Adventure Race (Bitter Pill AR, VT) 11:50:00 [4] 36.0 mi (19:43 / mi) +2200m 16:35 / mi
Fun race with Tracey Olafsen. Good race organization. Lots of rain past couple weeks, misty rain all day long in the mountains.
Started in Waterbury and canoed down the Wanooski River. More like a bobsled run. River was in flood stage and the times were 45 min faster than when they test ran it a few days ago. More than a third of the teams dumped in a set of rapids just after a brutal portage around a power dam. We took in water, but stayed upright.
Then a terrific orienteering section, all off-trails in the mountains south of the river. Used topo map, which was ok. Good control placement on small, but accurate features. They say we had spectacular views of Camel's Hump, but not today. We went from sixth after the paddle to a close 2nd after the orienteering.
Then a little bit of road biking up to Bolton Notch (1000 ft climb) and on to a VAST (snowmobile) trail. This took us up over the mountain ridge to Bolton Valley, rather than going all the way back down to the river and around to the start of the valley and up again. Good in theory, but the trail was four miles of muck and still went up 700 feet to the ridge crest. Then down to the xc ski trails and a scramble format for five more controls. Dropped the bikes in a couple places and just ran out and back through the muck.
Great to get back for shower, hot tub, dinner and a massage -- all part of the race deal.
First coed team and 2nd overall to an all-male team.
Splits:
Run to river (0.8 mi), paddle (3.6 mi), portage (0.3 mi), paddle (4.2 mi) -- 1:38
Orienteering (8 km, 2100 ft climb) -- 3:36
Plotting more UTM's in the rain, bike, bike-O ( 22 mi, 5000 ft climb) -- 6:35
Great race, nice steady pace with efficient teamwork. Thanks to Tora and Ryan for moral support and cheering!