only space for two teams to complete the ropes course at a time. Thus, while teams were waiting to complete this, their wait time was considered “off the clock” and subtracted from their finish time. Pentathlon made a decision to allow teams to go ahead of them and complete the ropes instead of getting on the ropes course in the order in which they arrived. This gave them time “off the clock” to rest and eat. Is this strategy or a rule infraction? If Salomon does submit a written appeal to argue this point, an independent judging panel that does not include the race director and was selected before the race began, will make a decision regarding how best to handle this situation. As things currently stand in the 4 person co-ed division, however, First place goes to Thule, DART Nuun is second, Pentathalon third and Salomon fourth. Regardless of time adjustments, credits, appeals or strategy, all five finishing teams deserve a great deal on congratulations on completing a difficult course with grace."
Jun 24, 2012 12:39 PM
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1L:
A bunch of teams came in last night. I'm thinking no one is left on the course now.
I've got to say I'm blown away by the photography. Capturing people isn't easy. Capturing people in action is even harder. Andreas Strand is blowing my mind with his compositions, lighting and postwork.
I've got to say I'm blown away by the photography. Capturing people isn't easy. Capturing people in action is even harder. Andreas Strand is blowing my mind with his compositions, lighting and postwork.
Jun 24, 2012 1:14 PM
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1L:
Correction - I think two teams might still be on the course. Average Joes (52) and Team Untamed Adventure (32). They were last reported on around 2am this morning.
Jun 24, 2012 7:42 PM
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Bash:
The protest didn't come into play - unfortunately.
"After further passport inspection, we realized that Team 1 got a CP out of order. The top three qualifying teams from Untamed NE 2012 are:
Thule Adventure Team
DART nuun SportMulti
Salomon Trail Tour"
"After further passport inspection, we realized that Team 1 got a CP out of order. The top three qualifying teams from Untamed NE 2012 are:
Thule Adventure Team
DART nuun SportMulti
Salomon Trail Tour"
Jun 24, 2012 10:02 PM
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revy:
Interesting question about whether that was strategy or a rule infraction by Pentathlon. I'd imagine there is no rule that covers the scenario so it likely can't be an official infraction however it seems like it does go against the spirit of the race ( if it did in fact happen).
Of course the simplest solution to avoid this sort of controversy would be for race organisers to get rid of ropes sections from races. Does anyone think that people wouldn't sign up if there was no ropes section? If there is no other way to get from Pt A to Pt B then great have a ropes section but otherwise they usually seem contrived and often lead to bottlenecks.
Of course the simplest solution to avoid this sort of controversy would be for race organisers to get rid of ropes sections from races. Does anyone think that people wouldn't sign up if there was no ropes section? If there is no other way to get from Pt A to Pt B then great have a ropes section but otherwise they usually seem contrived and often lead to bottlenecks.
Jun 24, 2012 10:38 PM
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Just saw about the change in standings and I'm really gutted for PentathlondesNeiges. They've been training so hard for this and have been consistently at the top of the Canadian AR scene for years. Tough way to finish what seemed like another strong performance in the field. They'll be back at the top for Wilderness Traverse and will definitely be a force in France later this summer.
Jun 24, 2012 10:56 PM
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Bash:
Absolutely! I really hope they will still go to Worlds - they deserve to be there. There are a lot of good teams who would love to take them down at Wilderness Traverse so we know they're going to keep training just as hard as they have been! :)
Jun 24, 2012 11:58 PM
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...and I'd like to second 1L's comments on the race photography. So good!
Jun 25, 2012 3:16 AM
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Ditto on Revy's comment re: ropes sections: only if they serve a purpose, otherwise they are an unnecessary way to potentially mess up the flow of a race.
So sorry to hear that about Pentathlon. I really hope they find a way to get to Worlds, they should be there.
So sorry to hear that about Pentathlon. I really hope they find a way to get to Worlds, they should be there.
Jun 25, 2012 4:05 AM
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1L:
Maybe another option would be to offer route choice for the ropes so not all teams are going to the same point for ropes. Frankly I haven't done a multi-day race nor have I done a course with real ropes so this might be a foolish suggestion.
Jun 25, 2012 12:06 PM
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Bash:
Getawaystix explored the ropes question when Wilderness Traverse was getting started a few years ago. The experienced racers we asked said the same thing as Revy and Carbon's Offset, which was also how we felt. We didn't ask newbies but I'd guess that some would find ropes exciting, and it might draw them to an event. Others may be afraid of ropes or concerned about investing training time or gear money. Experienced racers commented on line-ups, extra mandatory gear to carry, and a feeling of disruption to the flow of their wilderness journey.
