Discussion: Don't look now...

...but it looks like there's going to be a return of classic Possum Trot weather for this coming weekend's Trot after a few years of weather more appropriate for Cancun, the Keys, or the Riviera.

Hard bitten veterans will welcome the change. But first timers should be prepared for tough conditions and understand that it will be even worse. Very steep hills, muzzle loading deer/orienteer hunters, osage orange, the fierce Buckley-Frei Death Match, and cold and snow will combine to make this potentially the most difficult Possum Trot ever, and even now the Possum Trot officials are rumored to be upgrading the waiver all competitors will have to sign to reflect the extra deadly conditions this year. Here is a sample of some of the actual waiver language you can expect to see: "... and I agree that I understand that I could be shot, et (sic), spiked by the osage orange, froze so hard the county coroner will find ice in my liver, or that Eric Buckley could mistake me for David Frei and come after me, and that I choose to participate even though my demise becomes not an isolated possibility but a high probability event, and I also agree that I will not whine, complain, or file lawsuit in the unfortunate event I should finish second and receive the traditional 2nd place can of Creamed Possum..."

It goes on for a while.

Rookies, flee while there is still time! You could even vacation in Texas instead, and for once think it was a good choice! ; )

Except that the Texans, without flinching for a moment at that waiver, are coming to the P Trot. We can dress for the cold, while shootings and pointy plants are typical C meet hazards and will just make us feel at home. So vacation in TX if you want, but you'll be lonely and feel like a slitherin' belly slidin' snake for skipping the P Trot.

OK - excuse for asking, but what exactly is the upside to attending this Possum Trot. Win or no, it seems to be a somewhat dismal proposition.

We should turn to George Mallory for the answer. He is frequently misquoted, but he once said something this:

"The first question which you will ask and which I must try to answer is this, 'What is the use of running the Trot?' and my answer must at once be, 'It is no use'. There is not the slightest prospect of any gain whatsoever. Oh, we may learn a little about the behavior of the human body in cold temperatures, and possibly medical men may turn our observation to some account for the purposes of cryogenics. But otherwise nothing will come of it. We shall not bring back a single bit of gold or silver, not a gem, nor any coal or iron. We shall not find a single foot of earth that can be planted with crops to raise food. It's no use."

Of course, he also said, "Because it's there."

And, of course, he also died trying.

Well, OK - that sounds valid. But, let's be careful out there. While osage orange are arguably deadlier than many deer/orienteer hunters, they both are a threat.

I'm pretty sure it was an Osage Orange at Fair Hill that has the death match looking pretty one-sided (although I certainly gave Mr. Frei a scare last weekend). Of course, rookies have less to worry about on that score than the waiver would indicate. Unless you are the only other person on earth that thinks that bright green pants go with a Blue and Yellow top, I'll not likely confuse you.

And I'll throw a bone to any rookies who haven't packed yet. On David's right hand you will see the secret weapon of the Buckley-Frei death match. Motorcycle gloves! David does the Micheal Jackson thing and only wears one whereas I prefer full armor. Much easier to get through the thorns when you can grab them with impunity.

I myself dont like to bulk up to go through the thorns when I am trying to get the fastest time I would rather go through the thorns and keep up my speed rather than bulk up and pick my way through the thorns, yea Im pretty cut up at the end but at least I have a first place medal around my neck.

The gloves weigh maybe 100 grams each - I don't think that's slowing me down any.