Training Log Archive: JayXC

Looking at the maps there was 2 options. Paddle the packrafts in the swampy looking slow moving head waters of the Dead River or to hike in on the trail we had ridden along earlier. We chose the hike option as the river looked to meander around quite a bit. We arrived at the Grand Falls Hut at sunrise, plotted the points for the Packraft-O down the Dead River and then dressed for being wet for the next 9 hours.

Somewhat amazed that we plotted the points correctly as I was falling asleep while reading the numbers to Dave. I’d get the first 4 digits read out loud, he’d identify their location and I’d be asleep when he was ready for the next digits…

C • Bad scale 1

Heading into this I thought we’d be cold the entire time but once in the valley the air was significantly warmer and the water release (around 1800 cfs) appeared to be off the top of the reservoir as it was quite warm and the sun was out. We could have planned this portion any better if we tried. A, there was water flowing so we didn’t have to hike it, B we could see it in the daylight and C, it was warm. The next 5-6 hours were a complete blast boulder-hopping down the river with the rafts through endless class II rapids. The rafts handled the water and rocks particularly well with the exception that they would fill up kind of quick and we probably stopped along the edge to dump them out 15-20 times.
Eventually the rapids tapered off as we approached the Dead/Kennebec confluence where we picked up a number of CP’s before taking out and packing up the rafts. From there we climbed up some muddy dirt roads for 2 more points and then descended to Northern Outdoors for the finish line ending up 5th overall, 4th Co-ed Pro team.

Overall, I loved the course, especially all of the paddling. I forgot how rugged the ME mtn biking could be. Thanks to Grant, his family and all of the volunteers!

Intended to take a nap for 1.5 hours and set alarm for 5:30pm. Awoke at 9 pm when the neighbors were arriving and I had my turned-off alarm in my hand.
Ok, dinner at 9pm instead.