On the flip side, ropes sections can make for great photo and video opportunities and provide good PR for the sport. And sometimes there is some natural feature in the race area that just *begs* to be explored with ropes!
On the flip side, ropes sections can make for great photo and video opportunities and provide good PR for the sport. And sometimes there is some natural feature in the race area that just *begs* to be explored with ropes!
Jun 25, 2012 2:34 PM
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Vincent here, Pentathlon des neiges - Processia secret guy who followed them last week and husband to Stephanie, the "mandatory fast girl" in the team. I was there all week close to the team and I must say that the course was the not the best from Grant. Ropes were too early in the course, not that fun and not safe according to what I saw. As for the contreversy, I can't comment.
Thanks for your support to the team. They will be at Wilderness Traverse to defend their title and to bounce back after this deception.
As for the 2012 world championship, they are already registered and will be there to finish in the top 8.
Thanks for your support to the team. They will be at Wilderness Traverse to defend their title and to bounce back after this deception.
As for the 2012 world championship, they are already registered and will be there to finish in the top 8.
Jun 25, 2012 3:34 PM
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AR+:
Getting a CP in order is clearly stated in the race booklet, very clearly. If they did it, they did that knowingly.
Ropes in AR are difficult no matter how you shake it; too early teams wait. Too late, no one gets on them and everyone complains.
Does everyone realize Grant, everyone helping, everyone at HQ are all volunteers? No drawn salary at all from anyone, no compensation at all. Seriously....
Ropes in AR are difficult no matter how you shake it; too early teams wait. Too late, no one gets on them and everyone complains.
Does everyone realize Grant, everyone helping, everyone at HQ are all volunteers? No drawn salary at all from anyone, no compensation at all. Seriously....
Jun 26, 2012 3:48 AM
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Yep, definitely nothing but praise for all race directors and volunteers, always! I definitely didn't mean for my critical feedback re: ropes challenges to be taken as a criticism of anyone's great work to put on races.
Jun 26, 2012 5:33 AM
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I was at the ropes course and the vast majority had a great time.The race philosophy was to make sure the most "interesting" sections were first. What seemed to happen is teams took the course for granted (no pun) and then it bit them by getting way hard. Personally I think it was a good time for the ropes. The racers weren't to tired, they knew from the start that they would be of the clock. It is to bad the thunder and lightning prevented the ast half of the field from doing the ropes. Here is a quick view of the traverse. http://youtu.be/q4Qwd0ye6mc
Jun 26, 2012 11:00 AM
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That was the most I've ever thrown up on a race course, I guess that's cool. I found the race to exceptionally entertaining, so glad I had the chance to do it!
Jun 26, 2012 2:56 PM
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What a fantastic course and awesome introduction to Expedition racing for me. I ran into O9MAN about 3 hours from the finish and can say seeing his teams "drunk" condition was probably in my top 5 moments of the race.
Jun 26, 2012 3:02 PM
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simpy you are a sick, sick man, if that's one of your top highlights. :-D
Awesome race to you and everyone.
And Bash et alt for keeping us in the loop.
Awesome race to you and everyone.
And Bash et alt for keeping us in the loop.
Jun 26, 2012 3:51 PM
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"Drunk" is a good word for it... delirious even. I'm glad it served to entertain if nothing else. I can only remember a few snippets from that ride, but I did end up with you guys a few times thinking you were my team. That was kind of funny to look over and wonder when NSAR changed his clothes, bike, gear, and gender.
Jun 26, 2012 4:26 PM
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NSAR:
It was indeed nice to hook up with another team for some riding near the end.....nice meeting you all, great job!
Jun 26, 2012 5:34 PM
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Agreed. It was fun to close out the race with another crew, and enjoyable to be part of your sleep monsters. :)
Jun 26, 2012 7:36 PM
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"They will be at Wilderness Traverse to defend their title and to bounce back after this deception." - Clarification: "Déception" in french means dissapointment. This may have been lost in translation.
Jun 26, 2012 7:57 PM
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WOW...fun to read the thread after the fact. I am typically a silent beneficiary of the information exchange when I am not racing and always like to look after I have raced.
