Discussion: Racing in Ecuador 2011

I'm working to get my team together for Huairasinchi 2011 (http://www.elretoecuador.com/mushoq/huairaSinchiIn...) in Ecuador. I've done the Patagonia race a few years back, and that's a brutal/savage race that is too much for me to commit to with a new baby on the way next month . . . but I know the 3 days in Ecuador is a reasonable commitment for me between now and Feb.

I'm writing for two main reasons: I think it'd be great to have some other teams come down to do the race, sort of like a social race opportunity of sorts. The more the merrier!

The other point is for tips from the [Ontario, can you hear me?] teams that went down for the 2010 edition -- any suggestions for altitude acclimatization, the race provided support package, or getting gear to/from the country?

Can't offer any words of wisdom but I've been thinking about this one too. Any Ontarians interested in putting a team together? E-mail me!

Team Adventure World is looking hard at going.
I have been in touch with Santiago about filming.
I have the thought that the North American teams could go early for acclimation and "sightseeing " for a video.

Great idea Randy! I've been in touch with Santiago, the race organizer, and he thinks spending a couple days prior to the race in Quito is a good move to get used to the altitude.

Going to elevation is tricky. You either have to fly in,race or wait 4 days. The third day is the worst.

Maybe I am missing it.....what are the race fees for this one?

Sorry Grant, just noticed this blog.

So here are my thoughts on the race in Ecuador (Our team raced in 2010).

1. You can't beat this race for value. The race organizers are top notch and really help to make it easy for international teams to come and do the race. Every team last year had at least 2 support people provided by the race who knew the area and were a great help to the teams to get them to the race site and to support them during the race. The support teams get just as pumped as the racers do for the race. Also you'll feel like a rock star down there. I've never seen so many reporters and camera's, etc before a race. I'm not sure what the price of the race is now, but last year was $1000 USD and that got you a 3 day race, full support crew and vehicle, 3 days stay in a hostile and transport from and to the airport.

2. The experience is amazing. This was our first international race and the whole experience for us was just second to none. At one point we hiked into a small town that had something like 20 huts, no electricity and not a single car, but the view in every direction was something I'd never seen. I loved Ecuador so much that in fact I'm going to go back in October for a vacation so I can show it to my wife. If you can get past the fact that the mountains and elevation are beating your down then the location just leaves you soo inspired.

3. You need to find a solution to overcome the elevation if you want to be competitive. We went down a few days in advance (flew in on a Tuesday with the race starting on a Friday) and it wasn't enough time. When we hit the first hill it was like we were standing still and everyone else was going much faster (and I mean everyone). By the third day of the race we finally felt comfortable on the course, but the elevation really took a lot out of us. I'd highly suggest you go down 4 days in advance, but also you look into if you can do altitude training before you go. Either by going to a sports center, or I found something like this after the trip that I thought might help (http://www.altipower.com). On our team we were affected differently, but at least 2 of us were pretty dizzy and tired when we got up around 13000 ft.

That said we all said we'd go back and do this race again, we just needed to figure out how to adjust to the face better next time.

As for gear we brought everything down with us except the phone. We just brought down a phone that had been cracked and bought a new sim card for it, cost us something like $20.

We also bought most of our real food down there and brought with us sports food (gels, bars) etc as those were a lot harder to find. Our support crew supplied the tents and camping gear (I think most support crews were able to do this) so the gear we brought was mainly just race gear, cloths and bikes.

I hope this helps answer any questions. Let me know if you have more.

Cheers

Thanks Tim -- this is exactly what I was looking for!

Grant, any news on the baby yet?
Just reporting on the science of altitude. Either ya need to show up 2 wks in advance or show up at most 2 days early. Since 2 days is the only option likely, see if any teammates have access to some elevation within 2 wks before race. IHT thru altipower is controversial as some studies show no benefit. However, it seems some individuals respond. Sleeping in an altitude tent at approximate 9000' for a min of 2 wks will help the most but is a pain. Will lose a few nights rest which can be detrimental on marriage and training. You can rent one, and I'd recommend that. It can increase performance slightly at altitude. Probably won't help you find cp's though... Rent Either thru hypoxico or Colorado altitude. I also rent mine. Another option is to take diamox for 2-3 days before hand. 250 mg twice/day. This will help decrease some of the "awful" feeling and headaches some folks feel at altitude.
Good luck! Sounds awesome!

Thanks Bill -- and thanks for your note the other day, the dust is clearing on a lot of fronts before I can respond in detail. Killian 2.0 release is set for 4 weeks from now (but Jill would prefer 2 or 3 weeks!).

With the Alps as my backyard, I may be able to do a "hardship" week someplace like Mürren (http://www.muerren.ch/gallery/pictures/luftbildb.j...) or Pontresina, but those are only between 5k and 6k up. I'll look into diamox, too.

It's tough to go too crazy with this because we're not going to Ecuador looking to win the race, just to make the most of the experience and challenge ourselves in another exotic part of the world.

Another question for Tiny (Tim Grant) or one of the others from last year: what temperatures should we pack for? Race photos from 2010 look everything from cold/windswept to tropical. Any insights?

Our experience was around 20-25 degrees C. Up higher we hit some patches of really damp air with the clouds that was cool in the evenings, but never really cold. I think the whole team raced the whole race in just tights and a long sleeve. We only put on our jackets once on a long down hill in damp conditions.

Thanks!

Elevation. I just got back from Motocross des Nations with Team Canada. Therace was at 6800ft,they stayed at 7800. They came in on Monday were fine Tues,Wed, everybody felt like crap Thursday. Friday they were good and Saturday like new.