Training Log Archive: syd

Maps were handed out the night before the race. Didn't have to do much planning, just plotted the 2 bike CPs and highlighted the route to the Palisades. O maps would be picked up during the race, one for Camp Benson and one for the Palisades.

Morning temps were in the low 30's, a bit on the chilly side. Race started with a mass rush from the start flag to Fort Benson to pick up the Camp Benson o-map. There were 3 rogaine style points we had to hit first before heading out on our bikes. Jogged around the camp and snagged all 3 in ~30 min. It was fun seeing everyone dash around and it did a nice job of spreading everyone out.

Hopped on our bikes and headed over to the Palisades, picking up one CP on the way. This bike section went pretty well, made it up the hills without too much trouble. And no one passed us!

Picked up the Palisades o-map when we arrived at the park. It was point to point with 4 bonus CPs. The mother controls were marked and at each was a map showing the location of the bonus. You could choose to get as many bonus points as desired, but if you didn't clear the mandatory CPs, then the bonus ones didn't count. I navigated this whole section and it went really well. Nailed every CP :) All of the bonus CPs were basically out and backs, so we saw Rib Mtn Racing on the way to all the bonus'. They held about a 10 min lead through the whole o course.

After we finished there was a bonus bike CP to plot at the TA. It added a fair amount of distance on the bike back, but we had plenty of time, so we went for it. The bike back was rough. The wind had picked up and it seemed like we were either biking uphill or into the wind, or both. BF was having more trouble then I was, so we swapped packs about half way back - I had just been carrying a small pack with water - and that seemed to help. Again, no one passed us on the bike! Pretty excited about that.

The last part of the race was a ropes course at Camp Benson. It included an ascent, a rappel and a zip line, which you had to complete in that order. We got to the ascent just after 3 solos, who had teamed up and were racing together. There were only 3 ropes, they took all of them and they ascended at a crawl... At this point it didn't matter, our place was locked in and we had time to spare, it was just frustrating. It didn't feel like we were racing anymore. Chatted with Rib Mtn Racing while we were waiting, they were rappeling just as we arrived. A rope finally opened up and BF headed up first. He zoomed right up and then it was my turn. I ascended quickly, but then had to wait to rappel. Probably lost about 20 min waiting, didn't change our position at all, only our finish time. And I really shouldn't complain, at least we got to do all the ropes. We arrived just before the crowd, by the time I rappeled down there was a huge line at the ascent.

Final CP was the zip line, which was really quick and then a slow jog back to the finish. I think we ended up crossing the river 4-5 times on this section, but it had warmed up to mid-60s, so it wasn't bad.

We cleared the course. Ended up finishing 4th overall and 1st place 2 person co-ed. Really happy with the navigation, now we need to build our fitness so we can run more... Used a map board for the first time on the bike, new favorite piece of gear! Overall, had a lot of fun. Great introduction to using ropes in AR.

Practice O course around the Palisades. We took it easy, wanted to get a feel for the terrain while saving our legs for the race. They had set 20 controls and we ended up hitting 13. It was chilly, just above freezing, and ridiculously windy, ~30 mph winds. Heard a tree fall at one point, which was a little scary. Took some pictures with the flags since we don't really have any. BF definitely has the better scenery in his, there were a lot of neat rock outcroppings scattered throughout the park.

Ropes practice at the Lightning Strikes camp. Learned how to rappel and ascend (L top/R sling), both went really well. They also set up a tyrolean traverse, so we tried that out. BF flew across, I was quite a bit slower. I think he had gravity working in his favor for the first half... There was also a big zip line which was pretty fun. And finally they had a few climbing routes set up, so we played around on those for a little while. It was fun, would be more fun if the rocks weren't quite so cold. An excellent introduction to ropes for AR.

Event: Lightning Strikes Adventure Camp and Race
 

Out and back down Green. Definitely feeling better, but still not 100%.

Wanted to test out the new bike rack before driving all the way to IL, and get used to riding with a map board. Parked behind JCP and did the blue and yellow loops at Island Lake. I am fighting a cold, so I was half asleep for most of the ride. The map board was great, didn't impede my vision at all.