Looks like ARRaces wins the grand prize of a swift kick in the pants for 1-2 predictions, Ryan next time I see you I will pay that out. Maybe in beers instead, for the support ;-)
Some first hand and racer insight to add clarity or muddy the waters...
For us, Mari broke her bike frame early in the first bike, this was due to a Gratuitious jinx. It happened right after we speant 1 hour looking for CP7, which happen to be ~0.5-1K further down the trail then mapped. Mattgyver removed mari's extra bottle cage and used it as a pipe clamp while I wittled a perfect seat tube stabalizer with my 1" locking blade. Aaron and Matt are both engineers and have devised a (patent pending) technique for snapped seat tube repair including my seat tube stabalizer, pipe clamp, aluminum pieces pounded into shape with rock and small sticks. You'll see the informercial later.
After many tweaks and perfection of Mari's frame fix in route to the ropes, Aaron rode his bike off of a small drop and landed on his seat, popped the weld off of the seat tube from the drive train. 2nd broken frame in one AR section, insane. Small disclaimer, not worth blaming bikes, Mari's bike has more miles on it than you can shake a stick at and the 2nd frame brake was rider error.
After that we decided if we were able to finish the race it would be a success. We raced with zero pressure through the rest of the bike and the big packraft trek before we found a bike shop at the TA to the Bike O. No mistakes and fun racing led us back to the front pack. We started the big paddle in 2nd place with Sole right behind us...amazing.
Mid way through the paddle you cross paths with the earlier route from the CP13 (Pancake paradise) to CP 14 (CP of big interest to spongebobsnowpants) and you are ~400-500 meters from CP 14. Begin heresay and mosaic theory from other racers data...WWBD decided CP14 was not there on the first pass in the night on pack rafts but as the race progressed and he talked to other teams he learned that everyone got it. On the kayak pass in route to CP 25 (?) they dipped in and picked it up. Crafty. Would like better info or to be myth busted if others have it...VFraser?
Back to racing...Basically all of us (Sole, Danes, Pentathlon,DART) ended up at the Hut at CP34 (packraft to the finish) together, we decided to sleep for 25 minutes while everyone pushed off. We bumped into Pentathlon at the 2nd to last CP on the packraft and an intensity rich chess match between Pentathlon and DART broke out all the way to the finish...really do I have to run after 3 days of racing? It was an awesome way to finish the race and I appreciate pentathlons drive to compete. We crossed the line ~1minute ahead and enjoyed the battle.
Awesome course, good navigation and route choices, props to Grant and all the racers. Looking forward to France.
Looks like ARRaces wins the grand prize of a swift kick in the pants for 1-2 predictions, Ryan next time I see you I will pay that out. Maybe in beers instead, for the support ;-)
Some first hand and racer insight to add clarity or muddy the waters...
For us, Mari broke her bike frame early in the first bike, this was due to a Gratuitious jinx. It happened right after we speant 1 hour looking for CP7, which happen to be ~0.5-1K further down the trail then mapped. Mattgyver removed mari's extra bottle cage and used it as a pipe clamp while I wittled a perfect seat tube stabalizer with my 1" locking blade. Aaron and Matt are both engineers and have devised a (patent pending) technique for snapped seat tube repair including my seat tube stabalizer, pipe clamp, aluminum pieces pounded into shape with rock and small sticks. You'll see the informercial later.
After many tweaks and perfection of Mari's frame fix in route to the ropes, Aaron rode his bike off of a small drop and landed on his seat, popped the weld off of the seat tube from the drive train. 2nd broken frame in one AR section, insane. Small disclaimer, not worth blaming bikes, Mari's bike has more miles on it than you can shake a stick at and the 2nd frame brake was rider error.
After that we decided if we were able to finish the race it would be a success. We raced with zero pressure through the rest of the bike and the big packraft trek before we found a bike shop at the TA to the Bike O. No mistakes and fun racing led us back to the front pack. We started the big paddle in 2nd place with Sole right behind us...amazing.
Mid way through the paddle you cross paths with the earlier route from the CP13 (Pancake paradise) to CP 14 (CP of big interest to spongebobsnowpants) and you are ~400-500 meters from CP 14. Begin heresay and mosaic theory from other racers data...WWBD decided CP14 was not there on the first pass in the night on pack rafts but as the race progressed and he talked to other teams he learned that everyone got it. On the kayak pass in route to CP 25 (?) they dipped in and picked it up. Crafty. Would like better info or to be myth busted if others have it...VFraser?
Back to racing...Basically all of us (Sole, Danes, Pentathlon,DART) ended up at the Hut at CP34 (packraft to the finish) together, we decided to sleep for 25 minutes while everyone pushed off. We bumped into Pentathlon at the 2nd to last CP on the packraft and an intensity rich chess match between Pentathlon and DART broke out all the way to the finish...really do I have to run after 3 days of racing? It was an awesome way to finish the race and I appreciate pentathlons drive to compete. We crossed the line ~1minute ahead and enjoyed the battle.
Awesome course, good navigation and route choices, props to Grant and all the racers. Looking forward to France.
Jun 26, 2012 9:51 PM
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Thanks for the extra details RVG. You guys had a great race! Congrats.
Jun 26, 2012 10:41 PM
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Thanks for sharing DARTvg! 1 minute difference is amazing after all that time and it seems like there have been quite a few close finishes in big races recently.
Jun 27, 2012 1:08 PM
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Finally home and somewhat coherent, the Wife and I volunteered instead of entering this year as we wanted to get a feel for what goes on in an expedition race before entering. They had us at 2 CP's - #4 which was the transition from the Canoe to the White Water Rafting, and here most of the teams were within 4hrs of each other. I think team Sole was the first one through followed by Thule (if I remember correctly).
From there we then travelled to CP 22 which was on the west face of Burnt Hill Mtn, just before the big climb up Sugar Loaf Mtn.
I can only imagine how hard it is to approximate how long it would take teams to arrive. We were told to arrive at CP 22 for Thurs at 7:00a but had a 2hr hike up the Mtn to get to said CP, so instead of doing it stupid early we decided to go up Wed night and got there at midnight.
CP22 was just above the treeline so the highest tree was a shrub at 1' tall, bare black rock everywhere! winds from the tropics and mutant blackflies from Hades! oh - and no shade from the sun. We were told after the fact that it was 90F the days were were up there!
Anyway, to help with some of the thoughts and what seemed to be lack of updates mentioned above. Sat phones work like shit, we had a hard time communicating with them they would drop signals or just be hard to hear and get clear conversations. Cell phones wre equally sporadic in that area I think due to the mountains as was internet service.
I know in HQ if more than 2 people were online it would bogg down the system and at the other end where most of the media were hanging out and doing the online updates same thing, once a feel people got online it would either shut the system down of slow it down so much it may as well have been shut down.
Now... back to CP22 - amazing!! Thule arrived 9hrs later than predicted (5:30pm) to our CP and the following top 10 teams were within 12hrs of that. Team Penta... came in at 11:00p. and to see the different strageties and thought processes of the teams was really interesting.
CP21 was at a mtn stream on the east side of Burnt Mtn, but the stream dried up, so teams planning on filling there were out of luck. When they arrived at us quite a few teams were dying for water having now been out for an hour or so and having another 3-4hrs of alpine trekking to go. Knowing what was ahead no water and lots of bush and climbing (but not saying anything). From where we were water was exactly 9 minutes down the trail which we told every team to be fair and that was all we said. Some took this info and used it, some did not.
Thule took the trail, Penta being clearly out of water for the past hour and now in darkness decided to bushwack across to CP23 without water. To hear Benoit make the decision and take off was crazy! Nope, no water, let's go! and they were gone just like that! but to watch their lights bounce along and then go smoking up the mtn on the other side of the valley was incredible!
All told Christine and I figured over the 7 days that we were there we got maybe 20hrs sleep!
I got a ton of pictures, but am still sorting through them, once I finish (hopefully tonight or tomorrow) I'll post a link to my smugmug account.
D
From there we then travelled to CP 22 which was on the west face of Burnt Hill Mtn, just before the big climb up Sugar Loaf Mtn.
I can only imagine how hard it is to approximate how long it would take teams to arrive. We were told to arrive at CP 22 for Thurs at 7:00a but had a 2hr hike up the Mtn to get to said CP, so instead of doing it stupid early we decided to go up Wed night and got there at midnight.
CP22 was just above the treeline so the highest tree was a shrub at 1' tall, bare black rock everywhere! winds from the tropics and mutant blackflies from Hades! oh - and no shade from the sun. We were told after the fact that it was 90F the days were were up there!
Anyway, to help with some of the thoughts and what seemed to be lack of updates mentioned above. Sat phones work like shit, we had a hard time communicating with them they would drop signals or just be hard to hear and get clear conversations. Cell phones wre equally sporadic in that area I think due to the mountains as was internet service.
I know in HQ if more than 2 people were online it would bogg down the system and at the other end where most of the media were hanging out and doing the online updates same thing, once a feel people got online it would either shut the system down of slow it down so much it may as well have been shut down.
Now... back to CP22 - amazing!! Thule arrived 9hrs later than predicted (5:30pm) to our CP and the following top 10 teams were within 12hrs of that. Team Penta... came in at 11:00p. and to see the different strageties and thought processes of the teams was really interesting.
CP21 was at a mtn stream on the east side of Burnt Mtn, but the stream dried up, so teams planning on filling there were out of luck. When they arrived at us quite a few teams were dying for water having now been out for an hour or so and having another 3-4hrs of alpine trekking to go. Knowing what was ahead no water and lots of bush and climbing (but not saying anything). From where we were water was exactly 9 minutes down the trail which we told every team to be fair and that was all we said. Some took this info and used it, some did not.
Thule took the trail, Penta being clearly out of water for the past hour and now in darkness decided to bushwack across to CP23 without water. To hear Benoit make the decision and take off was crazy! Nope, no water, let's go! and they were gone just like that! but to watch their lights bounce along and then go smoking up the mtn on the other side of the valley was incredible!
All told Christine and I figured over the 7 days that we were there we got maybe 20hrs sleep!
I got a ton of pictures, but am still sorting through them, once I finish (hopefully tonight or tomorrow) I'll post a link to my smugmug account.
D
Jun 27, 2012 2:16 PM
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Agreed! We slept for a few hours just before 21 as we were having trouble seeing the blazes, but had I known about the cool location of 22, it would have been fun to bunk down there instead! Definitely a race highlight.
Jun 27, 2012 2:16 PM
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09Man, what team were you on?, I might have pictures of you? or did you come up after we had left?
Jun 27, 2012 2:29 PM
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NSAR:
09Man and I were on Team Natural Selection AR - Trail Shop, the mountain was deserted when we made our climb, save for a few teams. Great climb, very cool spot, we arrived at the summit just after dark and had an awesome view and a nice cool breeze to boot.
Jun 27, 2012 4:41 PM
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sounds familiar, I'll check tonight. I have pictures of teams cresting the peak, and coming down that rock face (from CP21). I think I do have pictures of you guys coming into CP4 for sure.
Jun 27, 2012 4:42 PM
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you have any of us? not many of us on the website. ( Not that i am surprised )
Jun 28, 2012 2:43 AM
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09Man - holy, I have 23, 22, 21, 35, 55, 56, 15 even, but no 25 :(... sorry...
Jun 28, 2012 9:54 AM
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Thanks anyway! Truly, we are anti-photogenic so you probably just put the camera away.
And a million thanks for helping. That kind of a race doesn't happen without help from good people like you! I'm afraid I didn't have enough faculties at most CPs / TAs to give a proper thanks to those who were there. From the bottom of our hearts, THANKS!
And a million thanks for helping. That kind of a race doesn't happen without help from good people like you! I'm afraid I didn't have enough faculties at most CPs / TAs to give a proper thanks to those who were there. From the bottom of our hearts, THANKS!
Jun 28, 2012 10:57 AM
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Team #11 - bunch of slackers, never saw them on course, I think they did something fishy!!! haha!!!
09Man - we had a blast, and honestly I'm having a hard time deciding on volunteering for the next one or participating. We both really did learn a lot watching all the different teams make different decisions up at #22.
Here's a link to the slideshow of some of our pictures - I chose the better ones. If anyone sees one of them that they like let me know and I can send you a high res version. I shot in RAW so they are all approx 12mb each.
http://osteo.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumI...
D
09Man - we had a blast, and honestly I'm having a hard time deciding on volunteering for the next one or participating. We both really did learn a lot watching all the different teams make different decisions up at #22.
Here's a link to the slideshow of some of our pictures - I chose the better ones. If anyone sees one of them that they like let me know and I can send you a high res version. I shot in RAW so they are all approx 12mb each.
http://osteo.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumI...
D
Jun 29, 2012 5:58 PM
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Nice pics osteo! Thanks for sharing...that nap at the finish line that you captured of our team under the nemo tent is very memorable. Good perspective from CP 22 as well, since we were there at night it was nice to see in your shots. Glad we took the trail down.
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